Your progress
Step 1 / 4 · Register temporary accommodation
What you need
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Foreigner's Work Permit Notification Letter | Issued by the employer's local science & technology (foreigner management) bureau after the work permit application is approved. Required to apply for the Z visa at a Chinese embassy/consulate abroad. |
| Passport-sized Photo | Recent bareheaded colour photo meeting Chinese visa/residence permit specifications (usually 33mm x 48mm). |
| Entry-Exit Health Certificate | Required when the intended stay exceeds one year. Issued by a designated local health examination centre after a physical check. |
Steps
Step 1 · Register temporary accommodation
PendingWithin 24 hours of arrival, register temporary accommodation at the local police station / PSB (hotels do this automatically; private rentals must be registered in person).
⏱ 1 days · within 24h of arrival
💰 0 CNY
⚠ Pitfalls
- Missing the 24h deadline can delay later residence-permit and bank applications
Step 2 · Complete health examination (stay over 1 year)
PendingIf your intended stay exceeds one year, obtain an Entry-Exit Health Certificate from a designated local health examination centre before applying.
⏱ 3 days · approximate, results collection
💰 400 CNY · varies by city
Documents for this step
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Entry-Exit Health Certificate | Required when the intended stay exceeds one year. Issued by a designated local health examination centre after a physical check. |
⚠ Pitfalls
- Book ahead — some centres have waiting lists
Step 3 · Submit the residence permit application
PendingSubmit at the city PSB Exit-Entry Administration with passport, Z visa, work permit notification, photo and (if applicable) health certificate. An in-person biometric capture is required.
Documents for this step
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Foreigner's Work Permit Notification Letter | Issued by the employer's local science & technology (foreigner management) bureau after the work permit application is approved. Required to apply for the Z visa at a Chinese embassy/consulate abroad. |
| Passport-sized Photo | Recent bareheaded colour photo meeting Chinese visa/residence permit specifications (usually 33mm x 48mm). |
| Entry-Exit Health Certificate | Required when the intended stay exceeds one year. Issued by a designated local health examination centre after a physical check. |
⚠ Pitfalls
- Apply well before the 30-day Z-visa stay expires to avoid overstaying
📍 Wuhu (Anhui): Wuhu publishes a step-by-step English guide on its government portal. See src-wuhu-bank-account for the municipal guide style.
Step 4 · Collect the residence permit
PendingProcessing usually takes about 7-15 working days; collect in person or via an authorised representative with a letter of authorisation.
⏱ 15 days · approximate processing
💰 400 CNY · residence permit fee, varies by duration