The procedure to obtain a work and residence permit is as follow: First you enter China with an F or L Visa, and ask your employer to apply a work permission certificate issued by the local labour administrative bureau. Please note that you must register with the local police office within 24 hours after you enter China. Secondly, you should apply to the Chinese embassy in your home country for a Z Visa, bearing the invitation letter from the local Foreign Affairs Office and the work permission certificate,you may then enter into China again. Or if there is some special case when you are in China, you may apply to local Chinese immigration department in public security bureau for this directly, transferring your Business Visa into a Work Visa. Thirdly, your Chinese employer applies to the Labour Administrative Authority and gets a “certificate of work” which normally is not difficult. The Chief Representative and General Manager of a foreign invested company can apply for the certificate of work holding an F Visa. Fourthly, you will apply to the Local Immigration Department for a resident permit so that you will be allowed to live in China.