A visa lets you enter China. A work permit lets you work. A residence permit lets you live in China. They are issued by different authorities, and one does not automatically give you the others.
For long-term work, you usually need all three in order: a work permit notice, a Z visa to enter, then the work permit and a work-type residence permit after you arrive.
Side by side
| Visa | Work permit | Residence permit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Lets you enter China for a stated purpose | Lets you work for a specific employer | Lets you live in China and travel in and out |
| Who issues it | Chinese embassy or consulate abroad | Foreign expert / talent authority, on your employer’s application | Local exit-entry administration (public security) |
| Where you apply | Usually outside China | Online, by your employer | In the city where you live |
| Typical validity | Entry window and a short stay | Tied to your contract | Work type: 90 days to 5 years |
Does one guarantee the others?
- A visa does not guarantee a work permit. A business (M) visa lets you visit for business, not work.
- A work permit does not automatically give you residence. It is the basis for a work-type residence permit, but you must apply for it, normally within 30 days of entering on a Z visa.
- A residence permit depends on its basis. If you lose or change the job behind your work permit, your residence permit can be affected even before its printed expiry date.
The 30-day residence permit deadline is set out in the Shanghai government’s work visa guidance.
Think of it as a chain: the work permit is the link that holds the work visa and the residence permit together.
Other common types
Family members of foreign workers usually hold dependant (private affairs) residence permits, students hold study residence permits, and spouses of Chinese citizens may hold family reunion permits. Each allows different things; family and study permits do not allow ordinary work. See the main visa types.
Related questions
Does a work permit guarantee a residence permit?
No. It is the basis for a work-type residence permit, but you still apply for the residence permit separately and on time.
Can I live in China on a multiple-entry business visa?
No. A business visa allows visits with limited stays. Living in China needs a residence permit. Read more.
Do I still need a visa once I have a residence permit?
No. A valid residence permit lets you leave and re-enter China during its validity, so you do not need a separate visa.
Can I get a five-year residence permit?
Some people can. Eligible foreigners, such as those who have held two consecutive work-type residence permits of a year or more, may be granted five-year permits, depending on local rules.
This guide explains general practice based on Scott’s experience. Requirements depend on your city, nationality and circumstances, and the authorities make the final decision.