Hello everyone,

I have read through many of the threads in this section, and have performed searches as well, in hopes to find the answer to my question. It seems that everyone's situation is slightly different though...

I have just signed with the company I will work for, and need to get everything in order for applying for my Z visa and Residence permit. Can someone tell me the standard steps in doing this? I have read about the health check, yellow residence paper, stamps of documents, etc- but would like to hear about the order in which these things are done. For instance, I just heard yesterday that the health check is done at the very end? There is an English Contract as well as the Standard Contract in Chinese that everyone signs (something like this).

So here is my timeline. Would appreciate all sites/ experienced answers/ and tips!

Step 1: Sign the English Contract for Employment. This is from the company to the emplyee, stating the pay per month or year. Also includes amount of days off, and starting date, etc (with company 'stamp';

Step 2: Have CV and Diploma paperwork translated into Chinese characters. Hiring company will then stamp these;

Step 3: What happens next?

Steps after this? When am I applying for the Z visa? Have read on these threads that there are two Z visas? Have read here (http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/t84245.htm ) that the Z visa is only good for 3 months? I thought it was for a year?

Steps after this? At what point am I applying for my residence permit? When does the health check come in? etc...

Thank you in advance for you help!

PS- And when does this "you have to leave the country and fly to HK" part factor in?

Also, when is it standard to sign the Chinese Contract? Once you start working?

My husband and I are going through this process right now. I have posted my research and experience on our website's blog. Depending on your situation, this information may help you.

http://boscoho.com/WordPress/?p=16

Regards,
Linda

Hi- just recieved this after an email inquiry. So, this seems to be the latest way to get this done? Even though the Exit/Entry info is out dated...


******
How To Get A Work Permit and Residence Visa in Shanghai ( www.VisaInChina.com)

*NEWS: From 22nd of August, 2005. The new labor policy says, if you hold a L, F, or X visa now, want to work for a company which the capital is less than 3 million USD$ or your job position is below the Vice GM or GM, you have to apply the work license and leave the country first to get an Z visa back, then you can apply the work permit and residence permit. So now, there is 2 different ways to process the work permit and residence permit.

Following are the 2 solutions of getting a work permit and residence visa for different conditions:

Keywords: Company¡¯s Capital is > 3 million USD$ or Job Position is > Vice GM.

Step-1 Registration Form Of Temporary Residence
When you come to Shanghai with tourist visa or business visa, you have to go to the local police station near your living place (if you are living in hotel, just go to the hotel reception, But don't forget to ask the hotel put their stamp on the form!) to register your information in detail within 2 days. It's easy and free. Then you can get this Registration Form. (As the policy of Shanghai immigration bureau, we strongly recommend you to register and get this form. and also for the foreigner who live in Shanghai, please notice when you leave China and come back or move to a new living place, you have to renew this form)

Tips: If you register yourself too late, maybe the police will charge you fine. Please notice as the regulation, the fine is from minimum 0RMB up to maximum 500RMB.You can negotiate about it to reach a lower amount.

Step-2 Health Certificate
You should call 021-62688851 or 62683088 to make an appointment first. The reception in the hospital will arrange a time for you to go to the hospital. To apply for a health exam, you will need to prepare the following documents:
1. A copy of your company's Business License
2. Passport
3. A copy of your passport
4. 3 passport photos
Fee: RMB 702(checkup fee)+40(courier services fee)=742RMB
It will take 4 working days to get the finial report.

Step-3 Work Permit (Red Book) and Employment registration form
This is usually obtained through your employer via an application to the Labor Bureau Foreign Employment Administration Office (N0.865 Zhong Shan South Rd.). You will need to prepare the following documents:
1. Resume or C.V. Written by yourself
2. An employment letter from your company shareholder (at least with 2 shareholders¡¯ signature)
3. The copy of Health Certificate
4. Passport with valid visa
5. The copy of your work contract
6. Copy of the company business license
7. The copy of the organization machinery code certificate
8. The copy of the permit for foreign investment enterprise (if your company is a WOFE)
9. 3 Passport photos
Fee: RMB 410
It will take 5 working days to get the work permit and Employment registration form.

Step-4 One year Residence Visa
You can apply Residence Visa at the Division of Aliens & Exit-Entry Administration (No.333 Wu Song Rd.). You will need to prepare the following documents:
1. Work Permit
2. Health Certificate
3. Temporary residence registration
4. Copy of the business license
5. The copy of the organization machinery code certificate
6. The copy of the permit for foreign investment enterprise (if your company is a WOFE)
7. Employment registration form
8. Passport
9. 1 Passport photos
Fee: RMB 400(low than 1 year)-800(1 year or more)
It will take 5 working days to get the Residence Visa.

Keywords: Company¡¯s Capital is < 3 million USD$ or Job Position is < Vice GM

Step-1 Work License (A4 size; Green paper with plastic cover)
This is usually obtained through your employer via an application to the Labor Bureau Foreign Employment Administration Office (N0.865 Zhong Shan South Rd.). You will need to prepare the following documents:
1. Resume or C.V. Written by yourself
2. Copy of the Passport
3. Copy of the company business license
4. The copy of the organization machinery code certificate
5. The copy of the permit for foreign investment enterprise (if your company is a WOFE)
6. Qualification Document (Diploma of bachelor's or Reference letters from your former company)
Fee: RMB 210
It will take 5 working days to get the work license.

Step-2 Invitation letter of Z visa(A4 size; white paper)
This is usually obtained through your employer via an application to the Shanghai Foreign Economic Relation & Trade Commission Office (N0.55 Lou Shan Guan Rd. 11th floor). You will need to prepare the following documents:
1. Work license (Original and copy)
2. Copy of the Passport
3. Copy of the business license
Fee: RMB 20
It will take 3 working days to get the Invitation letter of Z visa.

Step-3 Leave the country and get a Z visa from the Chinese Consulate or Embassy
When you come back with a new Z visa (the duration of each stay is 000days). Please make sure you should process following steps with 30 days.

Step-4 Registration Form Of Temporary Residence
Same as above

Step-5 Health Certificate
Same as above

Step-6 Work Permit (Red Book) and Employment registration form
You will need to prepare the following documents:
1. The copy of Health Certificate
2. Work license
3. Passport with valid Z visa
4. The copy of your work contract
5. Copy of the company business license
6. The copy of the organization machinery code certificate
7. The copy of the permit for foreign investment enterprise (if your company is a WOFE)
8. 3 Passport photos
Fee: RMB 210
It will take 3 working days to get the work permit.

Step-7 One year Residence Visa
You can apply Residence Visa at the Division of Aliens & Exit-Entry Administration (No.333 Wu Song Rd.). You will need to prepare the following documents:
1. Work Permit
2. Health Certificate
3. Temporary residence registration
4. Copy of the business license
5. The copy of the organization machinery code certificate
6. The copy of the permit for foreign investment enterprise (if your company is a WOFE)
7. Employment registration form
8. Passport
9. 1 Passport photos
Fee: RMB 400(low than 1 year)-800(1 year or more)
It will take 5 working days to get the Residence Visa