A Z visa is also known as a work visa, and holders of a Z visa must enter the country within the validity period of the visa and apply for a residence permit at the local public security office within 30 days from the date of entry. It is issued to foreign high-level talents and talents in urgent need, scientists, scientific and technological leaders, international entrepreneurs, specialists and highly skilled talents who meet the needs of the country's socio-economic development and are oriented to "high precision and shortage" and market demand.
Z字签证也就是工作签证，持Z签证者须在签证有效期内入境，并自入境之日起30天内到所在地公安出入境办理居留手续，领取居留证件。而R字签证是人才签证，是中国各类签证中的一种，发放对象为国家社会经济发展需要的外国高层次人才和急需紧缺人才，符合“高精尖缺”和市场需求导向的科学家、科技领军人才、国际企业家、专门人才和高技能人才等。
Application requirements for R visa
R字签证的申请条件
Basic requirements for inviting companies
邀请单位基本条件
Established in accordance with the law, with actual business premises, paying taxes and social insurance in accordance with the law, no serious violation of law and credit records, and subject to approval by the competent industry department if the laws and regulations stipulate that the prior approval should be granted.
依法设立，有实际经营场所、依法纳税、缴纳社会保险、无严重违法失信记录，法律法规规定应由行业主管部门前置审批的，需经过批准。
Basic conditions for applicants
申请人基本条件
Any person who meets the standard conditions for foreign high-end talents (A) in the Classification Standards for Foreigners Working in China (for Trial Implementation) (except 6 times the average wage of social workers) may apply for an R-word visa as follows.
凡符合《外国人来华工作分类标准（试行）》中外国高端人才（A）类标准条件人员（6倍社会职工的平均工资除外），均可申请R字签证，如下：
1. Selected for the domestic talent introduction programme
1.入选国内人才引进计划的
2. Those who meet the internationally recognised criteria for professional achievement
2.符合国际公认的专业成就认定标准的
3.Foreign talents who meet the needs of market-oriented and encouraged positions
3.符合市场导向的鼓励类岗位需求的外国人才
4.Innovative and entrepreneurial talents
4.创新创业人才
5.Excellent young talents
5.优秀青年人才
Application process:
办理流程：
1.Apply online for the confirmation letter of foreign top talents. The applicant's inviting unit will submit an application online for the confirmation letter of foreign top talents through the management service system for foreigners coming to work in China.
1.网上申请外国高端人才确认函，由申请人的邀请单位通过外国人来华工作管理服务系统，在线提交申请办理外国高端人才确认函。
2.Approval by the Bureau of Foreign Experts. If the conditions of approval are met, the Department of Science and Technology (Bureau of Foreign Experts) will issue a confirmation letter for foreign top talents within 5 working days.
2.由外国专家局审批，符合审批条件的，科技厅（外专局）在5个工作日内出具外国高端人才确认函。
3.Apply for R-word visa with the confirmation letter of foreign top talents. Applicants can apply for an R-word visa at our embassies and consulates abroad with the confirmation letter of foreign talents.
3.凭外国高端人才确认函申办R字签证。申请人凭外国高端人才确认函向我国驻外使领馆申请R字签证。
What are the benefits of applying for an R visa?
申请R字签证有什么好处？
1. The time limit for approval of the confirmation letter for foreign top talents is compressed to 5 working days.
1.外国高端人才确认函审批时限压缩至5个工作日；
2. Foreigners who meet the requirements for R visa application can go through the green channel (no need to make an appointment and queue) at the local embassies, with no visa processing fee and fast issuance.
2.符合R签证申请条件的外国人在当地大使馆办理时，可以走绿色通道（不需预约和排队），免签证办理费，出签快；
3. the R visa is the longest visa valid in China, with a validity of 5 to 10 years.
3.R字签证是中国有效期最长的签证，有效期为5至10年；
4. Enjoy the maximum stay of the visa. Multiple entries with a maximum stay of 180 days each time.
4.享受签证最长停留期。可多次入境，每次最长可停留180天；
5.Spouse and minor children can enjoy the same validity and multiple entries.
5.配偶及未成年子女可享受相同有效期、多次入境的待遇。
