Teach English in China: How a studyTEFL Certificate Fits the Z-Visa Requirements
If you're planning to teach English in China, your TEFL certificate needs to tick a specific set of boxes: a minimum number of training hours, and an authenticated copy that Chinese authorities will accept. A studyTEFL 120-hour certificate, once apostilled, is built to meet exactly that.
View studyTEFL 120-Hour Course Jump to Visa StepsWhy a studyTEFL Certificate Works for a China Z-Visa
Chinese authorities issuing work permits for foreign English teachers typically look for a TEFL or TESOL certificate of at least 100 to 120 hours, alongside a bachelor's degree and a clean background check. A studyTEFL 120-hour certificate meets the hours requirement most schools and provincial education bureaus ask for.
There's also a bigger shift worth knowing about: mainland China joined the Hague Apostille Convention in November 2023. Before that, foreign documents needed a longer embassy legalisation process. Now, an apostille is generally enough to have your certificate and other qualifications recognised for use in China, which makes the whole preparation stage faster and cheaper than it used to be.
- 120 hours of TEFL training, in line with common Z-visa hour requirements
- A digital certificate with QR verification, so schools and visa officers can check it's real
- Eligible for solicitor certification and apostille through our partner notary
- Course content built around real classroom scenarios, not just multiple-choice recall
China Z-Visa Requirements at a Glance
Most foreign English teachers applying for a Z-visa will be asked to provide the following:
- A signed job offer or invitation letter from a licensed school or employer in China
- A Work Permit Notification Letter, arranged by your employer through the local labour bureau
- A bachelor's degree certificate (original and certified copy), apostilled
- A TEFL or TESOL certificate of at least 100 to 120 hours, apostilled
- A criminal record check, usually valid within six months, apostilled
- A passport valid for at least six months, plus passport photos and a completed visa form
Some provinces still ask for two years of relevant work experience alongside the TEFL certificate, while others accept the certificate on its own. Your employer's HR team will usually know exactly what their local bureau expects, so it's worth asking them directly once you have an offer in hand.
How to Get a China Z-Visa: Step by Step
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1
Secure a job offer
Find and accept a position with a licensed school, language centre, or university in China. Only accredited employers can sponsor a Z-visa, so check this before signing anything.
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2
Employer applies for your Work Permit Notification Letter
Your school submits your details to the local labour bureau. Once approved, you'll receive a letter confirming you're cleared to apply for the visa.
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3
Get your documents apostilled
Your degree, TEFL certificate, and criminal record check need solicitor certification and an apostille before they'll be accepted. This is the stage where our partner notary comes in, more on that below.
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4
Apply for the Z-visa at your local consulate
With your Work Permit Notification Letter and apostilled documents in hand, submit your Z-visa application at the Chinese embassy or consulate that covers your area.
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5
Travel to China and register
Once your Z-visa is issued, you can travel. Within 30 days of arrival, you'll usually need a health check and to convert your Z-visa into a Residence Permit at the local Public Security Bureau.
Getting Your studyTEFL Certificate Apostilled
Once you've completed your studyTEFL course and downloaded your certificate, the next step is having it solicitor certified and apostilled so it's ready for your Z-visa application.
Typical turnaround is 1 to 2 working days plus return delivery. Timescales are provided as guidance and are not guaranteed.
A Short Travel Guide for New Teachers in China
Where teachers usually settle
Shanghai and Beijing offer the biggest expat communities and the most job variety, but the cost of living runs higher. Cities like Chengdu, Xi'an, and Shenzhen offer lower living costs, strong demand for teachers, and a slightly slower pace.
When to arrive
Most school contracts start in either August or February, matching the two main semesters. Arriving a week or two early gives you breathing room to sort a bank account, phone number, and accommodation before classes begin.
Apps you'll actually use daily
WeChat handles messaging, payments, and even some official paperwork. Alipay is the other major payment app. Didi covers taxis and ride-hailing. Setting these up in your first week will save a lot of hassle.
A few practical tips
Learning a handful of Mandarin phrases goes a long way, even in bigger cities. Bring a couple of years' worth of any prescription medication you rely on, since brands and availability differ. Most schools help new teachers open a local bank account during their first week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most cases. Chinese schools and labour bureaus commonly ask for a TEFL certificate of at least 100 to 120 hours. studyTEFL's 120-hour course sits comfortably within that range. It's still worth confirming the exact requirement with your specific employer, since some provinces set slightly different thresholds.
Since November 2023, mainland China has been part of the Hague Apostille Convention, so an apostille is generally sufficient for documents like your TEFL certificate, degree, and background check. This replaced the older, longer embassy legalisation process for most cases.
Most teachers need their bachelor's degree certificate, TEFL certificate, and criminal record check apostilled. Some employers also ask for marriage certificates or other personal documents if dependants are relocating with you.
No. The Z-visa is employer-sponsored, so you'll need a confirmed job offer and a Work Permit Notification Letter from your employer before you can submit your visa application.
Between securing your work permit notification, apostilling documents, and processing the visa itself, most teachers should budget four to eight weeks from job offer to departure. Apostille turnaround is usually the fastest part of the process, at around one to two working days plus delivery.
Within 30 days of arrival, you'll typically need a health check and to register your Z-visa as a Residence Permit at the local Public Security Bureau. Your employer usually guides you through this step, since it's a routine part of onboarding new foreign staff.
Ready to Start Your TEFL Journey?
Get your 120-hour studyTEFL certificate, then head straight to apostille and your Z-visa application with confidence.
Enroll in the 120-Hour TEFL Course