China Employer Visa Cost 2026: Application, Medical & Permit Fees

Hiring people from other countries to work in China can help companies grow a lot. But in 2026, the costs have changed because of new rules. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) keeps a 25% discount on some visa fees. Also, China uses the Apostille Convention now, which makes some papers easier and cheaper to prepare. The visa fee itself is just one part. Companies need to think about the full cost from start to end. This includes application, medical checks, and getting the final permit.

This guide explains every cost in simple way. It helps HR people and company bosses plan their budget well for 2026. The total cost for hiring one foreign worker is usually between $500 and $800. This does not include social insurance. We use dollars and Chinese yuan (CNY) to make it clear.

Application & Processing Fees (NLP Entities)

This is the first part. The company helps the worker get papers ready before they come to China.

• The NIA gives a 25% NIA Fee Discount (2026 Extension). This discount helps more foreign people come to work in China. It makes government fees lower by 25%. This rule continues in 2026 for most countries that have good relations with China.
• Next is the Foreigner’s Work Permit (FWP) Notification Fee. The company must apply online on the system for foreigners working in China. The online system is free to use. But companies often spend time or pay agencies to do this work. So, this can cost some money in time or agency help.
• For the visa itself, there is the Consular “Z” Visa Fee. The Z visa lets the person enter China to work. For people from the US, it costs about $140 in 2026 after the discount. The price changes based on the person’s passport country. It depends on rules between countries.
• Many people use CVASC Handling Fees. CVASC is the Chinese Visa Application Service Center. They help with applications. They charge extra money, usually between $30 and $100. This fee does not get the 25% discount. It is separate from government fees.
• Since China joined the Apostille Convention in 2023, things are simpler. Before, companies paid a lot to legalize papers like degrees or background checks at embassies. Now, the home country puts an apostille on the papers. This is a standard fee in the home country. It is cheaper and faster than old embassy legalization. This saves money for companies and workers.

All these steps are important to get the worker to China. The company must pay attention to details here.

Medical & Settlement Costs (LSI Keywords)

When the worker arrives in China, they have 30 days to change the Z visa to a residence permit. This time has more costs, mostly for health and registration.

• The main cost is the Entry-Exit Health Exam. This is a medical check at a special clinic. Places like Beijing International Travel Healthcare Center do this. It costs between CNY 400 and CNY 700. The price changes by city and clinic. The check looks for health problems that can affect public health.
• Sometimes, if the worker did a medical check in their home country, they may only need Physical Examination Record Verification. This costs about CNY 60. But many cities want a new blood test in China. So, most people do the full check again.
• There is also Police Registration Verification. The worker must register at the local police station or use an app in 24 hours after arrival. This registration is free. But the company spends time to make sure it happens. This is a hidden cost for HR work.
• If time is short, people can pay for Expedited Health Certificate Fee. Some clinics give results in 24 hours for extra money. This helps meet the 30-day deadline for the residence permit. Without it, there can be problems.

These costs are necessary for settlement. The company should tell the worker about them early.

Also Read: Sweden Remote Worker Tax Incentives You Should Know 2026

Permit & Compliance Fees (Semantic Optimization)

After health checks, the next step is getting papers from the Public Security Bureau (PSB). This gives legal stay and work rights.

The biggest cost here is the Residence Permit Issuance Fee. It depends on how long the permit lasts:

• CNY 400 for permits less than 1 year.
• CNY 800 for permits of 1 to 3 years.
• CNY 1,000 for permits of 3 to 5 years. This is often for very skilled people in Class A Talent.

There is also the FWP Renewal Fee. This is CNY 200 each year to extend the Foreigner’s Work Permit card.

• In some big cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen, there is a Smart Biometric ID Fee. This is about CNY 50. These cities have new cards with biometrics. The cards help with fast checks at airports and trains.
• Some places have “One-Stop” Bundle Discount. In Free Trade Zones (FTZs), they combine health checks and permit fees. They give a small discount. This makes it easier and cheaper to attract workers to these areas.

These fees make the worker legal for work and stay. Companies should choose the right permit length to save money.

Risk-Related “Carry” Costs (Long-Tail Keywords)

In 2026, companies must follow rules carefully. Mistakes can cost a lot of money.

• If a permit expires, there is Overstay Administrative Fine. This is CNY 500 per day. The company, as sponsor, often pays. It can go up to CNY 10,000. There can also be blacklisting, which stops future hires.
• For workers already in China on a Business (M) visa, there is M-to-Z Conversion Fee. Some provinces allow changing status inside China. This saves flight costs. But it has higher service fees from agencies or offices.
• There is also Departure Guidance Liability. When a worker leaves, the company must cancel the visa and give a Stay Permit for last days. If not done right, it can stop the company from sponsoring new workers later.

These risks show why companies need good planning and compliance.

2026 Hiring Strategy: “The Final Bill”

In 2026, the full cost to onboard one worker is about $500 to $800. This includes all fees from application to permit. The Z visa fee is lower because of the discount. But new things like biometric cards and apostille rules add some costs. Companies should keep budget flexible. The 25% discount helps a lot. It applies to most nationalities. But base fees change by country.

The medical exam is needed for everyone. Even high-level talent must do it for public health reasons. This guide gives a clear picture of costs in 2026. Always check official sites like NIA or local offices for latest info. Rules can change. Would you like a simple table for 2026 China Visa Fee Comparison or a Step-by-Step Document Authentication Checklist? Let me know.

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Disclaimer: This article is for information and learning only. Please check with official sources like the National Immigration Administration (NIA) or government websites before any decisions on money or law.