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Work Permit & Z Visa in Shenzhen

Your employer starts the process. You plan the next steps.

A clear guide to your work permit notification, Z visa and work-type residence permit in Shenzhen.

Employer-sponsoredOfficial sources linkedReviewed 8 Oct 2026
Build My Work Visa Plan →Check Official Sources ↗
1

Find Your Personal Route

A preparation guide for employment over 90 days; HR confirms eligibility.

2

The Big Picture

The usual overseas application route.

1. Employer applies

Work permit notification

用人单位申请
2. You apply abroad

Z visa at the handling mission

申请 Z 签证
3. After arrival

Electronic work permit + work residence permit

工作许可 + 居留许可

For the usual long-term employment route, you need BOTH valid work authorisation and work-type residence permission before starting.

3

Step-by-Step Timeline

Follow the sequence, and leave room for document preparation.

1

Prepare documents

Allow time for certificates, translations and verification.

Start early
2

Employer files

Published work-permit processing target; preparation is extra.

7 working days*
3

Receive notification

Employer downloads the approved notification.

After approval
4

Apply for Z visa

Use the mission serving your place of legal residence.

Mission-specific
5

Arrive & register

Register accommodation; arrange required health checks.

24-hour first clock
6

Apply for residence

Check your entry annotation and local appointment process.

Within 30 days**

Preparation can take weeks or months. *The published target excludes document preparation and corrections. **For Z entries requiring residence registration; this is a filing deadline, not permission to work.

Work permit timing Residence requirements
4

Work Permit Categories (A / B / C)

A

Category AHigh-end talent 高端人才

  • Recognised achievements, talent programmes or qualifying points.
  • Age, degree and experience restrictions can be relaxed.
B

Category BProfessional talent 专业人才

  • A common route: bachelor’s degree, 2+ relevant years and age up to 60.
  • Approved exceptions and other qualifying routes exist.
C

Category COther eligible workers 其他人员

  • Specific policy categories and labour-market needs.
  • Quota rules may apply. Not a fallback for everyone outside A/B.

The authority confirms the category. Salary alone does not determine eligibility; ask HR to check current local thresholds. Official guidance

6

Two Clocks After Entry

24 Hours

Register accommodation

Hotels register guests. For a first non-hotel stay, you or your host must register within 24 hours.

30 Days

Apply for residence

For a Z entry requiring residence permission, file within 30 days of entry. Check the annotation on your visa.

Repeat registration has some same-home exceptions. Current registration rules

7

Medical Examination

  • Confirm the recognised examination or verification centre with your employer.
  • An overseas application may use a health undertaking; required evidence is then supplied for residence after arrival.
  • Bring your passport and the centre’s requested photos / records. Confirm preparation and appointment instructions.
Official health-check instructions
5

Document Checklist

Planning list; your case may need additional evidence.

0 / 11

Requirements and exemptions vary. Confirm apostille / legalisation and certificate age with HR. Checks reset on reload.

8

Work Permit Card Update

Since 1 December 2024, new applicants use work permit information integrated with the social security card. There is no separate new plastic work-permit card to collect after entry. Existing cards transition on renewal or alteration.

Read the Shenzhen notice
9

Residence Permit Fees

¥400Under 1 year
¥8001 to under 3 years
¥1,0003 through 5 years

Residence permit fees only. Visa, translation and medical costs are separate. Duration is decided by the authority.

Official fee bands
10

Changing Employer & Renewal

  • Coordinate cancellation / transfer and the new employer’s application before starting the new role.
  • Apply to extend a work permit at least 30 days before expiry. Track the separate residence expiry too.
Renewal and changes
11

Spouse & Dependants

  • Family joining a foreign worker commonly use the S route; Q serves relatives of Chinese citizens or permanent residents.
  • Family status does not itself allow employment. A qualifying dependant needs their own work authorisation and appropriate residence permission.
Explore family visa guidance →
12

Can I Work Yet?

Not yet confirmed

A notification or Z visa alone does not authorise your first day of work. Check the valid work and residence permissions together.

Self-check for the usual long-term employment route, not an official decision. Short assignments and permanent residents have different rules.
13

Common Mistakes & Red Flags

  • Starting work before the required permits are in place
  • Assuming tourist, business or family status allows a job
  • Submitting inconsistent names, dates or job details
  • Missing residence or renewal filing deadlines
  • Changing employer without updating authorisation
14

Useful Tips

  • Choose an employer experienced in sponsorship
  • Start degree and police certificate checks early
  • Keep clear scans and originals together
  • Confirm requirements with the handling authority
  • Agree your authorised start date with HR

General planning information, not an eligibility decision. Rules, documents and local interpretation can change. Confirm your exact route with your employer and the handling authorities before acting.

About this guide & processing times

Designed for the usual sponsored employment route over 90 days. Short-term assignments, permanent residents and special talent routes need their own checks. Shenzhen publishes a 7-working-day work-permit target and a 5-working-day residence commitment; neither measures the whole move. Certificates, corrections, appointments and consular processing add time. Sources were reviewed on 8 October 2026; a source’s publication date may be older.

Hero skyline and document artwork are editorial illustrations. The document graphics are not official forms or identity documents.

Shenzhen Work Permit Checklist

LifeShenzhen · lifeshenzhen.com/visas/work-permit-z-visa/

Reviewed 8 October 2026. Confirm the exact requirements with your employer, mission and Shenzhen authorities.

  • ☐ Valid passport + mission’s validity requirements
  • ☐ Signed Chinese employment contract / assignment letter
  • ☐ Degree / professional qualifications, as required
  • ☐ Criminal record certificate, if required
  • ☐ Relevant work experience letters, if required
  • ☐ Chinese translations + required document verification
  • ☐ Recent passport photos / local photo receipt
  • ☐ Work permit notification / electronic permit details
  • ☐ Health examination / verification, as required
  • ☐ Accommodation registration in Shenzhen
  • ☐ Residence application form + employer support letter

Register your first non-hotel stay within 24 hours. For Z entries requiring residence permission, apply within 30 days. Work only with the required valid work and residence permissions.

https://www.sz.gov.cn/en_szgov/services/personal/employment/content/post_11701108.html

https://www.sz.gov.cn/en_szgov/services/personal/residency/content/post_11699146.html