Emigration to China: how can Ukrainians move there in 2025?

China attracts people with opportunities for work, study, business and a comfortable life. However, the path to relocation involves careful planning, preparation of documents and compliance with visa and immigration requirements. Learn more about all stages of emigration, visa application, legalisation of stay and obtaining PRC citizenship in 2025

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China continues to be one of the most dynamic countries in the world, attracting professionals, entrepreneurs, and students from all over the world. For Ukrainians, this country can become a new home thanks to its high level of economic development and opportunities in business and education. However, moving to China is not a spontaneous decision, but a complex process that requires detailed planning and preparation.

How to organise the move, what documents to prepare and how to legalise your status upon arrival — we will tell you more in this article.

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Do Ukrainians need a visa to visit China in 2025?

Yes, in 2025, Ukrainian citizens will need a visa to visit China, regardless of the purpose of their trip. There is no visa-free regime between Ukraine and China, so you will need to obtain the appropriate permit before travelling.

You can apply for a visa through the Consular Section of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ukraine or official visa centres.

Online applications in full format are not yet available, but you can pre-fill the application form and make an appointment on the official website of the consulate.

About studying in China in 2025, popular majors, the best universities and admission requirements — read here.

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Visas to China: what types are there?

The Chinese visa system is quite complex. The main types of visas are:

– Z visa — for work (issued to those who have an invitation from a Chinese employer and a work permit).

– X visa — for study (X1 — over 180 days, X2 — up to 180 days).

– M visa — for business trips and business negotiations.

– Q visa — for family reunification.

– L visa — tourist visa.

– S visa — for family members of foreigners who are legally working or studying in the PRC.

How to get a visa to China for Ukrainians: what documents are required? 

The list of documents depends on the type of visa, but the basic package includes:

– Completed visa application form (printed, signed).

– Valid foreign passport (at least 6 months before expiry, with 2 blank pages).

– A copy of the first page of your passport.

– One colour photograph 3.3×4.8 cm on a white background.

– Proof of purpose of travel (invitation from employer, contract, letter from university, hotel reservation, etc.).

– Airline tickets or travel itinerary (if necessary).

– For a work visa — a work permit from the Chinese authorities (Work Permit Notice).

– For a student visa — a study permit (JW201 or JW202) and a confirmation letter from the university.

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How to move to China: Chinese visa and stages of its application

Step 1. Select the type of visa. Determine the purpose of your trip (work, study, business, tourism) and the appropriate type of visa.

Step 2. Prepare documents. Collect a complete set of documents, taking into account the specific requirements for your type of visa.

Step 3. Fill out the application form and make an appointment. Fill out the online form on the website of the Chinese consulate and make an appointment to submit your documents to the visa centre.

Step 4. Submit your documents. Submit your documents in person or through an authorised representative. Pay the consular fee (depending on the type of visa).

Step 5. Obtain a visa. Processing usually takes 4–7 business days. An urgent procedure (2–3 days) is available for an additional fee.

For successful document processing, it is recommended to contact qualified visa lawyers. Specialists will advise you on the necessary documents, help you prepare your application and provide full legal support throughout the process, from start to finish.

Emigrating to China for Ukrainians: how to move in 2025?

After obtaining a visa and entering the PRC, the next key step for Ukrainians is to legalise their stay. In China, there are two main statuses that allow you to live in the country for a long time: a temporary residence permit (TRP) and a permanent residence permit (PRP). Both offer significantly broader opportunities than a regular visa and form the basis for further integration into Chinese society.

Temporary residence permit

A temporary residence permit allows a foreigner to officially live in China for a specified period without having to apply for a new visa. The holder of such a document can work, study, start a business and even buy real estate, and their rights in many areas are almost the same as those of local residents. At the same time, the TRP does not grant automatic citizenship.

A temporary residence permit can only be issued to those who entered the country on special categories of visas: work (Z or M), student (X1 or X2), family reunification (Q1, Q2) or private (S1, S2). To obtain a temporary residence permit, you must meet the basic requirements: have a valid visa of the appropriate category, be in good health, have no criminal record and submit a complete set of documents.

