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 1 June 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, because it does not by itself let you work.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 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 1 June 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 1 June 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 1 June 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 1 June 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 1 June 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 across the work, study, family, business, and residence categories. 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.
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