We provide end-to-end agency services for foreign employees and employers in China, covering work-type residence permit extension, work permit extension and business visa (M visa) extension, ensuring legal stay and avoiding overstay risks.
1. Work-Type Residence Permit Extension
Applicable to: Foreign employees already holding a work-type residence permit who need to continue working in China.
Time limit: Application must be filed with the exit-entry administration of the public security bureau at or above the county level where the residence is located 30 days before the current permit expires. We proactively remind clients to ensure sufficient preparation time.
Core documents (we assist in preparing and reviewing):
• Valid passport and the original work-type residence permit
• Foreigner’s Visa/Stay/Residence Permit Application Form
• Valid Foreigner’s Work Permit (or electronic screenshot)
• Official letter from the employer (including proof of employment and reasons for extension)
• Copy of the employer’s business licence (stamped)
• Employment contract or proof of appointment (covering the extension period)
• Registration Form of Temporary Accommodation for Aliens
Agency support: We assist employers in compiling documents, making appointments, and accompanying clients to the counter. For eligible clients (e.g., good compliance record, repeated extensions), we may submit the application on their behalf.
Extension period reference:
• General foreign employees: 1-2 years
• Foreign high-end talents (Category A): up to 5 years
Note: Residence permit extension is conditional on a valid work permit. If the work permit is about to expire, please apply for work permit extension first (at least 30 days before its expiry, filed with the foreign experts administration).
2. Work Permit Extension (Prerequisite)
A valid work permit is required before applying for work-type residence permit extension. We also provide work permit extension agency services for employers:
• Submit online extension application through the “Foreigners Working in China Management System”
• Assist in preparing supporting documents: employment contract, salary payment records, tax certificates, etc.
• Time limit: application must be filed 30 days before the work permit expires.
3. Business Visa (M Visa) Extension
Applicable to: Foreigners who entered China with an M visa for short-term business activities and need to extend their stay.
Time limit: Application must be filed with the exit-entry administration of the public security bureau at or above the county level where the stay is located 7 days before the visa stay period expires.
Core documents (we assist in preparing):
• Official letter from the inviting/hosting unit (explaining purpose of extension and itinerary)
• Registration certificate of the inviting unit (if not already registered)
• Valid passport and M visa
Maximum extension: up to 180 days, and the total extended period may not exceed the original authorised stay.
4. Dependant Visa for Foreign Employees (S Visa) Extension
Applicable to: Accompanying family members (spouse, children, parents, etc.) holding S1 or S2 visas.
Time limit: For S2 visa, application must be filed 7 days before the stay period expires. For S1, the holder must convert to a residence permit within 30 days after entry, and the extension application should be filed 30 days before that residence permit expires.
Core documents (we assist in preparing):
• Official letter from the visited employee
• Employee’s work-type residence permit and work permit
• Family relationship certificate (requires notarisation/apostille)
• Valid passport and visa
Maximum extension: S2 visa can be extended up to 180 days each time; the residence permit converted from S1 is usually valid for the same period as the employee’s work residence permit.
5. Overstay Handling and Risk Prevention
• We establish a dedicated compliance file for each client, proactively reminding 45 days before residence permit expiry, 30 days before work permit expiry, and 7 days before business visa expiry.
• If overstay has already occurred, we assist the client in providing explanations (e.g., force majeure, medical certificates) to the exit-entry administration to seek lenient treatment.
• Under Article 78 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law, aliens who illegally overstay shall be given a warning; if the circumstances are serious, they shall be fined RMB 500 per day of illegal stay (up to RMB 10,000) or detained for 5-15 days.
If you need further information about work visa extension, residence permit extension or business visa extension, please contact us.
Founded in 2005, Finerise Consultants has been committed to company registration management, offshore company registration, overseas investment services, foreign investment services, financial and tax agency consulting, intellectual property agency and other fields. Provide relevant professional, fast, intimate, thoughtful, safe, cost-effective services, and be your trustworthy partner! Welcome to consult!
Brilliance Consultants International Limited Guangzhou Finerise Management & Consultants Co., Ltd. Guangzhou Finerise Intellectual Property Service Co., Ltd Guangzhou Finerise Management & Consultants Co., Ltd.Foshan Branch
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