Trust our expertise to process and advise all visa and documentation matters. 

Foreign nationals need proper employment and residence papers to legally live and work in China, but the process of obtaining such papers can be long and full of bureaucratic frustrations. This is further compounded by regulations that often change.

Designed to benefit both individuals and corporate HR departments, APA's Visa & Immigration Services are delivered by our team of in-house immigration staff who can communicate fluently in English and who are experienced in working with foreigners and local immigration offices. Our team understands the frustrations involved in an immigration process and how to expedite the process where possible. The combination of know-how and care creates an advantage when dealing with the often highly stressful process of obtaining all the required permits to live and work in China (Z Visa, M or Q1, 2 Visa, Working Permit and Residence Permit Visa, etc).

APA uses a detailed tracking system to monitor the progress of all visas and documentation processes and also to identify when renewals are necessary. The process of documentation is managed and supervised by our Immigration Consultant in APA.

Get to know China and what it has to offer you.

Our city orientation program gives clients a thorough and accurate introduction to the city or area to which they will be relocating. After attending an APA orientation program, clients will be able to make an informed decision about whether living in China will work for them, while those who are newly-arrived will be able to get their bearings in their new home. Orientation programs are conducted by our team of experienced and knowledgeable counselors. Our counselors, whether foreign or local Chinese, share a genuine interest in helping newcomers. By gathering client information through needs assessment questionnaires, and conducting introductory briefings where we listen to clients' concerns, we can tailor programs to meet individual needs fully.

We help you find the perfect home, from suburban villas to downtown apartments.

Our home finding program is aimed at helping clients to find a new home based on their needs and budget, whether they are relocating to China for the first time or moving within China. All our home finding programs are run by professional realtors, supported by APA Counselors. Our panel of realtors have intimate knowledge of the market, are able to advise clients on the latest trends and practices, and are committed to providing outstanding customer service. Meanwhile, counselors are ready to provide qualitative advice on properties and help ensure that the search process adheres to APA’s strict standards. Once a home is found, we’ll also assist with the entire lease preparation, review and execution, and the moving-in process.

Trust us to help you make the right choice for your children's education in China.

Our School Search program involves schooling needs analysis, accompanied visits to schools and assistance with applications and enrollment. Clients also have access to APA’s proprietary schooling information resource, while our Counselors work with clients every step of the way and provide relevant guidance and advice.

Have a comfortable place to stay, ready on arrival.
 

Our Temporary Housing Search service removes the stress of having to find short-term accomodation prior to securing permanent housing. Clients need only inform us their needs and budget, and APA will screen and select suitable properties on their behalf, negotiate the best terms, prepare and execute leases, facilitate initial payments and prepare the residence for occupancy upon the assignees' arrival.

APA’s personalized service is available when you step off the plane.

Our Airport Reception service eases a client's arrival in China by providing both a car and a Counselor to meet and greet the client at the airport and take them to their destination. The service is normally available between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm, but special arrangements can be negotiated.

Clear vision and briefing on the "What's Next" in the coming days.

Your designated Counselor will walk you through the planned itinerary, listen to your needs and answer any questions you may have. You can rely on our Counselors' expertise and knowledge to resolve any barriers during your transition from the moment you arrive in China.

Making the most of your time in China. Survive and thrive.

Our Settling-In program gives clients a soft and happy landing. Delivered by our Counselors, who themselves understand the challenges and opportunities of living in China, we give clients the tools to help them adjust to a successful life in China and provide pathways for them to really enjoy their time here. Regardless of whether the client requires assistance with practical issues, such as hiring domestic help or leasing a car and driver, or pursuing personal interests such as sports or charity work, our Counselors help clients deal with ‘the China factor’, with advice and tips on how to get things done with minimum frustration.

Now that we've helped you find the right home, let us keep things in good shape.

Our tenancy management services last throughout the tenancy period. We can coordinate rental and utility payments, organize and monitor maintenance and repair work, and facilitate the resolution of problems and complaints. All services are carefully rendered for easy reporting and referencing.

If you find your dream home independently, we can take care of the paperwork.

Our Lease Negotiation service normally included as part of Home Finding, is also available as a separate service. Our relocation staff have significant real estate experience and can effectively negotiate lease terms, review lease agreements, and arrange initial payments.

Once a lease nears expiry, APA can assist to ensure that a renewal is carried out. The main elements of the service includes negotiating necessary repairs and additional items into the renewal contract, renegotiate lease terms based on the prevailing market conditions, and process the contract for signature and payment by all parties.

China offers boundless opportunities for spouses, too.

At APA, we believe that a China assignment should be a rewarding experience for the entire family, and not just for the working spouse. We have seen that the successful adaptation of the family is one of the critical factors in determining the success of a posting. The accompanying spouse usually bears the responsibility of establishing a comfortable domestic environment and this can be a huge challenge in China. Through APA's Spouse Support program, we assist accompanying spouse by equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to create a meaningful and enriching life in China. This program focuses on identifying the individual needs of the non-employed spouse, and determining what they need and what they would like to achieve, to make the China assignment a positive experience. We then work with them individually to develop a plan to help meet their interests and needs, and assist every step of the way in meeting their objectives.

Our Spouse Support service is available as a separate service or as part of a wider relocation package.

Access to APA's knowledge and expertise is just an email or phone call away.

Our Ongoing Support service is available to clients throughout the duration of their assignment and includes information support available by email/telephone, and an emergency hotline for assistance in resolving emergency situations. Ongoing Support services are available during normal office hours.

Depart from China with peace of mind by engaging APA to unwind your housing and paperwork matters

Our Departure service is designed so that housing arrangements and other related matters can be terminated smoothly and thoroughly, allowing clients the chance to leave China with minimal hassle and thus able to concentrate on their next assignment. The service focuses on housing matters, such as check-out and handover procedures, lease termination and coordination of the return of deposits, but we can also assist with closing bank accounts and memberships, and mail forwarding.

Once your China assignment is over, we help prepare you for the next challenge.

Our Repatriation program helps minimize problems arising from reverse culture shock and acclimatizing back to home and work environments when the client leaves China. Alternatively, the program can also be designed to help prepare clients for their next international posting. The APA Repatriation program would commence with an in-depth briefing, to ensure that potential problems are uncovered with adequate time for issues to be discussed.