Why the China Z Visa Is Best Option for China Internships

December 29, 2025

Which visas are not suitable for a China Internship?

Because internships involve work and work-related activities, they are treated as employment under Chinese immigration law. According to official Chinese government sources, lawful work in China requires a Z visa, a Foreigner’s Work Permit, and a work-type residence permit. This would automatically exclude those on the following visas from legally undertaking an internship in China:

The F (Visitor) Visa

The F visa is a non-commercial visa for foreigners entering China for exchanges, visits, or study tours. As it does not include work authorisation or permit income-generating activities, it cannot be used for employment or internships, which by nature involve work and remuneration. According to the Beijing Authorities, a person in possession of an F visa cannot obtain an Employment Permit (Electronic Social Security Card) or Work-Type Residence which are mandatory for work in China.

The M (Business) Visa

The China Business Visa (M visa) is issued to foreigners for commercial and trade activities, such as visiting clients, attending trade fairs, and meeting business partners — not for employment. In addition, on most China business (M) visas, holders can stay in China for a limited period (often 30–120 days per visit), and if longer continuous time in the country is needed, travelers may need to exit and re-enter or apply for an extension. The M Visa cannot be directly converted to a residence permit in China.

The L (Tourist) Visa

The China L Visa (Tourist Visa) is for foreigners visiting China for sightseeing, tourism, or visiting friends/relatives, allowing for short stays (often 30-90 days).

The X1 and X2 (Study) Visas

The X1 visa permits study exceeding 180 days, while the X2 visa is limited to study periods of less than 180 days. In some regions of China, students may apply for permission to engage in part-time work; however, this involves additional administrative requirements.

Such permission can only be applied for after arrival in China and requires formal approval and official documentation from the university or college, the employer, immigration and, in some cases, the municipal authorities. Another potential issue is that not all educational institutions or employers are authorised or willing to support applications for part-time work or internships.

Why the Z Visa Is the Best Option for a China Internship

The Z visa is widely regarded as the gold standard for internships and work-related activities in China. The key benefits of holding a Z visa for an internship include the following:

Internships are on-the-job and involve work. Holding a Z visa makes an intern eligible to obtain a Foreigner’s Employment (Work) Permit and a work-type residence permit, which together provide a clear legal basis for working in China, as outlined in the Shanghai Municipal Government’s official guidance on work permits and residence permits:
Legal remuneration. The Z visa, when combined with the Employment Permit and work-type residence permit, allows interns to legally receive remuneration during their internship. The L, M, F, Q, and X visas do not permit holders to receive remuneration.
Long-term stay without visa runs. While the initial Z visa issued by the nearest Chinese Embassy is typically valid for 30 days, it is converted after arrival in China into a work-type residence permit, usually valid for up to one year. This allows interns to remain in China continuously for up to 12 months without the need to exit and re-enter the country or apply for repeated extensions, unlike holders of other visa types such as the M, L, or F visas.
Holders of a Z visa can obtain a one-year work-type residence permit, enabling them to open bank accounts, access healthcare services, and secure long-term housing in China.
With a Z visa and a valid work-type residence permit, holders may enter and exit China as many times as they wish during the validity period of the residence permit, without needing to apply for a new visa.

Why the China International Leadership Programme Is the Best Internship in China

The China International Leadership Programme offers applicants Z visa sponsorship, a work-type residence permit, and an Employment Permit (Electronic Social Security Card), allowing participants to legally work and receive remuneration in China.

In addition, the programme’s HSK-aligned Mandarin language lessons and immersion are delivered as work-related activities, supporting participants in carrying out the teaching and internship components more effectively and enabling clear, professional communication within a Chinese working environment.