Newbie Help Needed

Shanghai Expat Forum Index » Hot Topics Forums » Visas, Taxes, and Legalities

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mmiller_137

Newbie

Joined: Aug 31, 2006
Posts: 1

Status: Offline

Posted: Aug 31, 2006 - 11:58 AM
Post subject: Newbie Help Needed

After hours of research, I feel more in the dark than before. Background info: My significant other currently lives and works in SH and is in the process of obtaining his z visa. We would like for my daughter and I to move there and possibly work for his American based business (or not.......depending on if this makes the visa situation more difficult). We are not married and would like for me to work for his business on a limited basis out of our home in SH. Must we be married for me to obtain a z visa as well? My daughter is not his biological. Is there anyone who has experienced this situation that might offer some advice?

From the information I have gathered, it seems like there is no standard procedure for obtaining a resident visa in China. I've read about the ease of stopping in HK first and getting a visa there, but does one need an L visa first and do we have to stop in China before going on to HK? Any recommendations on Visa procurement agencies in HK that cater to Americans? Can I ride his Z visa coattails even though we are not married? If not, what would be the easiest visa to obtain that would allow my daughter and I multiple entry w/1 year duration of stay? Should he sign a lease agreement before we move there and if so, would that make it easier for me to obtain a visa if my name was on the lease? Could I work for his American based business and obtain some sort of work visa? If anyone has reliable resources either on SH Expat or other such sight it would be greatly appreciated! I am about tearing my hair out after 'reading in circles' at this point! Thanks in advance! Mary

Magnolia
Board Biatch

Joined: June 01, 2004
Posts: 30760

Posted: Aug 31, 2006 - 12:56 PM

1. if you are american, you do not need the L visa to go to HK as HK does not require visas for americans for a three-month, no work entry.

2. There are hundreds of visa agencies in HK.... do a web search; several have been listed in threads within this forum if you want to search it.

3. Your best bet is to apply for a F visa for you and your daughter or see if an agent can obtain a Z (Resident Visa); certain agents can do this.

4. Chances are that you will not be able to get the Z visa for yourself/daughter through your partner's company unless the company qualifies for Z visas/foreign workers. However, it may be necessary to be legally married for that to work.

5. If you do wind up with the F visa, make sure that the days of stay are greater than 30.

6. Out on a limb here.... please verify from a source who knows... but would a school require proper visa type prior to enrollment? If your daughter does not have a Residency Visa, will she be able to enroll

7. There is a standard procedure of sorts to the Z visa... a lot of boxes must be ticked corporately before the individual is involved; however, please be aware that you should try to contact the Chinese consulate in for clarification.... or better yet...have the hiring company do so.... many of the consulates have no idea of what is required or permitted.

8. Regardless of the type of visa received, be sure to register with the local police for the temporary residencey permit (yellow/blue slip)... it will save you tons of hassle later.

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