In order to work in China, any foreigner needs to obtain a work and residence permit. Please be aware that there is an age restriction for applying a work permit which is 18 to 60 years for males and 18 to 55 years for females. A government-issued Work Permit allows a foreigner to work in China for a company specified and job position stated on the Work Permit application. This permit is issued in China and application involve both online and offline submission of documents for approval. Prior to entering China and applying for a Work and Residence Permit, foreigners need to be in possession of a valid visa. (It must not necessarily be a working visa/Z Visa). The application for the Residence Permit follows the obtaining of a Work Permit. A Residence Permit, issued in China and valid for a year, allows to reside in China and to exit and enter the country with no restrictions. Within 15 calendar days of a foreign individual signing a contract, the sponsoring company should proceed with the application for the individual’s Work Permit. Usually the procedure takes two weeks. Application for a Residence Permit should take place within 30 calendar days upon the issuance of an individual’s Work Permit. Customarily, the Residence Permit is approved and issued within 10 working days upon receipt of the application. It is important to denote that Work Permits cannot be transferred to another company upon termination of a contract. It is required that the Work Permit be terminated prior to applying for a new Work Permit under a new company. In this process, the company is required to issue a release letter and shall cancel both the Work Permit and Residence Permit within 10 working days upon the letter. As there are certain aspects that need to be considered before engaging in these processes, it is advisable to seek consulting from experts. Provided by BRAINFORCE, Martin Schneider; Owner and Ms. Frances Yao, General Manager Shanghai