Upon arrival in the country, foreigners must contact the local immigration office within 30 days. There they submit an application, passport, photo, proof of residence, certificate of no criminal record and, if necessary, a medical certificate. Additional documents confirming the purpose of stay must be attached: a contract and work permit for employees, an invitation and proof of financial solvency for students, and proof of family ties for family reunification.

The application is usually processed within 15 working days, after which the foreigner is issued a permit valid for three months to five years. If necessary, it can be extended by contacting the immigration service in advance. For those who already have a stable reputation in the PRC, it is possible to apply for an extension through an employer or relative.

Permanent residence permit

A permanent residence permit is the next step for those who plan to stay in China for a long time. It gives you almost all the rights enjoyed by citizens of the country, except for participation in political life. A permanent residence permit allows you to work freely, do business, enjoy social guarantees and not limit yourself in terms of length of stay.

Various categories of foreigners can apply for a PRP: spouses of PRC citizens, close relatives, pensioners who have lived in the country for more than five years, investors with capital of $300,000 or more, highly qualified specialists, graduates of Chinese universities, as well as persons with special merits to the state. In most cases, the path to permanent residency begins with a temporary residence permit, which is renewed for five years, after which you can apply for PR.

Some categories, such as world-renowned scientists or foreign investors, can obtain PR more quickly — sometimes even immediately after moving, if their contribution to China's development is significant.

How to obtain Chinese citizenship?

The highest level of integration is obtaining PRC citizenship. There are two ways to do this: by birth (if at least one parent is a Chinese citizen) or through naturalisation. The latter option requires long-term residence in the country, family ties, a stable income, no criminal record, knowledge of the Chinese language and full integration into local life.

It is important to remember that marriage to a PRC citizen does not automatically grant the right to a Chinese passport. It is only an additional factor which, in combination with other conditions, can speed up the procedure.

About the cost of living in China — read here.

Employment in China

One of the most popular ways for Ukrainians to emigrate is to find employment in the PRC. Working in China can be not only a source of stable income, but also a basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit and, subsequently, permanent residency. However, this requires a special Z-category work visa, which is only issued upon an official invitation from a Chinese employer and a work permit.

There are two types of work visas: Z1 — for employment lasting more than three months, and Z2 — for short-term contracts lasting up to three months. Usually, the consulate issues such a visa for a period of up to six months or one year, with a 90-day entry ‘corridor’. Upon arrival in China, foreign workers are required to register and obtain a temporary residence permit during this period.

The key documents for obtaining a work visa are an official invitation from a Chinese company and a Work Permit, which can be provided in electronic form but must have a barcode for verification. A contract or invitation alone is not sufficient grounds for obtaining a visa.

Before submitting documents, it is important to legalise key documents, as documents issued in Ukraine are not legally valid in the PRC without proper certification. Most often, it is necessary to legalise your diploma and certificate of no criminal record. This is first done in Ukrainian authorities, then at the Chinese consulate.

The package of documents for a work visa depends on the field of activity. Artists need additional materials confirming their professional activity, performance licences and video recordings. Representatives of other professions need an employment contract with a clear description of the working conditions, copies of the employer's commercial licence, and documents confirming their education and qualifications.

It is important that all documents are translated into Chinese or English and submitted in strict accordance with the list. The consulate reserves the right to request additional materials or refuse to issue an urgent visa.

Strict compliance with the law is equally important: in China, illegal employment is punishable not only by fines and deportation, but in some cases also by criminal liability. Therefore, legal registration and careful compliance with the requirements of the migration authorities are a prerequisite for successful employment and further legalisation of your stay.

For more information about employment in China in 2025, please follow the link.

China's immigration laws are complex and constantly changing, which can complicate the process of obtaining documents on your own and increase the risk of rejection.

The qualified lawyers at Visit Ukraine specialise in visa and immigration issues and will help you choose the best way to move, avoid mistakes in your documents and save time. Our experts will provide professional support at all stages — from choosing a visa category to successfully obtaining a residence permit.

Get advice right now and take the first step towards moving to China!

Reminder! Who needs medical insurance to enter China, what are the requirements for tourists, students, and employees, and how to choose and purchase insurance online — we discussed this in our previous article.

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