As a foreigner, how to perform legally in China?

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According to the Notice of on Issuing the Relevant Handling Procedures for a Foreign National's Entry into China to Complete a Short-Term Work Assignment (Promulgated in 2014 for Trial Implementation), foreigners entering China to carry out short-term commercial performances shall hold the approval issued by the competent cultural department and the certificate of short-term work in China (hereinafter referred to as the work certificate).

Applications for entry by foreigners for short-term work shall be handled in accordance with the following procedures:

1) Apply for a work permit

a. Apply for the license certificate and work certificate.

Where a Chinese partner/organizer intends to invite a foreigner to enter China to engage in short-term work, it shall submit an application to local human resources & social security department by submitting the following supporting materials:

(1) Domestic partner business certificate;

(2) Cooperation agreements between the two parties, such as project contracts etc.;

(3) Curriculum vitae of the foreigner to be entered;

(4) A valid passport or other international travel document (copy);

(5) Foreigners who apply to complete professional and technical work tasks shall provide relevant academic qualifications or technical (occupational) qualification certification documents in accordance with national regulations;

(6) Other supporting materials required by the competent authority.

b. Apply for the approval and work certificates from the competent cultural departments

Where foreigners intend to enter China to conduct commercial performances, the entity organizing the performance shall submit an application to the department for culture at the place where the first performance was performed, and the competent department for culture shall make a decision within 20 days upon accepting the application.

If a foreigner who intends to enter China for a commercial performance staying in China for no more than 90 days, the competent department of culture shall issue a work certificate for him/her.

Where the foreigner intends to continue to carry out short-term commercial performances within the territory after completing short-term work tasks, the organizer shall re-apply to the competent department for cultural affairs for a work certificate, but the working hours shall not exceed the validity period of the stay or residence permit.

(2) Apply for the invitation confirmation letter

With the approval and work certificates, the performance organizer shall go to the local foreign affairs department where the organizer is registered or where the initial performance is located to apply for the invitation confirmation letter.

(3) Apply for a Z visa

Foreigners who have been admitted to China to carry out short-term performance should apply for a Z visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad or other foreign authorities entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The following documents will be required:

(1) The original and copy of the license certificate and work certificate;

(2) Invitation confirmation letter;

(3) The original and copy of the passport or other international travel documents;

(4) Others.

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