Key practical points:
• A foreigner may only work legally with a valid work permit and work-purpose residence permit.
• The permit is tied to a specific employer, role and location; moving between them needs an amendment.
• The employment contract must comply with Chinese law regardless of either party's nationality.
• The employer is responsible for filing the permit application and handling renewal.
• Working without a permit, or outside its scope, is a violation that penalizes both sides.
• The permit's maximum term is usually linked to the contract and to age limits.
💼 Work permits
Rules on the Administration of Employment of Foreigners in China · Yalla China
外国人在中国就业管理规定 / Rules on the Administration of Employment of Foreigners in China
Enacted: 1996-01-22 ✅ Effective: 1996-05-01
📝 Overview
The core rules governing employment of foreigners: hiring conditions, the permit's link to the employer, and both parties' duties.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
The key message: the permit is not 'yours' in the abstract; it is tied to your company and role. If the company is late filing or renewing, you are the one at risk. Do not start any work before the permit issues, and if you change jobs, do the amendment before day one. General orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security / mohrss.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026