Working visa requirements to Teach English in China

Working (Z visa) for teaching English

If you qualify for the working visa in China, you must request one, if employers ask you to come to China on a tourist or business visa, we do not recommend you do this as a work visa can only be issued if you enter China with the Z visa.

Some employers may say they can convert a business or tourist visa to a work visa after you arrive, in this case you should get at least 3 or 6 month business or tourist visa and be prepared to fly to Hong Kong or nearby country to get your Z visa and re-enter China at a later date.

Other types of working visa in China

If you're going for a non-teaching role, Director of studies or other position a different type of working visa is offered. This type of working visa can be offered by any company in China, however they need to justify why a local Chinese national could not perform the position they are hiring for. A reference letter confirming 2 or more years related work experience in a non-Chinese company is required in all cases.

Working (Z visa) for professional and management roles

No BA Degree and Misc. working visas

If you do not satisfy the above requirements it is not possible to legitimately get a working visa in China.
If you know of friends working in China without a BA or the requirements listed above, either they had a working visa years ago when the rules were less strict and have renewed it since then, Or they are working on a Business or Tourist visa.

Many teachers still do work on a tourist or business visa although it comes with small risks. Usually, employers have good relationships with local police stations if this is happening and are rarely checked. Although, if you qualify for a working visa you should always try to get one as it saves having to exit the country every 2-3 months if you're on a Business or Tourist visa.

Important requirements to work in China

Financially, you must have around £1000/$1500 available to pay for your visas, flights and first month to live and work in China. Note that your initial costs are reimbursed to you at the end of your contract in the form of an end of contract bonus.

Key requirements