Shanghai work permit transfer to new employer

Question

Hello,

I will soon change company, both located in Shanghai. I wonder if anybody here has recently gone through that procedure (recently, since legislation keeps on changing, what was true last year might not be applicable any more today)?

I have been told that the procedure takes 23 working days (!) during which my passport would be kept, i.e. I cannot travel (which I should for my work). This involves changing my current residence permit to a ‘M Permit’ (never heard of that one before). Also I have been told that the procedure can start at the earliest one week prior to the starting date at my new company (I will switch without a break, i.e. last day at old Company September 30, starting date at new one October 1).

Any sharing of experience would be highly appreciated since from my experience the ‘agents’ that are supposed to help with this very often provide incorrect/outdated information.

MadMax · Answer

I am undergoing the same process. Have been told by agents that after I submit my work permit application, I can receive my passport back three biz days later while continue to re-enter the country on the current residence permit. Once I return from trips, I will submit my passport to process the new residence permit which they will need to hold for one week.

It’s weird, they have contradicted themselves re: time necessary to process documents as I was quoted the 22/23 day period as well. I’m not asking too many questions, just making sure that I can re-enter the country (which I have been told, yes, as long as the residence permit is valid).

CharlieLoves · Answer

Good to hear that I am not the only one, I hope you can provide some more details as it progresses.

With regards to travel: I have been told that once my residence permit has to changed to ‘M’ I cannot leave the country anymore, otherwise I would be completely out and start from scratch with Z permit etc. Make sure you check your passport carefully when you get it back!

What is the info you got with regards to when the process can start (in relation to the start of the new employment)?

kerry168 · Answer

If you change kind of job, it can be much more difficult than that. Anyway, don’t forget to ask the company you’re quitting for the relevant documents, they should provide you with a specific form. And watch deadline, visa office is pretty strict with this. Some of my colleagues went to pretty unpleasant situation because of paperwork

Sherry333 · Answer

HI All,

So I have a friend that has changed jobs and is going through the whole process of changing his work book and residence permit. So he has gotten the release letter from his employer but now the employer will not provide the employement verification letter stating the starting date and ending date. He needs this letter to apply for the new work book but the previous employer will not give it to him.

Any ideas of what to do? He is running out of time as they only have 10 days to apply for the work book.

Shanghai work permit transfer to new employer

4 Replies