Job Discussion Forums

parnett · Joined: 29 Jun 2012 Posts: 179 Location: China

I have checked this out on the Internet, and the answers are somewhat vague. Perhaps you readers who are currently espoused can help.
If I marry a Chinese woman, what is my legal status in China? Do I still have to go through the BS with the Z visa and then the residency visa?
What about the Foreign Expert's Certificate?

xiguagua · Joined: 09 Oct 2011 Posts: 768

If you can't get permanent resident status then yes, you still need to get the visas and junk. AFAIK though, getting permanent residency is a HUGE pain in the butt because China simply does not want to give it to people.

muffintop · Joined: 07 Jan 2013 Posts: 803

xiguagua is correct, let me just expand on it a bit.

To work you'll need to come over on a Z and convert it to an RP and obtain your FEC once in country. Which you know. On your RP under <Reason> it will say WORK. This has absolutely nothing to do with your marriage. As far as work is concerned your marriage does not come into the picture. It is the same as if you are unmarried. Same headaches, same restrictions, same release letters, and all that jazz.

You can get a different RP..well...same RP but the reason will be stated as FAMILY. This has no relation to your job and does not entitle you to legally obtain employment. 12 month duration multiple entry.

Being married to a Chinese citizen grants you....nothing really. You can get a spousal RP but can't work on it and you do not get any more rights than a random backpacker.

Not that I would encourage anyone to work under anything but the proper visa but....wow I imagine it would be much less of a hassle...