Will I require a Teaching License China?

Although not always required to be employed in the position of entry-level Public School Teaching China or training centers, a government-issued Teaching License China (or other relevant national qualification) is a great asset. It has the ability to waive the two year experience requirement and boost your score high enough to be eligible in the much coveted Category A.

Does it still have the Foreign Expert Certificate?

No. The Foreign Expert Certificate is a term of the past. In 2017 it has been superseded by the unified China Foreigner Work Permit (FWP), consolidating the procedure regarding all Foreign Teachers China.

What is the largest red flag of the authorities?

The greatest violation is working with an unsuitable visa (such as L-visa as a tourist or M-visa as a business). The law enforcers are on high alert and this may attract instant penalties, imprisonment, deportation and a ban of up to 10 years before re-entry. Always make sure the status is the legal Z-visa / Residence Permit.

China’s Work Permit for Foreign Teachers

Considering taking part in the China English Teacher Job Market? To obtain your legal residence, you will have to go through the single China Foreigner Work Permit (FWP) system and the necessary China Z Visa of Teachers. The Chinese government has strictly followed the requirements of Foreign Teachers China Requirements 2025 and therefore all the requirements are observed to the letter with a focus on high-quality education and compliance.

The Essential conditions of foreign teacher in China

The applicants to the China Work Permit of Teachers must have specific requirements as stipulated by the SAFEA (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs) to make sure that they fit in the Classification of Work Permit that is B (Professional Talent).

Compulsory Qualifications

Nationality and Language: You must be a native speaker of English (or near-native speaking another subject) and a citizen of an approved country (e.g. UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa). You should only teach the language that is your native language.
Education: Must possess a Bachelor of Degree (in any subject)
Certification: Have a TEFL/TESOL Certificate Validity China (A normal of 120+ hours).
Experience: Must have had full-time, two years of experience in a related field. Exemptions: this experience requirement is frequently exempted in case you have a degree in Education, English, Pedagogy or in the case that you have a national teaching qualification or a recognized international teaching license.
Age Requirement of Foreign Teachers China: This has to be usually between 18 and 60 years.
Health and Character: Healthy (need a Medical Checkup to enter China Visa) and with a clear Criminal Record Check China (authenticated/apostled within the past 6 months)

The Two-Part Visa/ Permit Process

Legal employment in China involves two steps; firstly, acquiring the Z- Visa to enter China followed by the second step, which is to acquire the Work Permit and Residence Permit upon arrival.

Pre-Entry (Obtaining the Z- Visa )

Obtain a Approved Job: Sign a School Accreditation China School Approved Job Offer Letter.
Employer Sponsorship: The employer is applying to the local Foreign Experts Bureau to get the Work Permit Notification Letter. This is the most important document and it is the evidence of Sponsorship China Teacher Visa. This notification requires a visit to China and its processing time varies between 2 and 4 weeks to process.
Application of Z- Visa: You apply to the China Z Visa Program: Teachers at the closest Chinese embassy or the consulate in another country with the help of Have the Work Permit Notification and the official Invitation Letter. This is a single-entry visa, which normally grants a 30 day stay.

Post-Entry (Obtaining Legal Residence)

Z-Visa is just an entry permit; the steps to complete your legal position are:
Compulsory Medical Examination: Have a complete check-up at a medical institution that is registered in China.
Apply for Foreigner Work Permit (FWP): Within 15 days of arrival, your employer submits an application of the physical China Foreigner Work Permit (FWP) card, in lieu of the Notification Letter.
Apply to P.R.C. Residence Permit: You then apply at the local PSB Entry-Exit Administration Public Security Bureau. This permit will turn the Z-Visa into multi-entry permit which will legally permit you to stay and work in the country up to the expiry of the permit (typically a 1 year permit).

Work Permit Group and Remuneration

China has a points system in which foreign workers are categorized into 3 levels (Category A, B, C), which are under the FWP system. The majority of foreign teachers belong to the Category B (Professional Talents).

Category A (High-End Talents): The category is used in case of highly talented experts that have scored 85 points and above. Benefits encompass expedited processing and casual age regulations.
B (Professional Talents): This is the most common category of a qualified teacher with the necessary score of 60-85 points. It is in this where most of the qualified teachers find themselves.
Category C (Ordinary Foreigners): Under the quota system and limited to low skill or seasonal work (not in most cases foreign language teachers).

Minimal Salary Chinese Work Permit

Although minimum local standards of salary have to be met, points-based system tends to reward increased salaries. In the case of Category B, the possibility of earning at least four times the local average wage last year will significantly add to your points and is in many cases a condition to getting the permit in large cities.

Status Persistence and Transformation

Renewal of China Work Permit: The permits last one year and are to be renewed 30 days to the expiry date. This is done by the employer who ensures that the contract has been valid and you are not violating the FWP requirements.
Changing the status of residence in China (Job Change): In case of a change of employer, you have to request your previous school to issue a release letter and release you to seek a new work permit and residence permit under the new employer. Do not dare to work with a new employer without permission; it is a breach of your visa.
Dependant Visa China: E-7 holders can request their spouse and unmarried children under 20 to be sponsored on an S1 (long-term) or S2 (short-term) Dependant Visa China.

FAQs

Will I require a Teaching License China?

Although not always required to be employed in the position of entry-level Public School Teaching China or training centers, a government-issued Teaching License China (or other relevant national qualification) is a great asset. It has the ability to waive the two year experience requirement and boost your score high enough to be eligible in the much coveted Category A.
Does it still have the Foreign Expert Certificate?

No. The Foreign Expert Certificate is a term of the past. In 2017 it has been superseded by the unified China Foreigner Work Permit (FWP), consolidating the procedure regarding all Foreign Teachers China.
What is the largest red flag of the authorities?

The greatest violation is working with an unsuitable visa (such as L-visa as a tourist or M-visa as a business). The law enforcers are on high alert and this may attract instant penalties, imprisonment, deportation and a ban of up to 10 years before re-entry. Always make sure the status is the legal Z-visa / Residence Permit.

Final Thoughts

The Chinese government maintains high standards for Foreign Teachers China Requirements 2025 to secure quality education. Success hinges on working with a reputable, licensed school that can guarantee Sponsorship China Teacher Visa and preparing your documents meticulously for Degree Attestation China. By adhering strictly to the China Work Visa Application Process and securing both the Z-Visa and the P.R.C. Residence Permit, you can look forward to a rewarding and legal career teaching in China.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Please verify all visa requirements, document authentication procedures, and application processes directly from the official websites of the Chinese Embassy, Consulate, and the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA) before applying.