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Permits and entry order · q05/30 · English
Can I start working right away on a business visa?
A business visa does not authorise employment. The visa category has to match the activity.
Two documents needed: Working in China requires a work permit and a work-type residence permit.
Category matters: A mismatch between visa purpose and actual activity affects the later residence permit route.
In-country switch?: Whether conversion is possible depends on your current visa and local practice — confirm before filing.
What most people miss: The usual problem is not a refusal. It is discovering the wrong entry visa after the itinerary is fixed.
Practice differs by district. Confirm with the local exit-entry authority before filing; we give no conclusion on individual cases here. 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.