Visas

Whatever you are looking for- China visas, residence permits, Z-type visas, business visas, Hong Kong visas, requirements for working in Hong Kong or China, you will find the information on each in this section. For any specific questions please click the "Live Help" and we will do our best to help you.

Immigration services in China

China visas

Every foreigner entering China needs to apply for a visa. There are different types of visas depending on the category which you fall under. Visa application and extension procedures can be time-consuming and are subject to change due to the political climate and other factors.

Here is an overview of the different types of China visas that are available:

China visa tourist visa – L (Lüyou)

The L visa is issued for family visits, sightseeing or other private purposes. L visas usually permit entry to China within 90 days and are generally valid for 30 days after entry, although you may request a longer stay. Double or multiple-entry visas are also available.

China visa business visa – F (Fangwen)

Officially, the F visa is issued to foreigners who are visiting on business, scientific or technological exchanges, short-term advanced studies programmes or an internship for a period of no longer than 6 months. They are also issued to students staying up to 6 months. As with the L visa, F visas usually grant you a period of 90 days to enter China.
It is possible to get double and multiple-entry visas for a stay of six to twelve months. The visa application needs more detailed documentation, such as visa-issuance letter from a Chinese governmental organisation or invitation letters from both a foreign company and its branch in China.

China visa work visa – Z (Jiuye)

The Z visa allows the bearer to work full-time in China with a Chinese or foreign company, school or other entity. It is also granted to accompanying family members. Applicants need to supply a visa notification issued by the proposed employer, a work permit issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry of a Foreign Expert’s License issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau. Family members need to supply proof of kinship.

China visa student visa – X (Xuexi)

The X visa is intended for foreigners who come to China to study or intern for more than 6 months. Students need to supply letters from their universities.

China visa journalist visa – J (Jizhe)

J-1 visas are issued to journalists working in China for over one year. J-2 visas are issued to those on temporary assignments in China. Applicants need to submit their press card and an official letter from the Department of News, a branch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Diplomatic or Service visa

Diplomatic or service visas are issued to members of diplomatic missions, foreign governments or the UN, traveling to China on official missions or for accreditation.

Other China visas

Other China visas include transit visas, resident visas, crew visas and group tourist visas.

For more information on visas, please refer to www.bjgaj.gov.cn/epolice/qianzheng.html

China residence permits

China visas Z, X and J-1 only grant initial stays of up to 30 days. Before expiry of the initial 30 days, you must apply for a residence permit at the Exit & Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau. Residence permits replace the visa and grant unlimited exit and entry from China for their duration.

Health certificate

Each visa type requires different documentation. Your employer should supply the relevant information. If you are planning on staying one year or longer you will need to complete the Health Certification from the Exit & Entry Inspection & Quarantine Bureau. You can obtain the Health Certification form from our Download Centre here.

Registration with the public security bureau

All visa-holders entering China need to register with the Public Security Bureau (PSB) 24 hours after their arrival in the country. Registration at hotels counts as registration with the PSB. Failing to do so may result in penalties, so this requirement is to be taken seriously.

China import and export permits

For import of household goods into China you will first need to have obtained your residence permit as well as a valid work permit for China. Links Moving can then assist you with the application process for your import permit required to transport your household contents into China. There is a separate permit required for the import of pets.

On leaving China you will need an export permit to send your personal effects overseas. Again we can assist with the application process.

Immigration in Hong Kong

All foreigners and their dependents entering Hong Kong for employment, business, education or training purposes require a visa. The only exceptions are those born in Hong Kong or those holding a Hong Kong permanent identity card, HKSAR or BNO passport.

Applying for a work visa

To work in Hong Kong, an employer needs to apply for a work visa on behalf of the applicant. The visa application will be subject to review by the Immigration Department. The Immigration Department generally requires proof that the skills are unavailable in the local job market (i.e. cannot be recruited) before it will issue work visas to foreigners.

Hong Kong work visa processing

With our extensive network of contacts in the industry, we are able to assist you with the visa applications you and your family need to live and work in Hong Kong. Not only are we able to arrange your move for you, we are also able to assist you with the applications to enable you to have the right to work in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong identity card

In 1980, the Hong Kong Government passed legislation requiring all Hong Kong residents to carry a Hong Kong identity card. Everyone intending to remain in Hong Kong for a period of more than 180 days must apply to the Immigration Department for a Hong Kong identity card within 30 days of arrival in Hong Kong. We will be happy to help you with any queries you have on the procedure for applying for an identity card.

Hong Kong visitor visa

The length of stay allowed in Hong Kong on a visitor’s visa depends on the nationality of the visitor. It can vary from between eight days to ninety days. Visitor’s visas can generally be obtained on arrival at the airport. Frequent visitors may apply for a multiple entry visa.

Hong Kong work visa automatically for your spouse

The Hong Kong government has recently changed the law to automatically entitle your spouse to a work visa once your work visa has been approved. We can assist you with the application procedures for your spouse’s visa.

Please contact us for more details so that we can advise you further on the procedures that you need to take to ensure that you have your visas prior to coming to Hong Kong.