How do I transfer my Work Permit in China?
Please note, the process may vary from city to city. Your new school’s HR will be able to assist in the process.
HOW TO TRANSFER YOUR WORK PERMIT
Cancel your current work permit
First, you will need to formally resign/complete your contract and cancel your work permit (your employer will do the cancelling, it can take up to 10 days). It is NOT necessary to cancel your residence permit, but your previous employer may insist on it. You will go to the visa office and they will cancel it and take your passport for a short duration.
Ensure you have these documents from your previous employer:
- Work Permit Cancellation certificate (foreign expert bureau stamp required)
- Release letter (previous employer’s company stamp required)
- Work experience letter from previous employer (previous employer’s company stamp required)
Your new employer will need these when applying for your new work permit.
3. Apply for a new work permit
Your new employer will apply for the new work permit for you.
Your new employer will need:
- Cancellation letter (foreign expert bureau stamp required)
- Release letter (previous employer’s company stamp required)
- Work experience letter from previous employer (previous employer’s company stamp required)
- New employment contract
- Temporary residence form
- Degree certificates and authentication (do not let your previous employer keep this)
- Passport
- CV
- (Possibly) new health check
- No criminal record certificate (if changing province/cities)
Your application will be submitted online. The approval generally takes 5-10 working days, varying by city.
4. You MIGHT need a new stay visa
If you have a valid residence permit that has a minimum of 30 days left from the day that a new work permit was applied for, then you can skip this step.
If your residence permit was cancelled by the previous employer OR will expire before the work permit transfer, then you will need to visit the entry-exit bureau to obtain a 30 day stay visa.
5. Work Permit Approved! Apply for an updated residence permit
Work permit approved? Great! You can now head to the entry-exit bureau to apply for an updated residency permit.
Documents required:
new work permit
updated address (if changed)
new employer information
They will take your passport for 7 working days. Once your passport is returned - the process is complete.