Separate the three questions
Ask whether the employer can sponsor the proposed work, which entry route applies to your case and which residence documents you need. These are related processes, not interchangeable documents. Shenzhen police guidance states that employment requires work permission and work-related residence documents.
Build a case-specific document checklist
Ask the employer for the current local checklist before paying for translations or document certification. It may involve qualifications, relevant employment evidence, a criminal-record document, health evidence and a contract. Requirements and accepted verification methods depend on your case and the responsible authority.
Use the current local process
Shenzhen's work-permit integration notice describes electronic work-permit information linked to social-security cards from December 2024. It explains that Z-visa arrivals can use the work-permit notification or an electronic card with permit information for the residence process. Do not assume a plastic work-permit card is required.
Plan around official decisions
Confirm instructions with the employer, local work-permit authority and relevant Chinese embassy or consulate. Avoid treating a tentative start date as approval to begin work. This overview is general preparation guidance; the authorities determine eligibility, required documents, permission and processing time.
Sources & further reading
Shenzhen Foreign Experts Bureau: work permit and social-security card integration ↗Shenzhen Public Security Bureau: can a stay document holder work? ↗Shenzhen Government: Foreigner's Work Permit ↗External links are reference sources and do not imply a partnership, endorsement or a TFI Connect vacancy.