Are you planning to hire workers from other countries to work in China this year? China is the second biggest economy in the world. Bringing foreign talent to China can help your business grow. But the cost of sponsoring a visa is more than just the basic visa fee. In 2026, there are new rules about digital systems and changes in social security that affect the total cost. This guide explains all the main costs in simple words. It helps companies, big or small, know the real price of hiring a foreign worker. You will see the direct fees and also the hidden costs that many people forget.
Direct Government & Processing Fees (for Normal Companies)
In 2026, the costs for a China work visa (called Z visa) follow a system with different levels. The government fees are lower now, but there are still other fixed costs for handling and digital steps.
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) keeps a 25% Consular Fee Discount until the end of December 2026. This discount applies to many nationalities. It makes the standard Z visa much cheaper than before 2024. This helps both the worker and the employer save money on the visa application at the Chinese embassy or consulate.
Before the worker goes to the embassy, the employer must pay a Foreigner’s Work Permit (FWP) Notification Fee. This is a digital fee paid through the online Management System for Foreigners Working in China. The employer does this step first to get approval.
After the worker arrives in China, the Z visa changes to a Residence Permit. The Residence Permit Issuance Fee is between CNY 400 and CNY 1,000. It depends on how long the permit lasts:
- CNY 400 for permits less than 1 year.
- CNY 800 for permits from 1 to 3 years.
- CNY 1,000 for longer or multi-year permits. These are often for high-level talent (Class A).
Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) charge extra handling fees. These are not part of the 25% discount. You should plan for about USD 30 to USD 100 per person for these services.
If you need the process faster, there is an Urgent Processing Surcharge. This “Green Channel” adds CNY 150 to CNY 300 to the basic cost. It is useful when you need to hire someone quickly.
These direct fees are the first part of the cost. But they are only the start. The real total is higher because of other steps.
Employer Compliance & “Soft” Costs
Sponsoring a worker in 2026 costs more than just government fees. Checking documents and following rules takes time and money. This part is often slow and expensive.
- China follows the Apostille Convention. This makes it easier and cheaper to check foreign degrees and criminal records. Before, it was hard and costly. Now, you pay about USD 20 to USD 50 per document in the worker’s home country. This is for apostille stamps that prove the documents are real.
- Every sponsored worker must do a Mandatory Entry-Exit Health Exam. This costs CNY 400 to CNY 700. The worker goes to a special center, like the Beijing International Travel Healthcare Center. They get a “Verification Certificate” that is needed for the permit.
- In 2026, rules say foreign employment contracts need Certified Digital Translation. These translations must have QR codes. Only approved agencies can do this. It ensures the Bureau of Foreign Experts Affairs accepts them.
- Some provinces also charge a Foreigner’s Archive Management Fee. This is for keeping the worker’s digital personnel file up to date. It is an extra administrative cost.
These soft costs add up. They are important for following the law. If you skip them, it can cause big problems later.
Also Read: USA Expat Worker Tax Relief Tips 2026
The “Hidden” Liability: Social Security
The biggest cost in 2026 is not the visa fee. It is the monthly social security payments. This is the “carry” cost that continues every month.
- Employers must pay Social Insurance Employer Contribution. This is 30% to 40% of the worker’s base salary. There is a cap based on the average salary in the city. It covers pension, medical care, unemployment, work injury, and maternity. The employer pays most of this.
- Some countries have Social Security Exemption Treaties with China. If the worker is from Germany, South Korea, Canada, or other treaty countries, they may not pay some contributions for a certain time. This can lower your total cost a lot.
- In 2026, there is a Unified Tax Portal for Individual Income Tax (IIT). The employer must withhold tax from the worker’s salary and pay it. If you make mistakes, there can be audits and big penalties. These fines can be much more than the visa cost.
Social security is mandatory in most cities for foreign workers. It adds a large amount to the monthly salary expense. Always check the rules in your city because they can change.
Risk & Administrative Management
Ending the sponsorship is as important as starting it. If you do not handle the exit well, it can cost a lot.
- When the worker leaves the job, you must do Visa Cancellation & Departure Fees. This closes the work permit correctly. If you forget, your company can get blacklisted. Then you cannot sponsor any more foreign workers.
- If the worker’s status changes while in China, you may need a Stay Permit (M Visa) Conversion Cost. This bridge visa keeps everything legal during the change.
- If a worker overstays, there are Overstay Liability & Fines. The fine is CNY 500 per day. The employer is responsible for helping the worker leave. Overstay can also hurt your company’s reputation.
- In some Free Trade Zones (FTZs) like Hainan, there is a “One-Stop” Bundle Fee. This one payment covers the Work Permit and Residence Permit. It makes things simpler for HR teams.
Good management avoids these risks. Plan the full process from start to end.
Conclusion: Planning Your 2026 Budget
In 2026, the basic visa fee is small compared to the full sponsorship cost. For a normal professional worker, expect to pay CNY 5,000 to CNY 8,000 at the start for all processing fees. Then, every month, social insurance can add 30% or more to the salary cost.
The total cost depends on the city, the worker’s salary, and if there are exemptions. Always check the latest rules from official places like the National Immigration Administration (NIA) or local offices. Things can change, so talk to experts or use trusted sources before you decide.
This guide gives you the main details to help with your budget. Do you want a simple “2026 China Sponsorship Budget Template” or a list comparing social insurance costs in different provinces? Let me know and I can help more.
Disclaimer: This is for information and learning only. Please check with official government websites or trusted sources before making any decisions about money or law.