How to Transfer or Renew Your China Work Visa in 2025: A Complete Guide

For foreign professionals living and working in China, keeping a valid Z visa and residence permit is not just a legal requirement—it’s the foundation for your professional life in the country. Whether you’re switching employers or your visa is nearing expiration, understanding how to transfer or renew your China work visa in 2025 is crucial. The Chinese government has introduced procedural refinements post-COVID and amid evolving immigration policies, making compliance more technical than ever.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the updated processes, required documents, key deadlines, and practical challenges involved in transferring or renewing a Z visa (China work visa) in 2025.

The Z visa is the legal entry permit for foreign nationals hired by companies legally registered in China. After entering the country on a Z visa, you must convert it into a residence permit (工作类居留许可) within 30 days, which then serves as your legal work authorization during your employment term.

There are two major scenarios you'll face:

• Renewing your Z visa (residence permit) with the same employer
• Transferring your Z visa to a new employer

Each scenario involves a distinct process governed by local Exit-Entry Administration Bureaus and the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau.

Renewing a Z visa means extending your current work residence permit without changing employers.

When to start the process
Start the renewal process at least 30 days before the expiration date printed on your current residence permit. Chinese authorities may reject last-minute applications, which could lead to overstaying fines or legal issues.

Step-by-step process to renew:

1. Employer initiates the online application
Your company must log into the official “Foreigners Work Management Service System of China” (外国人来华工作管理服务系统) and apply for renewal of your existing Work Permit (外国人工作许可证).

• Timeline: 5–10 working days
• Required employer documents include:
  • Updated business license
  • Social insurance payment record for the employee
  • Updated labor contract (must exceed the renewal duration)

2. Medical check-up (if required)
If your current residence permit is over 12 months old, you may be required to undergo a new Foreigner Physical Examination at a certified hospital.

3. Collect renewed Work Permit Notice
Once the renewed work permit is approved, you’ll receive a Work Permit Notification Letter (工作许可通知).

4. Submit residence permit renewal application
Go to the local Exit-Entry Bureau with the following documents:

• Passport with current visa
• Original Work Permit
• Work Permit Notification Letter
• Application form with employer’s official stamp
• Updated labor contract
• ID of the legal representative (copy)
• Accommodation registration form (from local police station)

Processing Time: 7–15 working days
Fee: Around 400–800 RMB depending on the validity (1-year, 2-year, etc.)

Important note: During the processing period, your passport will be held by the bureau. You will receive a temporary receipt that acts as a legal substitute for identification and visa purposes.

If you're switching to a new company while still in China, you need to transfer your existing Z visa and residence permit to your new employer. This is not an extension—it’s treated as a new application.

Legal framework update in 2025:
China's immigration authorities have increased scrutiny over job transfers. A clean employment separation process and documentation from your old employer are critical.

Step-by-step process to transfer:

1. Resign properly from your current employer
Before your new employer can apply for a transfer, your current employer must:

• Cancel your existing Work Permit online in the Foreigners Work System
• Provide a stamped Work Termination Certificate (离职证明)
• Confirm cancellation of your social insurance account

2. New employer initiates the transfer application
The new employer will apply for a new Work Permit, but under your existing profile in the online system.

Documents required include:

• Copy of your passport and current visa
• Foreigner Physical Exam Certificate (valid within 6 months)
• Termination Certificate from previous employer
• Updated resume/CV
• Notarized academic degree certificate (if not already in system)
• Non-criminal background check (some cities may still request this)
• New employment contract

3. Obtain the new Work Permit Card
Once approved, the employer will receive your new Work Permit Card (外国人工作许可证卡).

4. Residence Permit re-application
You must now go to the Exit-Entry Bureau to cancel the old residence permit and apply for a new one under your new employer.

Required documents:

• New Work Permit Card
• New labor contract
• Previous residence permit and passport
• Registration form of temporary residence
• Company’s updated documents and seal

Fee and processing time: Same as renewal — around 400–800 RMB, and 7–15 working days.

Note: If your residence permit expires during the transfer process, you may have to exit and re-enter China on a new Z visa. To avoid this, begin the process early and ensure no gaps in documentation.

Start early: Always initiate the renewal or transfer process at least 30 days in advance. Ideally, 60 days ahead if you're changing jobs.

Overstay fines: Staying in China after your visa expires—even by one day—can lead to fines of 500 RMB/day, possible detention, and a ban from re-entry.

No multiple employers: Z visas are employer-specific. You cannot legally work for more than one company unless approved by authorities under very specific circumstances.

Changing job titles or locations: If your job role or work location changes significantly, you must update the Work Permit details even without switching companies.

Visa while passport is held: During the residence permit processing, your passport is with the bureau. Travel is not possible, even domestically by plane, so plan accordingly.

If expired less than 10 days ago: You may still apply, but you will likely need to pay a fine and provide an explanation. Approval is discretionary.

If expired over 10 days ago: In most cases, you’ll need to leave China and reapply for a new Z visa from your home country or an eligible third country.

1. Tiered city-level differences
Visa processes in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou may differ slightly in terms of required documents and appointment systems. Always check with the local bureau.

2. Bilingual contracts and notarization
Ensure your labor contract is in both Chinese and English. Some bureaus now require notarization, especially for first-time or high-salary roles.

3. Social insurance compliance
Immigration authorities are cross-verifying work permit holders with social insurance contributions. If your employer is not paying, it can block your renewal or transfer.

4. Dependents’ visas
If your family is on S1/S2 visas based on your work permit, their visa must also be renewed in parallel with yours.

Final Thoughts

Renewing or transferring your China work visa in 2025 is a procedural but sensitive process that demands punctuality, document precision, and local-level understanding. With increasing digitization and scrutiny of foreign employment in China, small oversights can lead to delays or rejections.

Work closely with your HR department and stay informed about city-specific updates. If in doubt, consulting a visa specialist or legal adviser can help ensure compliance and a smooth transition.