Eligibility
Only allowed in certain cities e.g. Beijing Shanghai Guangzhou Shenzhen.
Not permitted for passport holders from some sensitive countries.
Prerequisites
Valid M visa with clean entry record.
Employer has secured the Foreigner’s Work Permit Notice and after arrival the Foreigner’s Work Permit.
Required Documents
Passport valid 6 months
Foreigner’s Work Permit Notice Work Permit
Employment contract
Company business license tax registration
Health certificate and if required noncriminalrecord certificate
Application
Submit the above to the local Exit Entry Administration Bureau.
Receive a worktype residence permit no need to leave China if the city allows.
Key Point
Check with your employer and the local bureau some cities still require an exitandreentry with a new Z visa.
Do I have to leave China to apply for the Z visa
Exit China
Apply for the Z visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country or a third country
Reenter China
with the Z visa
Convert it to a residence permit
within 30 days of arrival
Only a few cities e.g. Shanghai Beijing allow
rare exceptions
for direct conversion without exit but this is
not the norm
and depends on nationality and local policy.
Can I apply for a Z visa in a third country
Yes
you can apply for a Chinese Z work visa in a third country

but only if
The Chinese embassy or consulate in that country accepts applications from nonresidents
and
You can prove legal status in the third country
typically by holding a
residence permit longterm visa or proof of legal stay
for more than 36 months
.
Important Notes
Not all embassies accept thirdcountry applications.
Some strictly require you to apply in your
home country or country of habitual residence.
Hong Kong and Macau
are treated as third regions. Some nationalities
can
apply there but
many are now restricted
unless they are legal residents.
Processing time
may be longer and
rush or express services
may not be available.
Recommendation
Contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the third country directly
before traveling there to confirm
Whether they accept Z visa applications from nonresidents
What proof of legal stay is required
Whether appointments or additional documents are needed
Can I apply for a China Z work visa in Hong Kong or Macau

Hong Kong
Yes you can apply
for a Z visa

but only if you are holding a Hong Kong ID work visa student visa or other longterm stay status.
Tourists or shortterm visitors
are
generally not accepted
for Z visa applications in Hong Kong. The center now uses an
online prereview system
and walkins without prior approval are not allowed .

Macau
Does not accept Z visa applications directly in Macau.



Summary
Location
Can Apply for Z Visa
Notes
Hong Kong
Yes
Must be a legal resident or hold longterm visa
Macau
No
Steps to apply for a China Z work visa in Hong Kong
Updated July 2025 based on the latest CVASCHong Kong procedure
1.
Before you start confirm eligibility
You must be a
legal resident of Hong Kong
HKID work visa student visa or other longterm stay endorsement.
Tourist or shortterm visitors
are
not accepted
for Zvisa applications in Hong Kong.
2.
Prepare the documents
Item
Details
Valid passport
6 months validity and blank visa pages
Foreigner’s Work Permit Notice
Original issued by the PRC Ministry of Human Resources Social Security your employer obtains this
Hong Kong residence proof
HKID card or longterm visa label
One colour photo
48 mm 33 mm white background taken within 6 months
Additional documents
CV authenticated degree policeclearance certificate medical exam only if the embassy specifically requests
3.
Complete the online application
Go to https//www.visaforchina.cn/HKG3_EN
Select “Z visa Work” and fill in the form.
Upload all required scans.
Submit and wait for the
online prereview
result .
4.
Track the status
Log in to the same portal and click “Track My Application”.
When the status shows
“online review completed”
and you receive an email confirmation proceed to the next step .
5.
Book an appointment visit the Visa Application Centre
Location
20/F Capital Centre 151 Gloucester Road Wan Chai
Hours
MonFri 09001500 except public holidays
Bring
Original passport
Printed “Visa Application Certificate” from step 3
Photo glued to the form
All originals/copies of supporting documents requested in the confirmation email
Biometrics
Tenfingerprints collected on site unless exempt under 14 or over 70 years old .
6.
Pay the fee wait
Fee HKD 11001400 singleentry Z visa 2025 rates.
Standard processing
4 working days
express 12 days for an extra fee.
7.
Collect passport
Bring the pickup slip and original HKID.
If someone else collects it provide an authorization letter plus copies of both IDs.
8.
After you return to the living city
Within 30 days convert the Z visa into a
Worktype Residence Permit
at the local ExitEntry Bureau using the Work Permit card issued by your employer.
Quick checklist
Work Permit Notice in hand
Legal HK resident status
Online form submitted preapproved
Appointment booked at CVASCHong Kong
Passport photo residence proof ready
Follow these steps and you can obtain your
Z visa in Hong Kong without leaving the region

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