The China Z Visa is the official work visa required for foreign nationals who intend to work legally in China. It applies to roles in education, business, technology, and other professional sectors, and is a mandatory step before obtaining a Chinese residence permit. While exact requirements can vary slightly by region and employer, the core documentation is largely standard nationwide.
Below is a clear overview of the key requirements for the China Z Visa, explained in practical terms and aligned with current procedures.
1. Apostilled Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants must hold an apostilled bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
To complete this process, applicants should take a copy of their original degree to their university registrar for notarisation. Once notarised, the document must be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent authority) to be apostilled. A degree can only be apostilled in the country in which it was issued.
2. Apostilled Police Clearance Certificate
A police clearance certificate, issued within the past six months, is required and must be apostilled.
Applicants should request the certificate from their local or national police authority. Once issued, notarisation is not required, and the certificate can be submitted directly to the Department of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent) for apostillisation.
3. Teaching Certification (TEFL / TESOL or Equivalent)
Applicants must hold a TEFL, TESOL, or equivalent teaching certificate.
The minimum requirement is 50 hours. These courses may be completed fully online, although programmes that include in-person components are preferred. While some regions in China may require apostillisation, this is not required for the China International Leadership Programme admission and visa process.
4. Job Recommendation Letter (Two Years’ Experience)
Applicants must provide a job recommendation letter confirming at least two years of relevant experience in the education sector.
Relevant experience may include activities undertaken prior to graduation, during study, or post-graduation, and can include coaching, mentoring, tutoring, volunteering, or other education-related roles.
5. Detailed Professional Résumé
A comprehensive résumé must be submitted, outlining secondary and third-level qualifications, work experience, skills, and professional achievements.
6. Passport-Sized Photographs
Applicants are required to provide three passport-sized photographs, taken against a plain background and meeting standard international specifications.
7. Copy of Passport Information Page
A clear copy of the passport information page must be provided. The passport should be valid for the required period and contain sufficient blank pages.
Final Notes
The China Z Visa process is document-intensive but highly structured. Ensuring that all documents are current, accurate, and properly apostilled is essential to avoiding delays. Once the Z Visa is issued, applicants enter China and complete the final step of converting it into a residence permit, allowing legal employment for the duration of the contract. While requirements may vary across regions in China, our experienced team administering the China International Leadership Programme ensures a smooth process with no surprises.