🛂 Residence & visas · Awareness case
I started working on a tourist visa · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: 外国人在中国就业管理规定 / Rules on Employment of Foreigners
Can you switch to a work visa inside China, or must you leave first?
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
Situation: A foreigner entered on a tourist (L) visa and began paid work for a company. When caught, both he and the employer were penalised because working on a non-work visa is a violation. Rule: lawful work needs a work permit then a work visa/residence (Z then residence permit); you cannot work on a tourist or visit visa. Changing purpose usually requires obtaining the work permit and residence steps, sometimes leaving to get a Z visa. Lesson: never start any work before the work permit and correct residence are complete.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
Only work with a work permit and work residence; working on a tourist visa is penalised.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026