Hey — packing for China? Before you zip up that suitcase, here's a quick reality check: the documents matter. A lot.

This is your pure checklist. No long explanations, no repeated policy talk. Just print it, grab a pen, and tick things off as you go.

Want the full story on 2026 salary rules, age limits, and policy changes? Check our earlier guide: 2026 Foreign Teacher Work Permit & Residence Policy Updates.

One heads-up: Start this at least 3 months before you plan to leave. Apostille and translation take real time.

Okay, let's get to it.

Phase 1 – Before You Leave Your Home Country

☐	Item	2026 Must‑Know
☐	Passport	Valid for entire stay + at least 2 blank visa pages
☐	Passport photos	White background, recent (6 months), no hat/glasses
☐	Bachelor's degree (or higher)	Any field OK → must be apostilled + translated into Chinese
☐	Criminal record clearance	From your home country (or long‑stay country) → also apostilled + translated
☐	TEFL/TESOL certificate	120 hours minimum, accredited provider (needed if <2 yrs experience)
☐	Work reference letters	2+ years teaching experience; on letterhead, with contact details
☐	Signed employment contract	Must show job title, salary, working hours, duration
☐	CV / resume	Month‑by‑month timeline – no gaps allowed
☐	Health exam	Can be done in China after arrival (easier, less rejection risk)

New for 2026: Degrees and criminal records now require full authentication chain (notarization → apostille → certified Chinese translation). Old shortcuts are gone. Budget 2–3 extra weeks.

Phase 2 – Z Visa Application (at Chinese embassy in your home country)

☐	Item	Note
☐	Work Permit Notification Letter	Your university emails this after document review
☐	Passport + photo + visa form	Standard embassy requirements

Z visa is single‑entry, valid 30 days. It gets you into China – not your work permit.

Phase 3 – After Arrival in China (30‑day countdown starts now)

First 24 hours

| ☐ | Temporary Residence Registration | Go to local police station (or university housing office). Keep the paper – you'll need it for everything. |

Within first 2 weeks

| ☐ | Health exam (if not done abroad) | At city's International Travel Healthcare Center. Bring passport + registration slip. |
| ☐ | Work permit application | Your university submits online. You'll get an electronic work permit (no physical card unless you ask for one). |

Within 30 days of arrival

| ☐ | Residence permit application | At local Exit‑Entry Bureau. They keep your passport for ~15‑20 working days. |

2026 Changes – Quick Summary (not in previous article)

Change	What it means for you
Apostille now mandatory	No more "choose either" flexibility. Degree + criminal record must be apostilled.
Electronic work permit	Physical "Juling Card" optional. Digital version works everywhere.
Renewal window extended	From 90 days to 120 days before expiry – more breathing room.
“One‑stop” portal	Work + residence permit can be filed together in many cities. Faster processing (~6‑15 days).
Outstanding grads waiver	Master's from Chinese (or recognized overseas) uni → no 2‑year experience needed.

Expiry Dates – Don't Let These Kill Your Application

Document	Valid for
Criminal record clearance	6 months from issue date
Health exam	6 months from issue date
Passport	Must cover your entire stay

Time your criminal record and health exam carefully. If they expire mid‑process, you start over.

Final Print‑&‑Check Sheet (one page)

Before departure

• ☐ Passport

• ☐ Photos

• ☐ Degree (apostilled + translated)

• ☐ Criminal record (apostilled + translated)

• ☐ TEFL/TESOL (if <2 yrs experience)

• ☐ Reference letters

• ☐ Signed contract

• ☐ CV (no gaps)

Z visa

• ☐ Work Permit Notification Letter

First 24h in China

• ☐ Temporary residence registration

First 2 weeks

• ☐ Health exam (if not done abroad).→ How to obtain it: See our complete guide — Foreign Teacher Health Exam: Your Simple Step‑by‑Step (including where to go, what to bring, and how to avoid invalid forms).

• ☐ Work permit (university handles)

Within 30 days

• ☐ Residence permit

Need a teaching position first? On our platform you can build your profile, upload all these documents as attachments, and let Chinese universities find you. Start your checklist – and your job search – in one place.

Disclaimer: Local rules vary. Always double‑check with your university's HR or international office.