Foreigner Work Permits in China: 2026 Salary Floors and the Z Visa Path

Stricter salary thresholds took effect in February 2026 after the National Immigration Administration ended pandemic-era flexibility. Beijing now requires ¥71,622 monthly salary for Category A and ¥47,748 for Category B; Shanghai requires ¥74,604 and ¥49,736. The portal blocks any application that falls even ¥1 short. Most foreign teachers, engineers, and corporate staff still qualify for Category B through the points track, scoring 60+ from age, education, and experience. Working in China still demands three documents: a Z visa stamped abroad, a Foreigner's Work Permit issued onshore, and a Residence Permit applied for within 30 days of entry. Tourist L visas and business M visas cannot be converted into work status; doing paid work on either risks deportation and a 5-year ban. Teaching English remains the easiest entry, but the role now requires a TEFL certificate from an approved provider, a clean police check, and a bachelor's degree authenticated through CDGDC. Tech and marketing hires face heavier scrutiny because employers must prove no qualified Chinese candidate exists. Budget around ¥20,000 for landing costs before your first paycheck. Confirm city-specific rules at the local Exit-Entry Bureau before signing the contract.