Work permit renewal in China
Renewing a Foreigner's Work Permit in China involves submitting an extension application through the employer via an online government portal. The process requires validating current employment status, updating company registration information, and receiving digital approval before the physical permit is updated.
It is generally recommended to initiate the renewal process 30 to 90 days before the current permit expires. This allows sufficient time for employer-side documentation, potential municipal processing delays, and subsequent updates to the associated Residence Permit.
Start 30 days ahead
Official processing time is typically 10 to 20 working days, excluding time needed for internal document preparation and system verification.
The process
- 1Log into the Foreigner's Work Permit management service system using the employer's registered account.
- 2Submit an extension application online, providing updated employment information and current contact details.
- 3Upload required supporting documents, such as proof of tax payment and updated labor contract, through the portal.
- 4Await the initial online review from the local authority; additional materials may be requested during this phase.
- 5Once approved online, submit the physical permit and passport for final processing at the local Foreign Expert Bureau office.
- 6Retrieve the updated permit and ensure the subsequent Residence Permit at the Exit-Entry Administration is updated accordingly.
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Current Foreigner's Work Permit
- Updated labor contract
- Proof of individual income tax payment for the current term
- Employer's unified social credit code certificate
Who handles it
Ministry of Science and Technology (科学技术部) / State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (国家外国专家局)
There is typically no government processing fee for the Work Permit extension itself; however, employers should verify with local bureaus if administrative or service fees apply in specific jurisdictions.
What commonly goes wrong
- Failure to update the Residence Permit at the local Exit-Entry Administration Bureau after the Work Permit renewal can lead to legal issues.
- Changes in job title or scope of work may trigger a full permit amendment rather than a simple extension.
- Discrepancies between the salary reported for tax purposes and the salary stated in the employment contract can cause delays.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
- Service Platform for Foreigners Working in China fuwu.most.gov.cn
Other documents in China
Work permit renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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