How can foreigners work legally in Shanghai?The full process of legal work for foreigners in Shanghai: Two paths from abroad to within the country and a guide to obtaining work permits and residence permits -- Work and Employment
⑴ The process for foreigners to enter the country with a work visa while abroad:
Permission Notice - Work Visa (Chinese Embassies or consulates Abroad) - Entry - Application for Permit - Work Residence Permit (Entry and Exit)
(2) Foreigners already in the country: Applicants who have entered the country and meet certain conditions can directly apply for a permit within the country: Apply for a Permit - Work Residence Permit (Entry and Exit)
Or: Permit Notice - Work Residence Permit (Entry and Exit) - Apply for a permit
Permission Notice - Work Visa (Chinese Embassies or consulates Abroad) - Entry - Application for Permit - Work Residence Permit (Entry and Exit)
(2) Foreigners already in the country: Applicants who have entered the country and meet certain conditions can directly apply for a permit within the country: Apply for a Permit - Work Residence Permit (Entry and Exit)
Or: Permit Notice - Work Residence Permit (Entry and Exit) - Apply for a permit
Systematically sort out the two legal paths for foreigners to work legally in Shanghai and the latest facilitation measures, helping foreign nationals and employers choose the best processing plan based on their actual situations. This article clarifies the basic sequence of the application path abroad: First, the employer applies for the "Notice of Work Permit for Foreigners in China", and then applies for a work visa (Z type) at the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad based on the notice to enter the country. After entering the country, a new version of the work permit integrated with the social security card is applied for, and then an application for a work-related residence permit is made to the Exit and Entry Administration department. Those who have entered the country and meet the requirements can directly apply for work permits and work-related residence permits within the territory of Shanghai, further simplifying the application process. The "Two-Document Joint Processing" service launched by Shanghai's "Single Window for Foreigners' Work and Residence in China" features simultaneous acceptance and parallel approval of work permits and residence permits, with a commitment to shorten the processing time to 7 working days, achieving "one-window acceptance and simultaneous issuance of certificates". Starting from December 2024, the foreigner work permit has been integrated with the social security card. Physical work permits will no longer be issued, and relevant information will be loaded onto the electronic social security card. The processing entry can be submitted online through the "One-Stop Online Service" efficient One-Stop service zone or the national Human resources and Social Security government Service platform (www.12333.gov.cn). Specific material requirements and approval time limits can be checked by logging into the system or calling the 12367 service platform for consultation.

