Immigration Service Overview
GEI Immigration Services provides full-lifecycle regulatory-compliant immigration and cross-border mobility solutions for foreign executives, professionals, investors, and multinational teams stationed in mainland China and Hong Kong SAR. Strictly aligned with national exit-entry administration laws, foreign talent work regulations and permanent residence management policies, our services standardise all foreign identity filings, short-term business entries, long-term work residency, China green card applications, and Hong Kong resident identity planning. We eliminate common immigration violations, administrative penalties and record irregularities frequently encountered by foreign-invested enterprises and expatriate personnel.
Standardised Regulatory Compliance for Foreign Entry & Stay
All foreign personnel entry, residence and employment activities in mainland China are governed by the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC, the Regulations on the Administration of Foreigners’ Work in China, and official SAFEA & Exit-Entry Bureau implementation rules.
Core Definitive Regulatory Rule (Critical for All Foreign Personnel)
Only the official work visa + work permit + residence permit system qualifies for legal long-term stay, residence and paid employment in mainland China.Short-term business visas (M Visa), tourist visas and visitor status are legally defined for temporary inbound activities only. Under current immigration administrative provisions, business visas cannot be used for long-term residency, on-site regular work, salaried employment or extended stationing. Unauthorized long-term stay or working on non-work visa status constitutes illegal residence and illegal employment, resulting in fines, record penalties and future entry restrictions.
We standardise the entire foreign entry system, separating short-term commercial visit arrangements from formal long-term work residency status to maintain 100% compliant immigration records for FDI company teams.
Full-Spectrum Foreign Identity & Residency Application Services
We cover all mainstream foreign identity application categories required by multinational enterprises and overseas professionals operating in China.
Our service scope includes formal Z-class work visa packaging, foreign talent work permit grading assessment, residence permit application, amendment and annual extension, and compliant M-class business visa invitation filing for cross-border business visits. Beyond routine visa processing, we support high-value long-term residency qualification evaluation and documentation arrangement for China Foreign Permanent Resident Identity Card (Chinese Green Card) applications, targeting eligible foreign executives, senior technical talent and long-term foreign investors.
We also provide systematic consulting and document preparation for Hong Kong resident identity programmes, matching cross-border talent mobility, family settlement and long-term regional development planning for global employees and investment principals.
Long-Term Cross-Border Mobility Risk Control & Value Protection
Immigration compliance is a core component of FDI corporate governance and global HR risk management. Irregular visa status, overdue stay records, mismatched employment credentials or undocumented inbound activities will directly affect enterprise foreign talent quota qualification, future executive entry approval, tax residency recognition and company official credit filing status.
We establish continuous immigration compliance monitoring and pre-review mechanisms for foreign teams, ensuring all visa types, stay durations, employment scopes and identity documents strictly match regulatory requirements. By standardising document notarisation, authentication, official filing and authority liaison procedures, we avoid application rejection, supplementary material delays and administrative penalties.
Our systematic immigration governance stabilises long-term onshore residency legitimacy for foreign core talent, supports sustained cross-border business travel, optimises regional cross-border mobility layouts between mainland China and Hong Kong, and provides solid compliance support for long-term foreign investment operation and talent retention strategies.
Seamless Immigration Services for Global Mobility
China Work Visa
Full-cycle Z visa and work permit processing for compliant, long-term employment and residency in mainland China.
Chinese Business Visa Application
Compliant M visa application and invitation services for short-term business visits, meetings, and inspections.
China Green Card
Expert consulting for the China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, securing indefinite residency and broader rights for eligible top talent.
Hong Kong Permanent Residency Application
Application support for Hong Kong talent schemes (e.g., TTPS, QMAS), enabling regional mobility and a foothold in the Greater Bay Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Work Visa allows entry into China for employment purposes. A Work Permit is the official authorization that allows a foreigner to work legally after arriving in China.
The initial visa is typically for entry purposes. After arrival, it is converted into a residence permit, which is usually valid for one year and can be renewed.
Yes. However, your current work permit must be canceled or transferred, and your new employer must sponsor a new work permit application.
The strongest demand is currently found in:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- International Trade
- Education
- Renewable Energy
- Advanced Manufacturing
Yes. Foreign investors who actively manage a registered Chinese company may qualify for a work permit and residence permit.
China does not currently have a dedicated startup visa similar to some countries. However, entrepreneurs can establish a company and obtain a work permit through their business operations.
Foreign nationals who meet certain investment, employment, or residency requirements may be eligible to apply for permanent residency, commonly known as the China Green Card.
China classifies foreign workers into three categories: A, B, and C.
Class A is designed for highly skilled professionals, senior executives, and top talent. Applicants in this category often enjoy simplified procedures and faster approvals.
Popular cities include:
- Shanghai
- Shenzhen
- Suzhou
- Hangzhou
- Chengdu
- Guangzhou
These cities offer strong international communities, modern infrastructure, and convenient business environments.
Yes. A legally registered WFOE can sponsor work permits and residence permits for qualified foreign employees and company executives.
The most common route is to establish a WFOE, obtain the necessary business licenses, and apply for a work permit through the company.
China continues to attract entrepreneurs because of its:
- Large consumer market
- Manufacturing ecosystem
- Strong supply chains
- Growing technology sector
- Access to global trade opportunities
