F visa and Taxes

Posted by afizzle (150 days ago)

My Chinese company failed to get me a Z visa and therefore I was forced to continue to work in China for the company on an F visa. As far as I know, this means I am working illegally, but I have worked before on an F visa and have not had any problems, but I know it is risky.

My company is still taking out tax money from my salary and says that is paying this money to the government. My questions are can a Chinese company pay taxes for a foreign employee with an F visa and if not what will happen to me and the company when they try to pay my taxes to the government? Any links to documentation in English or Chinese would be great.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

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Posted by Mark_Larsen (149 days ago)

1) F visa is a business visa. It is intended primarily for expatts who want to visit their satellite offices in China. Under NO circunstance you are allowed to work in China with an F visa.

2) Based on point 1, you do not incur in taxes, since taxes are paid from your work, and you are not suppose to be working. They are taking you for a ride, pal.

I don't have links with me, but you can go to your nearest PSB office and find official information. In fact, PSB people will force your company to hire you with an Z visa (I suppose you are teaching).

Hope it helps.

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by afizzle (148 days ago)

Thanks for the information,

Now my company is claiming that the monthly deposits into my Chinese bank account are a "training fee," and that this is legal. As far as I know you cannot be paid any money by a Chinese company when you are on an F visa, Correct? They also claim that they need to take taxes out of this training fee, Bullsh*t?

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by Mark_Larsen (146 days ago)

Exactly right.

Next time they tell you that bullsh*t, ask them to say so in front of a PSB officer. They will be more than happy to correct this situation.

(I am based in Shanghai)