Z vs F visa?

[BenderBends]

I was suggested in another thread to get a Z visa for China, which would allow me to work in China, rather then an F visa which would be to conduct temporary business.

But...then i was reading some other posts that if you get a Z visa..you would still need to get an F visa each time you go in and out of the country.

Is this true?

Basically...im looking to make it easier for myself to go in and out of China. We have an office in GuangDong, plus we do business with many factories all over GuangDong.

I live in HK, and work at HK office. But I do frequent day trips to the China office or factories to check up on things.

so.....what is my option to make it easier for border crossing?

[hktraveller]

I was suggested in another thread to get a Z visa for China, which would allow me to work in China, rather then an F visa which would be to conduct temporary business.

But...then i was reading some other posts that if you get a Z visa..you would still need to get an F visa each time you go in and out of the country.

Is this true?

Basically...im looking to make it easier for myself to go in and out of China. We have an office in GuangDong, plus we do business with many factories all over GuangDong.

I live in HK, and work at HK office. But I do frequent day trips to the China office or factories to check up on things.

so.....what is my option to make it easier for border crossing?

Your Z visa is only good for a single entry. Then you need to get a multiple entry visa in China in the city where you get the residence permit. I did that at times when they still had the green book and am not fully aware of the procedures today, because there is no green book anymore, but I believe the visa thing hasn't changed much.
One thing that I know is, that if you haven't entered on a F or Z visa, you will need to leave the country before getting the residence permit.

[emef]

I used to work in Shenzhen and at that time i was holding a Z visa (which is the employment/working visa issued for foreigners and which allows you to enter in and out of China as it also bears your China residency permit). This Z visa was applied for me by my company and it is on a yearly basis. I worked there for 4 years, and I renewed it every year (as facilitated by my company).

An F visa (business visa) will also entitle you to multiple entries in China. This one you can apply directly by yourself, but you have to provide necesary supporting documents.

If you have an office in Guangdong Province, then maybe you can discuss with your company to obtain you either a Z or an F one.

[BenderBends]

well...i normally get F visas for the past few years...but i was just wondering if there was an easier way.

if i manage to get a Z visa (is it difficult to apply?) .... can i be turned down for a F visa? i wouldnt want to get the Z visa...and then leave china and still have the chance of being denied entry again.

also...in this time of chaos with visas....i wouldnt want to still have to apply for these 2 entry visas.

[sonax]

Maybe these informations are helpful for you:

Z-visa guide:
Everybody is entitled to MY opinion