2007Updated: 08 / 01/2006

Z Visa is issued to an alien who comes to China for a post or employment, and his/her accompanying family members.

How to apply

1. You must come to the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate -General in the consular jurisdiction where you reside to submit the application; or
2. If you cannot come personally, you may send someone else or a travel/visa agent to come to the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate -General in the consular jurisdiction where you reside for application process.

• Mail applications are not acceptable and will be refused.
• No appointment is required.

Documents to be included with application:

1. Your valid & actual passport. The passport must have at least six (6) months validity left before expiration and at least one blank page left in it.
2. One completed Visa Application Form  withone additional passport photo (black & white or color is acceptable).
3. A visa notification issued by the authorized Chinese unit, and a Work Permit for Aliens issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry/ Foreign Expert's License issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau.
   A visa notification issued by the authorized Chinese unit or proof of kinship, e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc, is required for the accompanying family members.
4. An applicant born in China who applies for a Chinese visa with a new foreign passport is required to submit his/her Chinese passport or last foreign passport with a Chinese visa.

• If the visa application form is not filled out completely, correctly and legibly, this can cause a delay in processing or the refusal of the requested visa.

 Visa fee and processing time

• $130 for American, and $30 for Citizens of other countries.
• The regular processing time is 4 working days. For express service, additional fees of $30 for 1 working day processing(submit application before 11:00 in the morning), or $20 for 2-3 working days processing will be charged.
• Please pay by Money Order or Cash.  Please make the money order payable to Chinese Embassy or Chinese Consulate.

Additional information

• ( Z ) visa is valid for one entry, three months. The holder of a (Z) visa shall go through residential formalities in the local public security department within thirty days of entry into China.
• Any person suffering from mental disorder, leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases, contagious tuberculosis or other such infectious diseases shall not be permitted to enter China.
• The Consular Officers have the authority to refuse any visa applications inconsistent with Chinese laws and regulations, or revoke issued visas.