Common Questions and Answers on Job Transfer for Foreigners

Foreign nationals often experience job changes in China, and for those who are changing jobs for the first time in the country, extra caution is needed. Carelessness may lead to illegal work, and in serious cases, it may also affect future work visa applications. Therefore, foreign nationals should be aware of necessary pre work arrangements in advance when there is a job change.

What is the transfer of an Foreign Work Permit?

The Work Permit for Foreigners is a legal document for foreigners to work in China.

For foreign nationals working in China, If a foreigner working in China changes employers, a transfer of work permit is required.

Why need to apply for Foreigner Work Permit transfer?

When foreigners change jobs, they must also apply for the transfer of employment procedures for foreigners' work permits. If the work unit has been changed, but the work permit has not been updated accordingly, this will not meet the requirements of foreigners working in China, and will be considered as illegal employment. Therefore, when foreigners change jobs, they must ensure that the work permit is updated in time to comply with relevant regulations and requirements.

Why do I need to cancel my work permit?

Proof of termination of labor relationship

Enterprises are only considered to have terminated their employment relationship with the employing unit if they cancel both their work permit and residence permit for foreign nationals at the same time. If the work visa relationship is still with the original company, during this period, if the foreigner violates the law or has a personal accident. There may be joint and several liability for the company.

Legal provisions

The law stipulates that foreigners must cancel their work visas when they end their labor relations with the company. If they fail to go through the cancellation procedures according to law, the legal responsibilities of the unit and foreigners will be investigated.

One of the documents for changing the workplace

After revoking their residence permit, foreign nationals will be able to apply for a 30 day stay visa. During this period, if they find employment opportunities in other units, they can apply for work permit transfer and residence permit extension.

One of the required documents for handling affairs

If foreigners plan to leave China, they must also provide the cancellation certificate of foreigners' work permit in China when handling pension insurance refund, one-time disposal of medical insurance personal account and other matters.

How long is the "Foreigner Work Permit" valid? Is there a fee for changing documents?

According to the criteria for foreigners to work in China, the validity of work permits approved by local management departments varies. Generally, Class B talents sign once a year. If the visa expires and needs to be extended, the Exit Entry Administration Bureau will charge corresponding visa fees.

Who needs to apply for Foreigner Work Permit transfer?

Foreigners who have obtained work permits for foreigners need to apply for changes in their work units.Foreigners who apply for re employment need to cancel their existing work permit and change their residence permit at the same time. According to the regulations on entry and exit management, the cancellation of work permits and work-related residence permits should be carried out within 10 days after resignation, although some cities may slightly relax this requirement. Therefore, the timing of job transfer after resignation is very important, and it is necessary to promptly handle the cancellation procedures and obtain new work permits and residence permits.

What documents are required for transferring employment?

The documents required by foreigners to cancel their work permits are as follows:

Application Form for Cancellation of Foreigner's Work Permit in China;

Proof documents related to the termination of employment relationship, contract termination,or other reasons for cancellation.

After canceling the original work permit, submit a new work permit application within 30 days from the date of cancellation. When applying for a transfer, the following matters should be noted:

The original work residence permit is within the valid period;

The new job position needs to be basically the same as the original job position.

Offboarding paperwork from the original company is required.

How long does it take to apply for a transfer of employment?

Meet the processing requirements and obtain a new work permit within approximately 10-15 working days; Changing the residence permit will require an additional 7 working days (based on the immigration processing time of each province and city)

Do I need to reapply for entry and exit procedures when I am assigned by the unit to work in a branch office?

Need. During the employment period of foreigners in China, once they change the main unit of employment, they will all need to re handle the procedures for the change of work permit and work type residence permit.

What is the process for canceling a work residence permit?

Cancellation of work permit

After passing the online review by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, there is no need to make an appointment. Documents can be submitted on-site to exchange for a cancellation certificate.(Currently, most cities can submit and download cancellation certificates online without the need for on-site collection).

Cancellation of Work related Residence Permit

Within 10 days after obtaining the work permit cancellation certificate or presenting the resignation certificate, the applicant must go to the immigration department to handle the cancellation procedures.

45 2025-06-23

Social Security Policy for Foreigners Employed in China

Train Discounts for Elderly with Permanent Residence

New

How do foreign children register their household in China? Registration and filing of foreign-related units in Wuhan Common Questions and Answers on Job Transfer for Foreigners Social Security Policy for Foreigners Employed in China Do foreigners in China pay social security & housing fund? How do foreigners get an e-license in Wuhan? Elderly China PR Card Holders: Enjoy These Benefits Quick Application Guide for a Chinese Green Card Wuhan: Permanent Residence Policy for Foreigners Train Discounts for Elderly with Permanent Residence