Visa is the fact of life for foreigners visiting or living in China. Here are the required documents and procedures if your are like to extend your stay in China:

Step 1:
Temporary Residence Permit (stay less than one year)
It's a simple registration process you need to do within 24-hr following your arrival in Beijing. This procedure is to be done at the closest police station in the district you are living in, you'll need:
• Passport
• Fee: RMB 100

Step 2:
Health Certificate
The examination and tests required to get this permit may be done in your home country, but the Chinese Government may not accept an overseas exam. If you are having your exam here, go to the Beijing Health Examination-Health Certificate. To receive a health exam you'll need:
• Passport
• A copy of your passport
• 2 passport photos
• Fee: RMB 420

Step3:
Work License
It can be applied for at the Labor Bureau Foreign Employment Administration Office. You will need to prepare the following documents:
• The foreign Work Application Form with company stamp
• A copy of the business license
• Resume
• Qualifications Proof (a copy of personal highest degree, Skill certificate)
• Passport and a copy of your passport
• Fee: RMB 210

Step 4:
Temporary Z Visa
It must be applied for within 30 days at the Division of Exit & Entry Administration Dept. of Public Security of Beijing. You will need to prepare the following documents :
• Health Certificate
• Temporary residence permit
• Work License
• A copy of the business license
• 2 passport photos
• Application Form with company stamp
• Passport
• Fees depend on your nationality

Step 5:
Work Permit (Red Book)
This is usually obtained through your employer via an application to the Beijing Labor Bureau. You will need to prepare the following documents:
• Work registration form
• A copy of the Health Certificate
• A copy of the work contract
• 2 Passport photos
• Passport and Temporary Z Visa
• Fee: RMB 120 per year

Step 6:
Employment Visa (Z)
You can apply for the permit at the Beijing Labor Bureau. You will need to prepare the following documents:
• Temporary residence registration
• Work permit
• Health certificate
• passport photos
• A copy of the business license
• Passport and a copy of passport
• Application Form with company stamp
• Visa and papers supporting their purposes of residence
• Fee depends on the nationalities

Step 7:
Residence Permit (Green Book)
You can apply for the permit at the Division of Exit & Entry Administration Dept. of Public Security of Beijng. You will need to prepare the following documents:
• Temporary residence registration
• Work permit
• Health certificate
• 2 passport photos
• A copy of the business license
• Passport and a copy of passport
• Application Form with company stamp
• Fee: RMB 200