When To Start The Renewal Of Your Work Permit & What To Prepare?

Since the implementation of the newest work permit policy in 2017, the work permit renewal process has become stricter, and the processing time now takes longer than before. If your current work permit is about to expire, you need to start the renewal process as early as possible, as it may take up to 3 to 7 weeks to conclude all the steps. If you have a business trip planned during those weeks, it might slow down the application process even more. 

The work permit system requires applicants to submit a renewal application at least 30 days before the expiration date stated on the work permit. The application will be automatically blocked by the system if it is not submitted on time.

We advise our customers to begin the renewal process of their work permit or work visa 60 to 90 days before expiration date (the earliest you can apply for the renewal process is 90 days before expiration date). The bureau will keep your original passport for 7 to 15 working days. In the following sections we will point out exactly when you will need to turn in your passport and how long it will be held. 

The whole process is made up of two major steps: 

1. Work permit renewal - 5 to 10 working days

You will need to show your original passport to the bureau at this point (you only need to show it, it will not be kept)

2. Work visa renewal - 7 to 15 working days

(The processing time for Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou is of 7 working days, in Beijing it is of 12 working days, Jiangsu 15 working days, and in other areas it might take up to 10-12 working days)

You can avoid this step if your current work visa valid for 2-5 years

The bureau will keep your original passport at this step, however, you can still travel domestically with the receipt from the immigration bureau (inside China mainland but not Hongkong, Macao and Taiwan)

Below is the list of documents required for each step:

Work permit renewal:

1. Copy of passport, current work visa, last entry stamp page

(If you entered China via the e-channel at the airport, the bureau might ask you to go back to the immigration area in order to get an entry stamp on your passport, so please avoid entering via e-channel if you are planning on renewing your work permit soon)

2. Copy of your  China Work Permit Card (front and back)

3. Applicant's new labor contract

Must be in Chinese and include the following: 

    a) Exact contract period

    b) Position

    c) Work content

    d) Working time in China per year

A standardized template can be downloaded via VisaOfChina official Wechat: Info -> Download&Samples -> Labor Contract

4. Individual income tax report

Only required for applicants in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen who are applying via the points system, for other areas it is otherwise mandatory.

Work visa (resident permit) renewal:

1. Application letter with employer's company stamp 

A standardized template can be downloaded via VisaOfChina official Wechat

2. Renewed work permit card and its QR code information 

(scan the QR code and print)

3. Original passport with one 2-inch photo

4. Latest registration form of temporary residence issued by the local police station

5. If you wish to apply for a 2 to 5 years work visa you minght need to submit a commitment letter and a guarantee letter.

Additional Information:

You will be able to apply for a 3 to 5 years' work visa IF:

   - You live in Shanghai and currently have a class A work permit

You will be able to apply for a 2 years' work visa IF:

   - You have had a work visa for the past 3-5 years

You will be able to apply for a 5 years' work visa IF:

   - You have had a 2 years' work visa for two consecutive periods

   or

   - You have a very good tax record

You may interested in the below topics:

Individual Income Tax Caculator

Edit by Bill Lucas from VisaOfChina

Proofread by Laura Garcia from WAYWARD Translations

---

Follow our Official WeChat to get latest policy and more information of China Visa