Home › Knowledge Hub › Permits and entry order › q03
Permits and entry order · q03/30 · English
Can I get a work permit if I entered visa-free and registered a company?
Entering visa-free and registering a company does not let you switch to work status inside China.
Visa-free excludes work: A Sanya public security reply (Aug 2026) states visa-free entry does not cover work or study.
Correct order: Obtain the Z visa at a Chinese consulate abroad, re-enter, then apply for the work-type residence permit.
Two tracks: Company registration covers the entity. A work visa covers you personally.
What most people miss: The person asking wanted to open a cafe in Sanya without leaving China — the exact question the local authority answered.
Local rules vary. Confirm current requirements with the authority before filing; outcomes rest with the authorities. This page summarises public information and hands-on experience. It is not legal advice and does not promise any approval outcome. Fees and processing times are confirmed in a written quotation.