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The work experience letter

Of the documents in a work permit file, this is the one applicants prepare worst — and it is entirely within your control.

The work experience letter, or certificate of employment, is one of the most important documents in company registration, visa application and residency in China. It is not a formality: it is what establishes that your professional history is real.

For anyone setting up a business in Yiwu, understanding this document can make a noticeable difference to how the file runs — particularly in industries dealing with international trade, where verification of identity and background carries weight.

The letter must be issued by the previous employer directly, and its contents must be verifiable. Immigration may ask for further documents to check it: social insurance records, tax documents, or that company's own registration certificate.

What the letter must contain

  • Your full name, exactly as it appears in your passport
  • The exact start and end dates of employment
  • The full legal name of the company you worked for
  • Your job title and position there
  • A short, precise description of your duties and responsibilities, a few lines
  • Full contact details for the company
  • The name of the general manager or legal representative
  • The company's official stamp and the manager's signature
  • All of it on the company's official letterhead

Frequently asked questions

I worked at a startup and held several roles at once. How should it be written?

Say so in the letter. In Yiwu's fast-moving business environment, that flexibility is valuable, and there is nothing to gain by hiding it.

What should the letter emphasise?

It depends on your field. In a technical role, listing certifications and specialist skills helps. In a client-facing role, focus on communication and service achievements. If a project raised sales or improved efficiency, name it.

What if I cannot obtain the letter?

Tell us at the start. Getting a stamped reference from an employer you left years ago is far harder than getting one while you are still in touch, and this document is often the reason a file waits.

What happens if the letter is inaccurate?

Inaccurate or falsified documentation can lead to serious legal consequences or outright rejection by immigration. If something in your history needs explaining, explain it — concealing it is the worst option.

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