Before applying for visas or work permits, you are required to undergo a health check to confirm that you are not affected by any serious or infectious diseases, including HIV / AIDS. In Shanghai, the examination can be carried out at the Shanghai International Travel Health Care Centre, located at 1701 Hami Lu, Tel: 6268-6408 ext 56/57. You will need to take your passport, two passport photographs and evidence of your employment with you.
You can alternatively have the necessary tests performed by your own doctor / medical centre before leaving your home country. If you choose to do this, you should take the following documentation to the International Travel Healthcare Centre, where they can issue you with a Healthcare Certificate:
Foreigners who wish to work in China must apply for a Working Visa (Z). This visa type is issued to foreigners who will be employed in China , and their accompanying family members. It is an entry visa and as such must be exchanged for a Residence Permit within 30 days of entry into the country.
When applying for a visa, you will be asked to provide:
The fee for application for your first visa varies depending upon your country of origin. Some examples are shown below (all fees shown in RMB):
Japan | UK | Canada | Australia | Korea | Russia | France | US | |
First Entry Visa | 250 | 320 | 310 | 200 | 170 | 415 | 320 | 250 |
Second Entry Visa | 500 | 640 | 620 | 400 | 340 | 830 | 640 | 330 |
Visa Extension | 125 | 160 | 165 | 100 | 85 | 210 | 160 | 125 |
Visa Extension and Change | 250 | 320 | 310 | 200 | 170 | 210 | 320 | 250 |
All foreign nationals working in China require a work permit. The application should be made on your behalf by your employer. In Shanghai, applications for work permits are processed at the Labour Bureau Foreign Employment Administration Office, located at 215 Jiangxi Road, Tel: 6323-3078. With your application for a work permit, you should provide:
Applicants for Shanghai Residence Permits are required to provide the following documentation:
Your residence permit is tied to your employer. If you change employers whilst in China, you will have to apply for a new residence permit.
You can obtain further advice on visa requirements from your consulate.
Do not mix consulate and embassy. The embassy is the representation of the State in a foreign country and is in charge of all the relations with the government of the country where located. The consulate protects and administrates the community coming from his country. However, you must usually live in the country for 6 months before you can register. You will learn all the information by asking the Consulate.
Update 11/09/2006
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