Most foreigners taking up employment in China need a medical examination as part of the work (Z) visa and residence-permit process. It is a standardised, routine check — but the centres, paperwork and language can trip people up. This guide explains what to expect, and how a check-up trip can be made more useful. It complements our China medical visa guide and the executive health check package.
What the Z-visa health check is
The work-permit medical is a fixed-format examination carried out at an official international travel healthcare centre (the local entry-exit inspection and quarantine health centre), not an ordinary hospital outpatient visit. It typically covers a physical examination, blood tests, a chest X-ray, an ECG and an abdominal ultrasound, producing a standardised certificate used for the residence permit.
Where foreigners do it
It must be done at a designated international travel healthcare centre (in Beijing, the Beijing International Travel Healthcare Centre). Some applicants complete an equivalent exam abroad, but it often has to be repeated or verified in China; doing it locally is usually simplest.
What to bring
- Passport.
- Several passport photos.
- The exam fee (payable on site).
- Any existing relevant medical records, if you have a condition that may need explaining.
Go on an empty stomach (fasting) if blood tests and abdominal ultrasound are included — confirm when booking.
Typical cost and turnaround (what we see)
In cases we have helped with, the official exam fee has typically been in the region of CNY 400–700, with the certificate usually ready within about 2–5 working days (express options sometimes exist). Figures and timing vary by centre and by how busy it is; treat this as a planning guide, not a quote.
English reports
The certificate is issued in Chinese (often bilingual). If you need a clear English version for your records or employer, we can arrange a certified translation.
Make the trip count: add a fuller check
The visa exam is a compliance check, not a thorough health screen. Since you are already attending, it is an efficient moment to add a proper executive health check — bloods, imaging, ultrasounds and cancer markers — at a Beijing hospital, with an English summary. See the cost guide for what a fuller check involves.
How China MedPass helps
We explain the process, help you prepare and book, provide bilingual support on the day, arrange an English translation of the certificate, and — if you want — coordinate a fuller screening in the same visit. Start a free assessment or see pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Is a medical exam required for a China work visa? For most work (Z) visa and residence-permit applicants, yes — at a designated international travel healthcare centre.
How much does the China work-visa health check cost? Typically around CNY 400–700 in our experience, paid at the centre; this varies by city and centre.
How long does the certificate take? Usually a few working days; some centres offer faster options.
Can I do the exam and a full check-up together? Often yes — the visa exam is basic, so many people add a proper screening while they're there.
This guide is informational and reflects typical experience; official requirements, fees and turnaround are set by the relevant authorities and centres and can change. Confirm current rules before relying on them. China MedPass does not make visa decisions.