First time in China, what do I need to do to live here?

[Virginia9742]

Hi everyone, just found this site recently and it seems to be full of useful info.

I am traveling to China in 2 weeks for a month on a multi-entry L-visa.  I am moving to China (probably after this 30 day trip), and I am trying to find out what I will need to do to stay. I will probably return to the US, and then travel back to China.   From what I have read so far, I will need to apply for a Z-visa (or possibly F-visa) and also obtain a residency permit.  I'm not sure if I should try to do this myself or contact some visa agency in the mainland or HK, and also not sure what they will need from me.  I'm not associated with any business for work, though we are somewhat connected in China so this may not be a problem.

Any help is appreciated as I'm very new to all of this and am trying to learn as much about the process and China as I can.  Thanks!

[Aussie Mike]

If you want to work here you need to arrange letters of invitation then trip to HongKong as Z-visas should not be issued on the mainland.