The Rules for the Administration of Employment of Foreigners in China apply to employed foreigners within Chinese territory and their employers. Foreigners seeking employment in China should follow the employment permit system. To offer employment to a foreign national in Guangzhou, the employer (except a Guangdong-based provincial or central government agency) should apply for an Alien Employment License of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as “Employment license”) from the Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, and, after being approved by the Municipal Public Security Bureau, those who have been awarded the Employment License should go through relevant formalities according to the following procedures:

1. Present the Employment License and Visa Notice to the relevant embassy or consulate of the People's Republic of China when applying for the Employment Visa. 

2. The bearer of the Employment Visa should sign a labor contract with the employer within 15 days after entering China by presenting the Employment License.

3. Present the Employment License, labor contract, valid passport and other relevant documents to the municipal human resources and social security administrative authorities to apply for an Alien Employment Permit (hereinafter referred to as "Employment Permit").

4. Aliens who have obtained the Employment Permit should present the Employment Permit to the municipal public security authorities to apply for an Alien Residence Permit within 30 days of entering China.

Aliens who hold the Employment Permit and the Alien Residence Permit can be legally employed in China with the full protection of Chinese laws.

Foreigners shall not work in China if they have not been issued a residence certificate (holders of F, L, C or G type visas), if they are in China to study, or if they are family members of holders of Employment Visas.