critical
Pick the fork that matches reality
Common forks: work (Z + residence permit via employer), study (X via school), family reunion, or business. ChinaCopilot links information — we do not process visas or residence permits.
Directory
Settle
Lawful work, study, family/business paths, bank, housing.
Pure navigation — official links and notes. No checkboxes here.
1 · Choose a lawful path
critical
Work path — employer handoff
Lawful employment usually runs through a licensed employer who sponsors the work permit / Z visa / residence permit sequence. Your HR or mobility team owns the filing.
critical
Study path — school handoff
Student status typically goes through admission documents and school instructions (including any JW forms your school requires). The international student office is the source of truth.
recommended
Family / business / other
Family reunion and business categories differ by consulate and city. Start with the official visa channel for your passport country, then Plan → Prep → Arrive under that category.
2 · After you arrive long-term
critical
Residence permit & local registration
Longer stays often require a residence permit and ongoing temporary residence registration at each address. Employers and schools usually shepherd the first round.
recommended
Open a bank account
Major banks usually need passport, mainland phone number, and valid stay / residence documents. Branch policies differ — go in person and ask which foreigner products they offer.
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recommended
Longer housing
Lease carefully: confirm who handles police registration, deposits, and utilities. Prefer written contracts you can photograph.
3 · Work reality check
optional
Payroll & tax are employer topics
If you are on a lawful work path, payroll withholding and tax registration are normally handled with your employer. ChinaCopilot does not provide tax filing advice.
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