People's Republic of China visas
China regulates the stay of foreign nationals through the National Immigration Administration, with the employer-sponsored Z work visa as the standard route and the R visa for high-level talent. A new K visa for young STEM talent took effect on 1 October 2025, and the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (the "Five-Star Card") is the permanent-residence document. The English portal is partial - some rules are published only in Chinese.
7 routes · 2 without a sponsor · 4 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
National Immigration Administration ↗ · National Immigration Administration (China)
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- National Immigration Administration (NIA) — There is no dedicated immigration-adviser regulator; work permits are employer- and government-driven, and lawyers are regulated by the Ministry of Justice.
Visa routes (7)
Z Work Visa (with Foreigner Work Permit and Residence Permit)
For you if a Chinese employer has offered you a job: the Z visa is the standard route into paid work in mainland China, used together with a Foreigner Work Permit and, after arrival, a residence permit.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 10 July 2026
K Visa (young science and technology talent)
For you if you are a young scientist, engineer or technologist: the K visa is a new route (effective 1 October 2025) that lets eligible STEM talent enter China without a domestic employer first inviting you - but read the honesty note below: its work-authorisation status is still being clarified.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 10 July 2026
R Talent Visa (high-level and urgently needed talent)
For you if you are a recognised high-level expert or have skills China urgently needs: the R visa is the talent route, normally used alongside a top-tier Foreigner Work Permit and, after arrival, a residence permit.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 10 July 2026
Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (Five-Star Card)
For you if you want to settle in China long term: the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card - nicknamed the Five-Star Card - is China's actual permanent residence document, issued by the National Immigration Administration once your permanent-residence application is approved.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 10 July 2026
Q Family Reunion Visa (Q1 and Q2)
For you if you are family of a Chinese citizen or a permanent resident of China: the Q visa is the family-reunion route, with a long-stay Q1 (leading to a residence permit) and a short-stay Q2 for visits.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 10 July 2026
X Student Visa (X1 and X2)
For you if you have been accepted to study in mainland China: the X visa is the student route, with X1 for longer courses (over six months, leading to a residence permit) and X2 for shorter study.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 10 July 2026
M Business Visa
For you if you are travelling to mainland China for commercial or trade activities: the M visa covers business trips such as meetings, negotiations and trade fairs - but it is not a work visa and does not let you take up employment.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 10 July 2026
Recent People's Republic of China policy changes
·significant
China launches the K visa for young science and technology talent
China introduced a new K visa for young STEM graduates, allowing entry without a domestic employer sponsor, effective 1 October 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does People's Republic of China have?+
We cover 7 People's Republic of China visa routes in these categories: sponsored work, unsponsored work, skilled migration, general residence, family, study, and visitor and short business. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which People's Republic of China visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
2 of the 7 People's Republic of China routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 5 are employer-sponsored.
Which People's Republic of China visas lead to permanent residence?+
4 of the 7 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in China