Moving to China in 2026 offers great career growth, but the money side of the Z Visa and Work Permit can surprise you if you are not ready. Whether you are an HR manager planning costs for a new worker or an expat talking about a job move package, it is very important to know the China Sponsored Work Permit Cost in 2026. This helps make your move legal and without stress.
The biggest news for 2026 is good: China keeps the 25% visa fee discount until December 31, 2026. This discount is for the Z Visa consular fee. It makes now one of the cheapest times in many years to apply.
Baseline Costs: China Z Visa Fees for Foreigners 2026
The Z Visa is your first step to work in China. You get the real Work Permit later inside China. But first, you must get the Z Visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. Because of the extended discount policy, Z Visa fees are lower in 2026. They are cheaper than before 2023.
Here are the 2026 fees for single-entry Z Visa (with discount):
- US Citizens: $105 (was $140 before)
- UK Citizens: £113 (was £151 before)
- Canadian Citizens: CAD 75 (was CAD 100 before)
- Australian Citizens: AUD 82 (was AUD 110 before)
You also pay a service fee to the CVASC (China Visa Application Service Center). This fee is not discounted. It is usually between $50 and $100 USD. You must add this to your plan because the total is consular fee plus service fee.
Pro Tip: The main visa fee is cheaper now, but the service center fee stays the same. Always plan money for both.
Professional & Legal Fees: The “Real” Cost of Sponsorship
The real cost of a China work permit in 2026 is more than just government fees. China has very strict immigration rules. Most companies pay for a lawyer or agency to do the work. This stops mistakes and makes everything faster. Agency fees for a normal Category B work permit (Professional Talent) in 2026 are usually $500 to $1,500 USD. These fees pay for:
- Writing the Work Permit Notification Letter.
- Working with offices like the Shanghai One-Stop Service Center (or similar in other cities).
- Checking that everything follows Tier A or Tier B rules and points system.
If you do not use experts, it is easy to make mistakes. Mistakes can delay your visa or cause rejection.
Document Authentication & Legalization
Many people forget this cost. Before you apply, your degree and police clearance (criminal record) must be checked and legalized. This proves the papers are real.
The steps are:
- Notarization and Apostille in your home country: This costs $150 to $400. The price depends on your country.
- Translation into Chinese (Mandarin): This costs $50 to $150.
Together, these document costs before you leave home often go over $500 USD for one person. Start this work early because it takes time.
Employer Obligations: Beyond the Visa
If you are the employer, the cost is not only the visa. There are extra costs every month. In 2026, all foreign workers must join China’s social security system. This rule is very strict now.
- Social Security Payments in 2026: In big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen, the employer pays 27% to 35% extra on the worker’s salary for social security.
- Electronic Foreigner’s Work Permit (E-FWP): China now uses only digital permits. This is better for the environment. But companies need good computer systems to update information in the government system.
- Medical Checkup for Z Visa: After you arrive in China, you do a health check at a special clinic. This costs about 500 to 700 CNY (around $70 to $100 USD).
These extra costs are important. Talk clearly with your employer about who pays what.
2026 Policy Shifts: Fingerprint Waivers & Faster Processing
China wants more skilled people from other countries. So they make some rules easier in 2026.
- Fingerprint Waiver Extension: Until December 31, 2026, many people do not need to give fingerprints for some visas. But for long-term Z Visa, check with your local Chinese consulate. Rules can be different.
- Special Agreements like CPEC: For people under some country agreements (for example, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), the work permit cost and process can be cheaper or faster.
These changes help bring more foreign workers.
Summary Table: Total Estimated Charges & Legal Fees
Here is a simple table with estimated costs in USD:
- Government Fees (Consular Fee + Residence Permit): $150 – $250
- Legal and Agency Fees (Full Help): $500 – $1,500
- Document Legalization (Apostille): $200 – $500
- Medical and Translation Costs: $150 – $300
- GRAND TOTAL: $1,000 – $2,550
These numbers are average. Your real cost can be a little more or less. It depends on your country and city in China.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who pays the legal fees for China Work Permit?
Usually the employer pays agency fees, residence permit, and medical check in China. The worker often pays for document legalization and visa center fees at home. But you can talk and agree differently in the job contract.
Is there a fast-track fee for China visa?
Yes. Express service (2-3 days) adds about $20 to $50 USD. Urgent service (next day) adds $50 to $100 USD. Ask the visa center for exact price.
Can I change from M Visa to Work Permit inside China?
In 2026, yes for Tier A (very high-level talent) in cities like Shanghai and Beijing. You do not need to leave China. For Tier B, you usually need to leave (often go to Hong Kong or your home country) to get the Z Visa.
Ready to Start Your China Relocation?
Knowing these work permit costs is the first step to move to China. With lower visa fees in 2026, it is a good time to plan.
Always check official websites. Look at Chinese embassy pages or the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS). Rules can change, so confirm before you pay money or decide.