Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
By moving to China, you're moving to a country that not only loves rules and regulations,
but which also loves to change them seemingly at a whim. If your move here is connected
with a well-established company or school, then most likely they'll hold your hand through
the entire visa process. But if you're doing it on your own or with a less-experienced organ-
ization, you'll need to stay on your toes about what's right and what's not.
China demands that every foreigner planning to reside in the country has a valid visa,
and unless you're from Singapore, Brunei, or Japan (in which case you'd get a 15-day visa-
free window), you'll need it before you leave home. There are no on-arrival visas in Beijing,
period. You will also need at least six months remaining on your passport, even if you're
only going to be coming for a month or two. While Beijing has introduced the 72-hour visa-
free entry law, this is purely aimed at people transiting through the country. It is not meant
for giving people time to apply for a visa, and proof of an onward journey to another coun-
try is needed to qualify.
There are different visas to suit nearly every possible scenario. Whether you're coming
for short-term study, to participate in a trade event, to work, or for an extended holiday,
there is a visa to suit. The price, application process, and rules vary for each, and may even
vary slightly depending on which embassy or consulate you apply at. As a general guide,
you'll need to start working on your application about two months before your departure,
and not more than three.
In most cases, if you're coming because someone else in your family needs to, you'll
have the right to apply for the same visa as they do. As of July 2013, dependents—including
unmarried or same-sex partners—can apply for the dependent residence permit as long as
you provide certain documents, such as a marriage certificate or cohabitation certificate is-
sued by the embassy of your home country.
If your dream is to work in China but you haven't nailed down a job just yet, you won't
be eligible for a work visa (Z) or work visa (M). But don't despair. Though it can some-
times be almost impossible to get a job from outside the country, once inside you'll find it
decidedly easier. In this case you can apply for a tourist visa (L) to get into China and then
apply to change it over once you've found work. As long as it's a legal company with the
rights to employ you, they should be able to assist you in the process. Be warned, though,
if you think your mother tongue will automatically land you an English-teaching job, you'll
be mistaken. In order to protect its young'uns from persuasion by untrained expats, the gov-
