My previous post about Applying for the China Work Visa (Z-visa) seemed to generate some interest, so I thought I’d post a quick follow-up on transferring your visa/work permit over to another company when you change jobs.

If your company doesn’t handle it for you, you’ll most likely want to go through a visa agency. Apparently the process is a bit complicated, so you’ll probably want the guanxi that an agency has on your side to ensure that it goes smoothly.

You’ll need the following documents:

• Your passport (original and a copy)
• Five 2-inch passport sized color photos
• Work permit application form (stamped with your company’s seal/chop)
• A copy of your new labor contract
• A copy of your CV/resume (English and Chinese copy)
• List of your skills, qualifications, references, and any other relevant documents (English and Chinese copy)
• Copy of your academic qualifications
• Copy of your company’s Business License
• Copy of your company’s Enterprise Code License
• Copy of your company’s Approval Certificate (only for foreign investment companies)
• Temporary Registration form (that you receive from your local police station)
• Letter of Dismissal from your previous company (this is VERY important – your previous company must give you an official letter of release, stamped with their company seal/chop)

The process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, so be prepared to be without your passport for a while. The government fee for this is about 600 RMB, and agencies will add a service fee of anywhere from 1000 – 1300 RMB on top of this. It seems like a lot, but it definitely beats paying 8000 RMB or more for an F business visa.

When all is said and done, you’ll have a new work permit good for another year, and a new residence permit in your passport (that takes up another page, so be sure you have at least 1 or 2 available).