Every foreign teacher coming to China needs a health exam. That's just the rule.The good news? It's straightforward, affordable, and easy to pass for most people.

This guide covers everything you need to know — whether you're just starting your job search or already packing.

Who Needs This Exam?

Pretty much every foreign teacher coming to work in China for a year or longer.

The health exam is required for both your Z visa application (in some cases) and definitely for your work‑type residence permit after you arrive. You can't skip it.

The good news: most people pass with no issues. As long as you don't have certain communicable diseases, you're good to go.

Two Options: Exam in China vs. Exam in Your Home Country

You can get it done either after you arrive in China or before you leave your home country. Both work, but the process is a little different.

▶ Option 1: Do It in China (Recommended)

This is what most foreign teachers do. It's simpler and saves you from extra paperwork.

After you arrive in China, go to the International Travel Healthcare Center in your city. Just search "[city name] + International Travel Healthcare Center" on a map app.

What to bring:

• Original passport

• 2 passport‑style photos (white background, 4.5×3.5cm)

• Your phone (you can pay via Alipay/WeChat)

How long it takes: About 1–2 hours at the center

When you get results: Usually 4 business days later. You can pick them up or have them mailed.

Cost: Around 500 RMB (roughly $70 USD)

The doctors fill out the official form. If everything says "normal," you're done.

▶ Option 2: Do It in Your Home Country (Possible, but More Work)

You can also complete the exam before you leave for China. However, after you arrive, you'll still need to take that overseas report to a local Health Center for verification.

A few important notes:

• The medical form must be filled out in Chinese or English.

• Check with your local Chinese embassy for a list of approved medical institutions in your country.

• Attach all original documents: X‑ray report, ECG report, lab results, etc.

• The exam must be done at a public hospital. If you use a private hospital, you'll need extra notarization.

▷ Photo rule (important): Wherever you do the exam, your photo must be physically glued to the form AND stamped by the hospital (with the stamp crossing the edge of the photo). No stamp = invalid form.

Validity reminder: Your exam results are valid for 6 months from the issue date. Time it carefully so it doesn't expire before your work permit application.See also: 2026 Foreign Teacher Document Checklist (Quick Reference).

The "Promise Letter" Shortcut (No Need to Rush)

Here's something many teachers don't know: you don't actually need to complete the health exam before you apply for your Work Permit Notification Letter.

China allows a "commitment system" (容缺受理). You can sign a simple promise letter saying you'll complete the exam after arrival, and your university can submit the rest of your application.

That means you can land in China, settle into your apartment, and then do the exam at your own pace — no rushing before your flight.

Ask your university's HR office for the promise letter template. They handle this all the time.For more on work permit procedures: 2026 Foreign Teacher Work Permit & Residence Policy Updates: What You Need to Know.

What Exactly Do They Check?

Nothing scary. It's basically the same as a regular physical exam.

Category	Items
Physical exam	Heart, lungs, abdomen, ENT, eyes
Imaging	Chest X‑ray
Heart	ECG (electrocardiogram)
Ultrasound	Abdominal (liver, gallbladder, kidneys, etc.)
Blood tests	HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B & C, complete blood count, liver & kidney function
Urine test	Routine urinalysis
Basic measurements	Height, weight, blood pressure, vision

What can cause a fail? Very few things. The main concerns are communicable diseases like HIV, syphilis, active tuberculosis, leprosy, certain types of hepatitis, or serious mental health conditions that require hospitalization.

For the vast majority of teachers, this is just a formality.

On Exam Day: A Few Simple Tips

1. Book an appointment online first – Most cities require advance booking through the Health Center's website or WeChat service account. Do it 1–3 days ahead.

2. Go in the morning on an empty stomach – No food or drink before your appointment (you'll have blood work and an abdominal ultrasound). Morning is best.

3. Bring everything – Passport, appointment confirmation, 2 photos, plus any overseas exam reports (if you have them).

4. Be patient – It can get busy, but the whole thing usually takes 1–2 hours.

After the exam, you'll receive a stamped Health Certificate. Keep it safe — you'll need it for both your work permit and residence permit applications.

Common Mistakes That Invalidate Your Form

Fill out the form completely. Missing items, no photo, photo without a hospital stamp, missing doctor's signature, or no hospital stamp all make the form invalid.

Also, keep all your original attachments: X‑ray report, ECG printout, lab results. The Health Center will need to see them during verification.

Suggested timelinet

• Week 1 after arrival: Complete the health examt
• Day 4: Pick up your Health Certificatet
• After receiving it: Submit along with your contract and other documents for your work permit

Final Checklist

✔	Item
☐	Schedule the exam within your first week in China
☐	Book appointment online 1–3 days in advance
☐	Bring passport + 2 white‑background photos (4.5×3.5cm)
☐	Light dinner the night before + fast on exam morning
☐	Complete all items on the form — no blanks
☐	Glue photo to form + get hospital stamp over the photo edge
☐	Keep all original reports (X‑ray, ECG, lab results)
☐	Pick up stamped Health Certificate on day 4
☐	Submit with your other application materials

Bottom Line

The health exam is just a routine checkup with some official stamps. Nothing more. Prepare your documents, show up on time, and you'll walk out wondering what you were worried about.

And if you're still looking for the right teaching position in China? Our platform makes it easy. Browse university jobs across the country, build your profile, upload your documents, and let schools find you. Start your journey with confidence.

Disclaimer: Policies may vary slightly by city. Always double‑check with your university's HR or international office before your appointment.