Ways to live in China
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Work permit Work permits →
Z work visa and work residence permit
For people hired by an employer in China. You need a work permit and a work-type residence permit; working without both is illegal.
- What you need
- A work permit issued through your employer by the local human resources or foreign expert authority, an employer letter, and a health certificate if the permit is for more than a year.
- How long
- Up to 1 year as a rule, up to 2 years for employers with a good record, up to 5 years for high-level talent and investors
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- Residence permit: 400 yuan up to 1 year, 800 yuan for 1–3 years, 1,000 yuan for 3–5 years
- Processing time
- Up to 15 working days for the residence permit
- How to apply
- Get the Z visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate, then apply in person for the residence permit at the local exit-entry office within 30 days of arrival.
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- Permanent residence is granted only in limited cases, such as an outstanding contribution to China's development.
Student visa Student visas →
X1 student visa and study residence permit
For study programmes longer than 180 days. You enter on an X1 visa and then get a residence permit valid for the study term set by your school.
- What you need
- A letter of admission or enrolment and a letter from the school stating the study term, plus a health certificate if the permit is for more than a year. Part-time work or internships off campus need school approval and a note in the permit.
- How long
- Matches the study term
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- Residence permit: 400 yuan up to 1 year, 800 yuan for 1–3 years, 1,000 yuan for 3–5 years
- Processing time
- Up to 15 working days for the residence permit
- How to apply
- Get the X1 visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate, then apply in person for the residence permit at the local exit-entry office within 30 days of arrival.
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $200 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $240 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $470 |
| Bills | $40 |
| Typical local salary | $1,150 |
Cities to consider
- ShanghaiChina's global city
- BeijingImperial capital
- ChengduRelaxed Sichuan capital
- ShenzhenTech city by Hong Kong
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
China offers some of the world's most dynamic cities next to ancient temples, rice terraces and karst mountains. Each region has its own cuisine, and expats gather in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Chengdu.
Day to day
High-speed rail links nearly every major city, and metros are modern and cheap. International hospitals serve foreigners in big cities. Daily payments run through mobile apps, many foreign sites are blocked, and Mandarin is essential.
Trade-offs
Internet restrictions make familiar apps and services hard to use. Air pollution can be heavy in northern cities, the language barrier is steep, and surveillance and strict rules shape public life.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United StatesVisa
United Kingdom30 days
Australia30 days
Canada30 days
New Zealand30 days
Switzerland30 days
Norway30 days
Singapore30 days
Japan30 days
South Korea30 days
IsraelVisa
United Arab Emirates30 days
Hong KongVisa-free
South AfricaVisa
MexicoVisa-free
Brazil30 days
Questions
Does China have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to China?
The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
