Published by ChinaMNC · Zijin

Work Permits and Visas for Zijin Founders

A practical overview for foreign founders of Zijin-registered companies in Nanjing, covering the foreigner work permit, Z visa, residence permits, the points-based classification system, and compliance basics. General information only.

Introduction

Zijin is a district of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, and it hosts a growing number of technology and startup ventures. If you are a foreign founder planning to build a company registered in Zijin, one of your first practical questions will be how to live and work in China legally. This article gives a plain-language overview of the main immigration and work-authorization routes relevant to foreign founders. It is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice; rules and local practices change, so confirm details with the local authorities or a qualified professional before acting.

The two-part framework: work permit plus residence permit

Foreign nationals who work in China generally need two linked documents:

• Foreigner's Work Permit (外国人工作许可证), issued through the science and technology (foreign experts) administration. This authorizes you to work.
• Work-type Residence Permit (工作类居留许可), issued by the exit-entry administration of the public security bureau. This authorizes you to stay.

In practice the work permit is often issued as a card or as a digital record, and the residence permit is a sticker or card in your passport. The residence permit is what lets you enter and exit China repeatedly during its validity.

The typical sequence for a founder

Step 1: Establish the legal entity

Most founders first register their company (often a wholly foreign-owned enterprise or a joint venture) so that there is a legal employer in China. The company will later act as your sponsoring employer for the work permit. Registration typically requires a registered address in Zijin, a legal representative, and a company charter, among other items.

Step 2: Apply for the work permit notification

The employer submits an application for a Notification of Foreigner's Work Permit (often called the PU invitation letter) through the online service system. When approved, this notification supports your visa application abroad.

Step 3: Apply for the Z visa

With the notification, you apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate for a Z visa (work visa). The Z visa is generally a single-entry visa valid for a short period, and it must be used to enter China within its validity.

Step 4: Convert to the work permit and residence permit

After entering China on the Z visa, the employer completes the formal work permit application within the permitted window. You then apply for the work-type residence permit at the local exit-entry bureau. Many localities, including parts of Nanjing, offer a streamlined "single window" process where the work permit and residence permit steps are coordinated.

Step 5: Register other essentials

Founders should also handle temporary residence registration (often done by the hotel or landlord, or at the local police station), and obtain a personal tax identification number and social insurance registration where applicable. A bank account and a Chinese mobile number are practical necessities.

Classification: A, B and C categories

China classifies foreign workers into three categories under a points-based system:

• Category A — high-level talent, typically benefiting from simplified procedures and longer validity periods.
• Category B — professional talent, the most common category for skilled employees and many founders.
• C — other, generally for temporary or quota-limited roles.

The points system weighs factors such as salary, education, years of relevant work experience, age, and Chinese language ability. Because the thresholds and weighting can be adjusted, treat any online points calculator as indicative only and verify with the local foreign experts administration.

Common pitfalls for founders

• Working before authorization. Do not perform paid work, sign contracts, or manage operations on a tourist or business visa. The Z visa and work permit are the correct route.
• Assuming the company can sponsor you before it is registered. The employer must exist and be able to produce the required corporate documents.
• Missing the conversion window. The Z visa is time-limited; plan the work permit and residence permit steps promptly after arrival.
• Address and registration mismatches. Your residential address, the company's registered address, and the documents must be consistent.
• Document translation and authentication. Degrees, criminal record checks, and other documents often need notarization, apostille or consular legalization, and Chinese translation.

Documents you will likely need

Requirements vary, but founders commonly prepare: a passport with sufficient validity, a recent photo, the company's business license and related corporate documents, an employment contract or appointment document, proof of qualifications and relevant work experience, a clean criminal record certificate, and a medical examination. Some documents must be legalized or apostilled in your home country before departure, so start early.

Family members

Spouses and minor children of a work permit holder may apply for dependent residence permits, generally tied to the principal holder's status. Eligibility and documentation should be confirmed with the exit-entry bureau.

Compliance after you arrive

• Keep your work permit and residence permit valid; renewals take time, so apply ahead of expiry.
• Report changes such as a new address, employer, or passport within the required timeframes.
• Ensure your actual role matches the position stated in the work permit.
• Maintain proper tax and social insurance filings through the company.

Practical tips for Zijin founders

Nanjing has a substantial foreign-talent service infrastructure, and district-level service centers can help with guidance. Build a relationship with the local foreign experts administration and exit-entry bureau early, keep a complete digital and physical document file, and use experienced local counsel or a licensed agency for the first application. Budget realistic timelines: the full sequence can take several weeks to a few months depending on document readiness and processing times.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal, immigration, tax, or investment advice, and it does not create any professional relationship. Chinese immigration and work-permit rules, including local procedures in Nanjing and Zijin, are subject to change and are applied case by case. Always consult the relevant authorities or a qualified licensed professional regarding your specific situation.