It is well known that China is becoming an ideal place for innovation and entrepreneurship for foreign talents all over the world. China issued 336,000 work permits for foreign experts in 2018 and the number of the foreigners working in the territory of China totals over 950,000, Mr. Wang Zhigang, Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology said at the Opening Ceremony of the 17th Conference on International Exchange of Professionals held on April 14th 2019 in Shenzhen. Meanwhile, great achievements have been made in attracting people from abroad in recent years by adopting more practical talent introduction policies and applications for visa and residence permits have also been much facilitated in China. It is undoubtedly important to understand what is required of foreigners who want to work in China and how to apply for the work and residence permits. In this context, this article is trying to give a brief introduction to the rules and procedures for visa and residence permits to China and also touch on some key and basic issues those foreigners working in China may face during their stay.
