How to Get a Z Visa to Teach in China

Once you’ve accepted a teaching position in China, you’ll need to arrange the appropriate visa before starting your new job. For most teachers, this begins with applying for a Chinese Z visa.

At first glance, the process can seem a little daunting. With document authentication, work permits, medical examinations and visa applications to think about, it’s understandable if you’re unsure where to begin. But don’t worry, it’s usually much more manageable than it first appears!

If you secure your teaching position through Teach English Global, we’ll guide you through the visa process as part of our recruitment service. We’ll explain what documents you need, help you prepare for each stage and do our best to make the experience as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Our China Z Visa Guide explains what to expect, from accepting your teaching position to completing the necessary formalities after arriving in China. The guide focuses primarily on English teachers, although the overall process is similar for qualified subject teachers working at bilingual and international schools.

What Is a Chinese Z Visa?

A Chinese Z visa is the visa normally used by foreign nationals entering mainland China for employment, including teachers.

However, the Z visa is only the first part of the process. For a typical long-term teaching position, there are three important documents:

  • Z Visa: Allows you to enter China for employment.
  • Work Permit: Authorises you to work in China under your approved employment arrangements.
  • Residence Permit: Allows you to live in China for the period approved by the immigration authorities.

Your school will normally help arrange the work permit and residence permit applications.

China Z Visa Requirements and Required Documents

Once you’ve accepted a teaching position in China, the first step is to gather the documents needed for your work permit and Z visa applications. For the English teaching positions we typically recruit for, you’ll generally need the following:

Valid Passport

  • You must hold a passport from one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States.
  • We recommend having at least 12 months remaining on your passport, along with at least three blank pages.

Qualified subject teachers at bilingual and international schools may be eligible for positions with a wider range of nationalities.

Bachelor’s Degree

  • You’ll need your bachelor’s degree certificate.
  • You’ll need to have a copy of your degree certificate notarised by a notary public and then apostilled by the appropriate government authority.
  • The apostille confirms the authenticity of the relevant official signature or seal so the document can be recognised in China.

TEFL Certificate or Teaching Qualification

  • English teachers will typically need a recognised 120-hour TEFL certificate, unless they meet the applicable requirements through an alternative qualification or relevant experience.
  • Where your TEFL certificate is required for the work permit application, you’ll generally need to have it notarised and apostilled.

Qualified subject teachers will normally provide their relevant teaching qualification or licence instead of a TEFL certificate. This also requires notarisation and an apostille.

Criminal Record Check

  • You’ll need to obtain a recent criminal record check. Depending on your country, this may be called a DBS check (UK), or an FBI or state-level background check (USA) etc.
  • Your criminal record check will normally need to be authenticated with an apostille. Notarisation may also be required, depending on how the document was issued and the procedure in your country.
  • Your criminal record check must have been issued within 6 months prior to your school applying for your work permit notice. Therefore, we’d recommend having obtained it no longer than 4 months before applying for teaching positions.

Passport Photographs

  • You’ll need recent colour passport photographs that meet the Chinese visa application requirements.
  • Additional photographs may be needed during the work permit and residence permit processes.

Work Permit Application Form

  • You’ll need to provide your personal details, education history and employment information for your school’s work permit application.
  • Your school will supply the relevant form.

Medical Examination Form

  • Some schools will ask you to complete a medical examination before travelling to China.
  • If required, your school will provide the relevant Foreigner Physical Examination Form and explain how to complete it.
  • Most teachers will only need to undergo a medical examination after arriving in China.

Important Information About Notarisation and Apostilles

Your degree certificate, TEFL certificate or teaching qualification, and criminal record check are the main documents that require authentication before your school can apply for your work permit.

For the applications we handle, this involves:

  1. Notarisation: Having the relevant document or a certified copy notarised by a notary public, where required.
  2. Apostille: Obtaining an apostille from the appropriate authority in the country where the document was issued.

Your school or Teach English Global will confirm the exact procedure for each document before you begin. This is important because authentication requirements can differ depending on the issuing country, document type and local work-permit authority.

How to Apply for a China Z Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve gathered and authenticated the necessary documents, you’re ready to begin the process of obtaining your Chinese Z visa.

The following nine steps explain what to expect, from submitting your documents to your school in China to completing the final formalities after you arrive.

Step 1 – Send Your Documents

Once you’ve collected all the required documentation, the first step is to send the following to your school in China:

  • A copy of your passport information page.
  • Your notarised and apostilled bachelor’s degree certificate.
  • Your notarised and apostilled TEFL certificate or relevant teaching qualification, where required.
  • Your apostilled criminal record check, with notarisation where required.
  • Passport photographs.
  • Your completed work permit application form or information.
  • Your completed medical examination form, if requested.

Some schools will only require scanned copies of these documents, while others may ask you to send original documents or authenticated copies by post. If you’re required to post your documents to China, we recommend using a reputable tracked courier such as DHL or FedEx to ensure their safe arrival. Your school will confirm exactly which documents to send and whether physical copies are necessary.

Step 2 – Work Permit Notice Application

Once your school has received your documents, it will apply for your Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit, commonly known as your Work Permit Notice. This document confirms that the relevant Chinese authorities have approved the preliminary arrangements for your employment and is normally required before you can apply for your Z visa.

