Contrary to popular belief, if you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, and want to work in China for a short period of time (up to 180 days), there is an option for you that does not require you to obtain a Z visa. There exists a visa called a “Work Visa.”

If you are applying for a Work Visa in China, there is some good news for UK citizens. If you have the qualifications and professional experience that the Chinese authorities need, the procedure has been made a little easier. The proof of qualification and the real evidence of expertise should be submitted after the application is filed.

China Work Visa For Uk Citizens

If you are an EU national planning to work in China and have recently arrived in the UK, then this page is for you. My purpose of creating this website was to gather all useful information that I found scattered all over the Internet in one place, so that you may benefit from it. I am an EU citizen and have already worked in China at a multinational company while holding a residence permit (X1) issued by the Mainland China government. For your benefit, here is what I mean:

The China Working Visa is the most convenient type of working visa for those who want to work in China legally. It is usually issued at the airport when you arrive in China. You can start your job as soon as you enter China with this type of visa.

Entry requirements

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in China set and enforce entry rules. For further information contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to. You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Entry and transit

You will need a valid visa to enter China. The Chinese Visa Application Centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh are operating but with limited opening hours. The Application Centre in Belfast remains closed.

The Chinese authorities have suspended all direct flights from the UK. This measure will be subject to review but no date has been announced. Restrictions on travel to China from other countries, and the necessary requirements, may be different. British nationals travelling to China from a third country should follow the directions on the website of the local Chinese Embassy or consulate for requirements from that country.

Eligibility for visas for travel to China remains restricted. At present, visas are issued for:

• applicants who have obtained an “Invitation Letter” or “Verification Confirmation of Invitation” issued by a provincial foreign affairs office or department of commerce (M or F visa)
• applicants who have obtained a “Notification Letter of Foreigners Work Permit” (Z visa)
• applicants intending to visit a family member with a Z, M, or F visa
• applicants intending to visit a family member who is a Chinese citizen or who holds a Chinese permanent residence permit
• applicants (including dependents) who qualify for a high-level talent (R) visa
• applicants who qualify for a C visa

Further details on visa requirements can be found on the Chinese Embassy website.

If you’re issued a visa to travel from the UK to China in these circumstances you will need to submit a Health Declaration Certificate to your nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the UK before you travel, who will need to certify your form and return it to you via email.

More details, including the process for submitting forms for those still eligible, can be found on the Chinese Embassy website.

In order to receive a Health Declaration Certificate from the Chinese Embassy you must provide evidence of two PCR tests for COVID-19, taken 48 hours before you travel. At least one of the tests must be taken within 12 hours of your departure.

You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test from one of the eligible providers listed on the Embassy website.

Additional guidance on how to obtain a Health Declaration Certificate can be found on the Chinese Embassy website.

A limited number of international flights from other countries are flying into Beijing. Other international passenger flights to Beijing continue to be diverted to 16 designated airports in Chengdu, Changsha, Hefei, Lanzhou, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Taiyuan, Hohhot, Jinan, Qingdao, Nanjing, Shenyang, Dalian, Zhengzhou, Xi’an and Wuhan. A small number of international flights are also operating direct between European cities and Shanghai, Guangzhou and Qingdao.

Health checks on arrival

All international arrivals will be subject to PCR testing on arrival, during and after quarantine. Even asymptomatic carriers will be isolated in a Covid hospital until they return at least three consecutive negative results. There have been some cases of individuals testing intermittently positive for a number of weeks. Travellers with a history of COVID-19 infection should consider leaving a gap between an infection and travel to China. All travellers should take precautions before and during travel to minimise as far as possible the chances of testing positive on arrival.

Health regulations surrounding passengers arriving from overseas are continuously changing. You should contact the Chinese Embassy before you travel if you have any questions regarding these entry requirements, quarantine rules or the requirements for individual cities.

Quarantine requirements

Following health checks on arrival, you will then need to enter quarantine for at least 14 days. At some points of entry children 14 and over will be required to quarantine alone irrespective of whether they test positive or negative for COVID.

You may be separated from your child if one of you tests positive for coronavirus. Whilst we cannot prevent this, if it happens to you or is about to happen, you can call +86 (0)10 8529 6600 for 24/7 urgent consular assistance. Non-residents may be charged for their care. For further information on healthcare in China, please see the Coronavirus section

Quarantine is usually spent at either a centralised government hotel (with costs covered by the traveller) or your home. Quarantine requirements can change at short notice and may differ from province to province.

Follow-up swab tests are likely to take place during your quarantine period. Family members of someone who tests positive, or those who have been in close contact, will need to go into a government quarantine hospital.