Published by ChinaMNC · Dawu

Work Permits and Visas for Dawu Founders: A Practical Guide

A general-information guide for foreign founders setting up in Dawu (Zhejiang) covering the China work permit (Category A/B/C), the Z visa and residence permit process, and practical considerations for early-stage company builders.

Work Permits and Visas for Dawu Founders

Dawu is a county-level city in Zhejiang Province, and foreign founders who choose it as a base face the same national immigration framework as founders in Hangzhou or Shanghai — administered locally. This article explains, in general terms, how the China work permit and visa system typically applies to a foreign founder of a new company. It is general information only, not legal or immigration advice, and requirements change; confirm every step with the local exit-entry administration, the science and technology bureau that handles foreign expert permits, and a qualified professional.

Two permits, two authorities

Foreign founders in China normally deal with two documents issued by two different bodies:

• The work permit (often called the foreign expert work permit), issued through the science and technology bureau system. It classifies foreign workers into Category A (high-end talent), Category B (professional talent) and Category C (other, quota-limited).
• The residence permit for work, issued by the local public security exit-entry administration. This is the document that lets you live in China lawfully for its validity period.

The work permit is the basis for the work-type residence permit; you generally cannot obtain one without the other. The Z visa is the entry visa used before the work permit and residence permit are issued.

The typical sequence for a founder

Most foreign founders follow a sequence like this, though the order of company registration and permit application can vary with local practice:

1. Establish the employing entity

A foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) — commonly a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE) — must exist to employ you. The company needs a business licence, a legal representative, a registered address and the ability to register foreign employees. In Dawu, confirm with the local market regulation bureau and the park or district where you register what documents they expect from foreign investors.

2. Apply for the work permit notification

Before you travel, the employer applies for a work permit notification letter through the national foreign expert service system. This normally requires your passport, photograph, degree or qualification documents, evidence of relevant work experience, a criminal record certificate, and a medical examination (or commitment to complete one after arrival). Some documents need authentication or legalisation and, where not in Chinese or English, translation.

3. Apply for the Z visa

With the notification letter, you apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate for a Z visa. Enter China on the Z visa — not a tourist or business visa — because conversion from other visa categories is restricted and can require leaving and re-entering.

4. Convert to the work permit and residence permit

After arrival, complete the medical check if required, and the employer applies for the work permit card. You then apply to the exit-entry administration for the work-type residence permit, usually within 30 days of entry. The residence permit is typically issued for the same term as the work permit, up to a maximum set by policy.

Which category will a founder fall into?

Category A is points-based or qualification-based and is aimed at high-end talent; Category B covers professionals meeting degree and experience criteria; Category C is quota-limited and generally the hardest route for a founder. Founders are commonly assessed on salary, education, work experience, age and Chinese language ability, among other factors. Because scoring and documentation expectations are specific, ask the local permitting office or a professional to assess your profile before applying. Do not assume that owning the company guarantees a particular category.

Documents founders commonly need

• Passport with sufficient validity and blank pages.
• Recent passport-style photographs.
• Degree certificate, and proof of relevant work experience.
• Criminal record certificate from your country of residence, often authenticated or legalised.
• Medical examination results, or a commitment to complete the check in China.
• Company documents: business licence, legal representative information, and the employment contract or appointment documents.
• Translations of any non-Chinese, non-English documents.

Keep originals and multiple copies; different offices may ask for different formats.

Practical considerations for Dawu-based founders

Your role matters for the paperwork

If you are the legal representative or a senior manager of the WFOE, the employment relationship and contract should be documented consistently with your role. Inconsistencies between the company registration, the contract and the permit application are a common source of delay.

Plan for processing time

Work permit notifications, Z visas, medical checks and residence permits each take time, and the total can run into weeks or longer depending on document readiness and local processing. Build this into your launch plan rather than assuming you can start work immediately on arrival.

Keep your status continuous

Renew the work permit before it expires and apply for the residence permit renewal in good time. If your role, employer or address changes, check whether an update or new application is required. Lapses can affect your ability to stay and work lawfully.

Family members

Spouses and dependants may be eligible for dependent residence permits, but eligibility and documentation should be confirmed with the local authorities. Do not assume dependants can work on a dependent permit.

Local administration still applies

Although the rules are national, processing is handled locally. Confirm office locations, appointment systems and document lists with the relevant Dawu and Zhejiang authorities, and consider engaging a local immigration lawyer or service provider for the first application.

Common pitfalls

• Entering on the wrong visa and expecting to convert in-country.
• Missing authentication or legalisation of overseas documents.
• Applying before the company can properly sponsor a foreign employee.
• Letting the work permit or residence permit lapse.
• Assuming a founder or shareholder status removes the need for a work permit to perform work in China.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Chinese immigration rules, local procedures and document requirements change and are applied case by case. Always verify current requirements with the competent Chinese authorities and consult a qualified professional before acting.