New Regulations about the Z visa in China,
what's your personal score?
China is a growing economy that offers endless possibilities for career improvement. However, working in China is not an easy feat and the first barrier is the working visa, which can be quite difficult to obtain.
The work visa for China is called type Z. Since April 2017, new regulations have been introduced for foreigners' employment. All expats will be divided into 3 categories depending on a personal score that is calculated by accummulating points based on age, Chinese level, educational background and offered job conditions.
The categories are:
Class A: scores over 85, they are considered high level talent and considered to be experts in their field, it's easier to get a visa for them.
Class B: scores between 60 and 85, they are talented professional personnel and can get a visa quite easily.
Class C: score below 60, it's difficult to obtain a visa, they are considered nontechnical or service workers who need to prove that they will not compete with Chinese labor.
The work visa process can start only AFTER a job offer from a company.
Calculate your personal Score!
DISCLAIMER: It’s very likely that the points would be calculated in this way, but there is no official confirmation and your score may vary at the discretion of the immigration department.
|
Criteria |
Options |
Score |
|
Annual income, CNY |
≥ 450,000 |
20 |
|
350,000 - 450,000 |
17 |
|
|
250,000 - 350,000 |
14 |
|
|
150,000 - 250,000 |
11 |
|
|
70,000 - 150,000 |
8 |
|
|
50,000 - 70,000 |
5 |
|
|
＜ 50,000 |
|
|
|
Education
|
Doctor |
20 |
|
Masters |
15 |
|
|
Bachelors |
10 |
|
|
Work experience in years |
≥2, each year is one point |
The highest is 15 |
|
2 |
5 |
|
|
＜ 2 |
0 |
|
|
Duration of work per year (months) |
≥ 9 |
15 |
|
6 - 9 |
10 |
|
|
3 - 6 |
5 |
|
|
＜ 3 |
0 |
|
|
Level of Chinese language |
Specialization related to Chinese language, bachelors |
10 |
|
HSK 5 Class |
10 |
|
|
HSK 4 Class |
8 |
|
|
HSK 3 Class |
6 |
|
|
HSK 2 Class |
4 |
|
|
HSK 1 Class |
2 |
|
|
Location |
Western China |
10 |
|
South-eastern China |
10 |
|
|
Middle or poor districts of China |
10 |
|
|
Age |
18 - 25 |
10 |
|
26 - 45 |
15 |
|
|
46 - 55 |
10 |
|
|
56 - 60 |
5 |
|
|
＞ 60 |
0 |
|
|
University or work |
Graduated from Top-100 universities |
5 |
|
Work experience in Top-500 enterprises |
5 |
|
|
Extra points from governments of provinces |
The lack of social or economic talents |
0-10
|
Also, notice that Chinese visa application requirements also include at least 2 years work experience in the same position as the one offered.
Work experience is not required if you have a Master degree from one of the top 100 universities, or if you have graduated from a Chinese University
Learn Some Chinese
If you are planning on living in China for a while, it's vital to learn some basic phrases for your daily life outside the office. You can have a look at our prices in Shanghai and Beijing schools, that offer both private and group lessons with certified teachers.
Join the expat life
Once in China, you will see that living there as a foreigner can be a lot of fun. You will appreciate the safety of the cities and the efficient organization, and if you live in big a metropolitan city you will be able to attend an infinite list of events.
Here are some tips to make life a little easier in China. There are some APPs that are geared towards expat in China that will definitely make your life easier.
NOTE: This article may not be up to date with the latest news about visa regulations. Always refer to official institutions for up to date information.
