According to Article 41 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China:

Foreigners who work in China shall obtain work permits and work-type residence permits in accordance with relevant regulations. No entities or individuals shall employ foreigners who have no work permits or work-type residence permits. They shall:

Apply online from outside China for a Foreigner's Work Permit Notice; 

Apply for a Z or R visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate; 

Apply for the Foreigner’s Work Permit at a foreigner work management department; 

Apply for work-type residence permits at a public security department.

The basic requirements to work in China

Employers shall:

1. Be legally established, without record of severe illegal behavior or lack of credit; 

2. Employ foreigners for specialized posts that comply with national regulations, when no suitable Chinese candidates are available;   

3. Pay foreigners at no less than local minimum wage standard;

4. Obtain approval if pre-approval needed by industrial management departments according to laws and regulations.

Applicants shall: 

1. Be aged over 18, in good health, have no criminal record, have a definite employer in China, and have the necessary professional skills and knowledge; 

2. Must apply for positions that are much needed in China and faciliate China's economic development;  

3. Comply with laws or regulations about foreigners' work in China.