Policy Information

1、 Beijing's characteristic policies and regional differences

1. Chaoyang District - More than half of the foreign talents in Beijing are distributed in Chaoyang District. Chaoyang District has a foreigner entry and exit service hall and a CBD foreigner service hall, providing convenient services for foreign talents.

2. Changping District - Pilot Program for "Integration of Certificates and Cards" Changping District, relying on high-end industrial carriers such as the Life Science Park, will undertake the full business and process approval authority for foreign work permits in November 2025, becoming one of the first district level acceptance points in Beijing with complete approval authority. Changping District, as a pilot program for the integration of certificates and cards, has provided "one-stop, full online processing" services for more than 1100 cases from 69 countries.

3. Haidian District - "Embedded" Service Enters the Park Haidian District is creating a "2+11" embedded service pattern. 33 high-frequency social security services can be centrally handled in Zhongguancun Dongsheng Science and Technology Park and Sijihuigu Industrial Park, radiating to more than 300 foreign talents in the park. Set up a dedicated window for foreign language services, equipped with iFlytek translation machines to provide 78 intelligent language translations.

4. Fengtai District - Efficient Service of "Joint Application of Two Certificates" Fengtai District creates a one-stop service for foreigners' work permits and residence permits, with "one-stop acceptance, joint application of two certificates, time limited settlement, and simultaneous issuance", reducing the processing time to 5 to 7 working days.

2、 New Overseas Application: From Online Application to Z-Visa

So, how do foreign elites apply for a work visa to work in Beijing?

The most common scenario for foreign employees to join: When the employee is overseas, they need to first apply for a work permit notification, then apply for a Z visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad, and finally complete the subsequent procedures upon entry.

Core process:

·Enterprise self inspection of qualifications, confirming that the company operates legally and has an actual office space;

·Log in to the "Foreigners Working in China Management Service System" to complete the unit registration;

·Apply for a Work Permit Notice online and submit materials such as employment contract, academic certification, and certificate of no criminal record;

·Apply for a Z visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad with notification;

·Apply for a work permit within 15 days after entering the country;

·Apply for a work residence permit within 30 days of entry.

In terms of Beijing's characteristic convenience measures, applying for a work permit from overseas in Changping District can be processed online throughout the process, and an electronic social security card with permit information can be obtained in about 10 working days. Long term permits of 90 days or more can be obtained in about 7 working days.

It should be noted that the validity period of the certificate of no criminal record and medical examination certificate is only 6 months. If applied too early, it will expire, and if applied too late, it will be too late. Overseas academic qualifications require Hague or consular authentication. Foreign high-end talents (Class A) are not subject to age, education, and work experience restrictions, and can use a commitment system for proof of no criminal record, proof of work qualifications, etc.

3、 New application for domestic work visa: reunion visa to work visa

For foreign nationals who have entered the country with a reunion visa, those who meet the conditions can directly apply for a work permit within the country without the need to leave.

Applicable conditions: Foreign high-end talents (Class A) who have entered the country with other valid visas or residence permits; Foreign spouses or children of Chinese citizens holding valid visas or residence permits within their validity period.

Core process:

Firstly, evaluate whether the application meets the domestic application requirements (not all reunion visas can be directly transferred), then submit the application online, scan the QR code for authentication to obtain the electronic social security card, and finally make an appointment to submit the residence permit offline.

It should be noted that domestic visa transfer is not 100% feasible, and in some cases, it is still necessary to apply for a Z visa for exit. It is recommended to confirm in advance. After approval, real name authentication can be completed through the "Electronic Social Security Card" app or mini program to obtain an electronic social security card with work permit information loaded.

Kind reminder: Changping District allows foreign nationals holding tourist visas, stay visas, etc. to apply for work permits.

4、 Work visa transfer: seamless transition when changing jobs

When foreign employees switch to work in Beijing, the transfer of work visas is the most likely link to encounter problems.

Applicable conditions: Foreign nationals whose original work permit has been cancelled, whose work residence permit is still valid, and who have joined a new employer. The core premise is that the original work permit must be cancelled first.

Core process: The original unit shall cancel the work permit and residence permit of the employee within 10 days after their resignation; Register a new unit and submit a transfer application; If you need to stay, apply for a stay visa; Submit a transfer application and apply for a new residence permit within 30 days.

Core requirement: The new job position must be consistent with the original job position, and if there is a change in the position, a new application must be made; After the cancellation of the original work permit, a new application must be submitted within 30 days. If it exceeds the deadline, it must be reapplied for after leaving the country; Education, no criminal record certificate, and medical examination report can be reused if the materials are complete and valid; If the new unit has never recruited foreigners, it is necessary to first apply for registration with the Foreign Experts Bureau system and filing for foreign-related enterprises.