Your school will handle this application on your behalf, so there’s usually very little for you to do during this stage. The process typically takes a few weeks, although processing times can vary depending on the school, location and individual application. Once your Work Permit Notice has been issued, your school will send you the relevant documents so you can proceed with your Z visa application.

Step 3 – Z Visa Application

Once you’ve received your Work Permit Notice, the next step is to apply for your Chinese Z visa.

Start by visiting the official Chinese Visa Application Service Centre website and selecting the country and city where you’ll be applying. You’ll need to complete the online visa application form and upload the required supporting documents, including your Work Permit Notice. Depending on where you apply, your application may undergo an initial online review. Once approved, you’ll receive a Visa Certificate containing a QR code, along with instructions for submitting your passport and supporting documents.

When attending your local Chinese Visa Application Centre, embassy or consulate, you’ll typically need:

  • Your original passport.
  • Visa Certificate.
  • Any additional supporting documents requested by your application centre.

Some application centres require appointments, while others have different submission arrangements. Your local centre will explain the procedure you need to follow.

Once your application has been approved, your passport will be returned with your Z visa inside. Visa fees and processing times vary depending on where you apply, so we recommend checking the latest information on your local visa centre’s website before making travel arrangements.

If you’ve secured your teaching position through Teach English Global, we’ll guide you through this stage and help you understand what’s required.

Step 4 – Enter China

Congratulations! You’ve received your Z visa and you’re ready to travel to China.

However, the visa process doesn’t quite end there. For most teachers entering China on a long-term Z visa, the visa is issued with a permitted stay of 30 days. During this period, you’ll generally need to apply for your Residence Permit, which allows you to remain in China for the period approved by the immigration authorities. Your school will normally appoint a liaison officer or member of staff to help you complete the remaining formalities after arrival.

Step 5 – Police Registration

Within 24 hours of arriving at non-hotel accommodation in China, you’ll generally need to register your address with the local public security authorities. If you’re staying in a hotel for your first few nights, the hotel will normally take care of this for you. Once you’ve moved into an apartment or other permanent accommodation, you’ll need to register your new address. Registration can be completed through the appropriate online service or at your local police station, depending on your circumstances. Your school’s liaison officer or landlord should be able to help you with the process.

You’ll typically need:

  • Your passport.
  • Your accommodation address.
  • Your tenancy agreement or housing contract.
  • Your landlord’s details.

For more information about finding accommodation, read our guide to finding an apartment in China.

Step 6 – Medical Examination

After arriving in China, many teachers will need to complete a medical examination as part of the work permit or residence permit process. For some teachers, this will be their second medical examination if their school requested one before departure. Others may only need to complete the examination after arriving in China. If a medical examination is required, your school will normally arrange an appointment at an authorised medical facility, often during your first week in China.

You’ll typically need to bring:

  • Your passport.
  • Copies of your passport information page, visa and entry stamp.
  • Passport photographs.
  • Any previous medical examination records, if applicable.

The examination fee varies by location. Some schools cover the cost, while others may ask you to pay or reimburse you afterwards. Your school will confirm the arrangements in advance.

Step 7 – Obtain Your Work Permit

The next step is to obtain your Work Permit.

This is separate from the Work Permit Notice issued before your Z visa application. Your school will normally complete the necessary post-arrival procedures to obtain the final work permit.

Depending on the local requirements, you may need to provide:

  • Your passport.
  • A passport photograph.
  • Your accommodation registration details.
  • Your medical examination results.
  • Any additional documents requested by the work permit authorities.

Your school will handle the application and let you know if any further information is needed.

Step 8 – Obtain Your Residence Permit

The next stage is obtaining your Residence Permit. For most teachers entering China on a long-term Z visa, you’ll need to apply for this within 30 days of arrival. Your school will normally assist you with the application at the local exit-entry administration of the Public Security Bureau (PSB).

You’ll typically need:

  • Your passport.
  • A passport photograph.
  • Your accommodation registration details.
  • Your work permit or relevant work permit documentation.
  • A completed residence permit application form, provided or arranged by your school.
  • Additional documents may be required depending on the local authorities.

Once issued, your residence permit normally allows you to live in China and leave and re-enter the country during its validity period, subject to applicable immigration rules. Residence permits are often issued for a period linked to your employment, although the exact validity is determined by the immigration authorities. Remember to keep track of your work permit and residence permit expiry dates, as both may need renewing during your time in China.

Step 9 – Start Teaching!

You’ve made it through the main visa and immigration arrangements, congratulations!

Once your school has confirmed that you have the necessary authorisation to begin work, you can focus on settling into your new surroundings and getting ready for your teaching role. There will still be a few practical things to organise, such as opening a bank account, setting up your phone and getting familiar with your school.

For practical advice on settling in, take a look at our guide to your first few weeks in China. And if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the move, our article on adjusting to life in China offers some helpful reassurance and advice.

Ready to Teach in China?

At Teach English Global, we help teachers find exciting opportunities across China, from English teaching positions in kindergartens and public schools to subject teaching roles at bilingual and international schools.

If you secure a position through us, we’ll guide you through the recruitment and visa process, helping to make your move to China as straightforward and stress-free as possible.