Moving to China for a job is a big step in life. It can bring new experiences and good opportunities. But before you start working and get your first salary in Chinese money (RMB), you need to pay some costs yourself. These are called out-of-pocket expenses. Your employer usually takes care of the company papers and sponsorship. However, you must pay for your personal documents, checks, and other things to follow China’s rules.
In 2026, things have changed a little because of new policies. China is now part of the Apostille Convention. This makes some document checks easier and cheaper. Also, there is a continuing discount on visa fees for some people. This simple guide explains all the costs you may need to pay in 2026. It helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises.
The 2026 Applicant Entry Costs
The first costs happen in your home country. You apply for the Z visa (work visa) at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. The price depends on where you come from and how fast you need the visa.
- Consular Visa Fee (Z Visa) For US citizens, the fee is about $140 for a single-entry work visa. This lower price comes from a discount policy that started in 2023 and continues until the end of 2026. For people from other countries, the fee can be much less because of agreements between countries. It can be as low as $23 to $45. Always check the latest fee on the official Chinese embassy website because it can change based on your nationality.
- Visa Center Service Fee (CVASC) Most people do not go directly to the embassy. They use a helper center like CVASC or VFS Global. This center charges a service fee for handling your papers. The fee is usually between $30 and $100. This fee does not get any discount. It is extra on top of the consular fee.
- Express and Rush Surcharges If you need your visa very fast, you can pay more for quick service. For example, if you want it in 2-3 business days, you may pay an extra $25 to $37. Normal processing takes about 4 working days. Choose express only if your job start date is close.
- Biometric Exemption Policy Good news for 2026! Many people applying for Z visa do not need to go in person for fingerprinting. This new rule saves time and money. If you live far from the visa center, you do not have to travel and pay for hotel or transport. This makes the process easier for everyone.
Personal Documentation and Logistics
Before China accepts your application, your papers must be ready for their system. This step is important. Many people forget these costs and spend more than they plan.
- Apostille Convention Certification China joined the Apostille Convention in late 2023. This is a big change! Before, you needed to get embassy legalization. That was slow and very expensive. Now, you just get an Apostille sticker on your important documents in your home country. Documents like your degree certificate and police check (criminal record) need this. The fee for each document is small, usually $20 to $50. This saves both time and money compared to the old way.
- Certified Chinese Translation Your documents must be in English or Chinese. If they are in another language, you need official translation. In 2026, many places in China ask for digital translations with QR codes. These are easy to check online. Translation costs depend on the number of pages and the language. It can add some extra money to your budget. Always use a good translator so there are no mistakes.
- NIA Photo Specification Compliance You need special photos for your application. Do not use normal selfies or passport photos. The photos must follow strict rules from the National Immigration Administration (NIA). Rules include: white background, no jewelry, face size in specific pixels, and good quality. Go to a professional photo studio. This small cost is necessary. A bad photo can delay your application.
Post-Arrival Settlement Fees
After you arrive in China, you have 30 days to finish everything for your residence permit. These fees are paid in China, usually in cash or by card at the office.
- Residence Permit Conversion Fee You pay this at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB). For a normal 1-year permit, it costs about CNY 400. If you are a high-level talent (Category A), you can get a longer permit for up to CNY 1,000. This permit lets you live and work legally in China.
- Entry-Exit Health Certificate You must do a health check at a special hospital or center in China. This is called the Entry-Exit Health Certificate. The cost is usually CNY 400 to 600. Sometimes, even if you did a health check in your home country, China wants you to do it again or pay for verification. This is a common step for all new workers.
- Accommodation Registration (Police Registration) When you arrive, you must tell the police where you live within 24 hours. This registration is free if you do it on time. But if you forget or do it late, you can get a fine up to CNY 2,000. This is a hidden cost that comes from not planning well. Many hotels do this for you if you stay there first.
- Smart ID Card Surcharge In big cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen, they give a new biometric residence card in 2026. There may be a small extra fee of about CNY 50. This card is like your ID in China.
Specialized Applicant Scenarios
Your situation can change the costs. Here are some special cases.
- Family Dependant S Visa Fees If your family comes with you on S visa (dependant visa), each person pays their own fees. This includes the consular visa fee in your home country and the residence permit fee in China (usually CNY 400 each).
- M-to-Z Conversion Penalty Some people enter China first on a Business (M) visa. Then they change it to Work (Z) visa inside China. This is possible in some places, but it can cost extra. You may pay a penalty or surcharge for changing status.
- Regional Service Bundle Discounts Some special areas in China want more foreign workers. In Free Trade Zones like Hainan or Pudong, they offer discounts. For example, you can pay one price for the health check plus residence permit together. This saves some money. Check if your city has these offers.
2026 Personal Visa Budget Tracker
Here is a simple example budget for a US citizen in 2026:
- Home country documents (Apostille, photos, translation): about $150
- Visa and center fees (consular + service + possible express): about $220
- China settlement fees (health check + PSB permit): about $120 (around CNY 800)
Total estimated out-of-pocket cost: around $490
This is just an example. Your real cost can be higher or lower. It depends on your country, how fast you need things, and if you have family.
These costs are important to know before you move. Plan your money early. Keep some extra for unexpected things.
Disclaimer: This article is for information and education only. Prices and rules can change. Please check the official websites like the National Immigration Administration (NIA) or your local Chinese Embassy before you pay or make decisions.