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Posts: 11

Governor

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Q: Beeing employed and Self-employed in China-Dutch citizen

Hello, i am trying to get a more assistance for my delicate issue.

 

Well, i got several work offers in China BUT i do not want to work for one company only. I already agreed to work for 3 other companies on freelance basis but with a fix salary (Marketing+Webdesign work). 

 

I could get from one employer the Z-Visa. But here is my question: Shall i rather use the M-Visa for multiple entries (been 5 times to china the past 2years) or apply the Z-Visa.  

I am worrying about the legal options because from one employment in china i cannot pay my whole fix costs back home. But working employed and having 3 further fix incomes definetly is interesting for me. I was thinking of setting up a company in Hongkong so the Hongkong Company is issueing invoices for those Chinese companies so that i can work as employee for this specific company. 

 

The system in China is very different then in the EU for foreigners where anyone could for a small amount (around  Euro 35 become self-employed).

 

A WFOE what i heard so far is not a cheaper option and takes several weeks to set-up. A friend of mine did it two years ago and he regretted it he said, that he did not use the HK company type by just having a subsidy in China.

 

I am in my early 30´s don´t have a Bachelors but a higher technical qualification i made in Germany, i earn more then regular Bachelor graduates. 

 

I would be thankful for qualified answers.

 

6 years 50 weeks ago in  Visa & Legalities - Guangzhou

 
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Posts: 1198

Shifu

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as far as I know, freelancing is technically illegal in china.

 

You should go for one employer, get your Z-Visa and freelance under the radar. As freelancer you cannot give out fapiaos and if companies actually care about paying tax for your service, you need to give them your ID card to pay IIC. Meaning it isn't under the radar anymore.

 

So freelancing is fine if you collect the money "black".

M Visa is for business purposes, but not for living in china the whole year. You have to leave the country every 30 days.

If you don't mind, it is an option. Set up your company in Germany (if you really need a company) and do your business in China. Either get your payments to overseas or just collect it under the table.

Robk:

Working under the guise of a "consultant" can sometimes get you around that. As far as I know being a "consultant" is fine for being a "freelancer" or a "tutor" or anything else is not. 

 

 

6 years 49 weeks ago
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dom87:

I think only if you register as a consultant company.

The point is, there is no visa for freelancers, so even if it is legal, you cannot stay in the country to acutally do your business

6 years 49 weeks ago
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6 years 49 weeks ago
 
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Posts: 1198

Shifu

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as far as I know, freelancing is technically illegal in china.

 

You should go for one employer, get your Z-Visa and freelance under the radar. As freelancer you cannot give out fapiaos and if companies actually care about paying tax for your service, you need to give them your ID card to pay IIC. Meaning it isn't under the radar anymore.

 

So freelancing is fine if you collect the money "black".

M Visa is for business purposes, but not for living in china the whole year. You have to leave the country every 30 days.

If you don't mind, it is an option. Set up your company in Germany (if you really need a company) and do your business in China. Either get your payments to overseas or just collect it under the table.

Robk:

Working under the guise of a "consultant" can sometimes get you around that. As far as I know being a "consultant" is fine for being a "freelancer" or a "tutor" or anything else is not. 

 

 

6 years 49 weeks ago
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dom87:

I think only if you register as a consultant company.

The point is, there is no visa for freelancers, so even if it is legal, you cannot stay in the country to acutally do your business

6 years 49 weeks ago
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6 years 49 weeks ago
 
Posts: 165

Governor

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From an American with personal experience over 10 years in China. Note: Applicants from other countries may have different options.  A one year or longer M Visa, Multiple Entry can be obtained for 30, 60 or 90 day stays. You have to request the length of stays in your application letter. The Chinese Consulate or embassy will decide which you will receive. It's not subject to appeal. Been there, done that, lost the T shirt.

Some consultants open a bank account and virtual office in HK and invoice from there.

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6 years 49 weeks ago
 
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Emperor

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I think you will run into the "END OF M VISA" Because if your passport has too many M visa's they won't give you another long-term M visa, only a 30 days M at best.

 

Like some have said go for a Z visa and try for a B or a C talent card first. M visa won't last forever like before.

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6 years 38 weeks ago
 
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Emperor

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If you need a visa, are you really a China-Dutch citizen?  No

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6 years 38 weeks ago
 
Posts: 13

General

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Get a Z visa is better for you now. A WFOE is not cheap but it's more convenient for you if you want to stay in China for a long time.

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6 years 27 weeks ago
 
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Answer of the DayMORE >>
A:  "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "S
A: "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "Shenzhen agent can connect you with an employer, who's authorized to hire waigouren ... and can sponsor Z visa." It's not like every 10th person you meet in Shenzhen's hood can sponsor work visa ...  The only way to change from student to labourer visa is just a regular way by: 1. Finding an employer, who'll apply for an Invitation letter; 2. Exit China and apply for Z visa in your home country's Chinese embassy; 3. Enter China in 30-days after Z visa was stamped into your travelling instrument ...As I am aware, you won't be able to switch to Working permit by remaining in China....,so make ready for a return to your home .... -- icnif77