I have a job offer with a US importer of tools and equipment manufactured in China. I would be their quality control inspector at the Chinese companies they have business contracts with. I would be under contract with and paid by the American company. This will be a 3 to 5 year contract and I need to actually live in China full time as this will be a full time job. How do I arrange for a work visa and residency permit if I am not an employee of an actual Chinese company? The American company has a Taiwan affiliate, but I don't know if that matters. What documentation do I need to provide and where do I get it from? Can one of the Chinese companies that have a contract with the American company be able to provide what is needed if they are not my direct employer? I have been unable to find any clear information on this type of situation.