Description

OFFICIAL GUIDE 2025: MODELING IN CHINA AND HONG KONG

(OFFICIAL GUIDE 2026: MODELING IN CHINA & HONG KONG)

Information bulletin for candidates and parents

We are pleased to announce the start of a new scouting season. Our goal is to find talents ready to conquer the world's fastest growing market. Asia today is not just China, it is the center of the global fashion industry.

This document is designed to provide comprehensive answers to questions about working, legalization (visas) and living in China and Hong Kong. We understand that moving to another country is a big step and we want you to make your decision with complete information.

SECTION 1: WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR? (FULL SPECIFICATION)

The Asian market is unique in its capacity. There is a job for every type of person, if they are professional.

1. HIGH FASHION

Locations: Shanghai, Hong Kong. It's an image job. Shows, magazines, lookbooks for designer brands.

• Requirements:

  • Girls: Height 177-181 cm. Parameters: hips strictly up to 90 cm. Type: «Strange Face» (unconventional beauty), androgyny, or classic «Baby Face» (but tall).

  • Boys: 187-190 centimeters tall. Slim, with interesting facial bone structure.

• Specifics: You don't need «cute» faces here. You need faces with character that can sell «mood».

2. COMMERCIAL / E-COMMERCE

Locations: Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen. This is a job for money. Shooting for clothing catalogs (Taobao, Tmall, TikTok Shops).

• Requirements:

  • Girls: Height 165-175 cm. Pleasant, «commercial» appearance, big eyes, nice smile. Ability to move very fast (posing in motion).

  • Guys: Height 180-185 cm. Boyfriend or Korean style (soft facial features).

• Specifics: The highest paying but physically demanding segment.

3. LINGERIE & BODY (LINGERIE MODEL)

Locations: All of Asia, especially Hong Kong and southern China.

• Requirements:

  • Age 18+.

  • Figure: «Hourglass», beautiful breasts, waist.

  • Skin: Perfect condition, no tattoos.

• Important clarification: In Asia, lingerie shoots are often pajamas, homeware or corrective underwear shoots. It is a conservative market, there is no vulgarity here.

4. PLUS-SIZE (PLUS-SIZE MODELS)

Locations: Guangzhou (production center).

• Requirements:

  • Clothing size: L, XL, XXL.

  • Figure: Proportionate, taut. A clear facial oval and a well-groomed neck are a must.

  • Height: from 170 cm.

5. KIDS & TEENS

Locations: Shanghai, Guangzhou.

• Requirements: European appearance (light hair, eyes) or «Eurasian mix» (mixed type). Age from 4 to 16 years old.

• Terms and Conditions: Work strictly in the presence of a legal representative.

6. PARTS MODELS

• Hands: Dainty fingers for jewelry ads.

• Legs: To advertise shoes and hosiery.

• Lips/Tooth: For a cosmetics commercial.

7. MATURE MODELS

• Requirements: Men and women 40+. Well-groomed gray hair, statuesque figure. Advertising of «beautiful aging», medicine, luxury home goods.

SECTION 2: VISA AND LEGALIZATION

This is the most important section. We work strictly within the legal framework. China and Hong Kong are two different jurisdictions with different visa rules.

А. CHINA MAINLAND

Entering China requires serious preparation.

1. visa type: Legal work requires a special work visa (usually category Z or special short-term work permits).

• Warning: Working on a tourist (L) or business (M) visa carries risks. We, as an agency, are in the business of issuing the correct documents.

2. Design Process:

• You provide us with scans of your passport, professional photos and, in some cases, a criminal record and medical certificate.

• The agency in China files the paperwork with the immigration office.

• You receive an official invitation (Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit).

• With this invitation, you go to the Chinese Consulate in your country and get a visa.

3. Timeline: The process can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 months. Plan your trip in advance!

Б. HONG KONG (HONG KONG SAR)

Hong Kong has its own independent immigration system.

1. Employment Visa: You need an Employment Visa to work in Hong Kong.

• How it works: The host agency acts as your sponsor. They prove to the Immigration Department that you have unique skills (your appearance and portfolio).

2. Benefits: Hong Kong visa allows you to freely enter and leave the city, open a bank account and use medical services. The application process takes about 4-6 weeks.

Important: The agency takes care of all visa application costs. These costs are then deducted from your earnings (minus system) or paid by the agency in full (for top models).

SECTION 3: LIFE IN ASIA - EVERYDAY LIFE, COMFORT, SECURITY

Many parents worry about letting their kids go to Asia. Let's allay fears. China and Hong Kong are now some of the safest and most technologically advanced places on the planet.

1. ACCOMMODATION (MODEL APARTMENTS)

Where will you live?

• Apartments: The agency rents large, modern apartments in nice apartment complexes (Gardens). Often the complexes have a swimming pool, gym and 24/7 security.

• Accommodation: Usually 2 models live in the room. The apartment is equipped with a kitchen, washing machine, Wi-Fi.

• Rules: No noisy parties, alcohol and overnight stays by strangers are prohibited in the model apartments. This is for your safety and to ensure that you have a good rest before work.

2. DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT AND CONNECTIVITY

China is a different digital universe.

• VPN: Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Telegram have been blocked in mainland China. Before the flight. you need to install a paid VPN service on your phone and laptop. Without it, you will be left without a connection. In Hong Kong, the Internet is free, VPN is not necessary.

• WeChat (Weixin): It's China's premier app. It is a messenger, social network and wallet. You will definitely need to install it. Through it, all communication with bookers and clients takes place.

• Maps and Taxi: Instead of Uber, the DiDi app is used here (there is a version in English). Instead of Google Maps - Apple Maps (works well) or Amap.

3. CATERING AND DELIVERY

• Food: Asian cuisine is varied. Rice, noodles, vegetables, chicken. There are any kind of restaurants in metropolitan areas: Italian, Russian, Japanese.

• Delivery: Meituan and Ele.me apps allow you to order any food, groceries, medicines and even cosmetics with doorstep delivery in 30 minutes. This is very convenient after a hard day of shooting.

4. SAFETY

• The street crime rate tends to zero. There are surveillance cameras everywhere.

• You can walk around at night in complete peace.

• The attitude towards Europeans (especially models) is very friendly. They often ask to be photographed on the street.

SECTION 4: FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

How do you get the money?

The «Guarantee» vs «Percentage» system:

• Percentage (Percentage): You get % from each job (usually 50-60%, the agency takes 40-50%). Flight, visa and housing costs are deducted from your share. Once the debt is covered, you make a net profit («Over»).

• Guarantee (Guarantee): The agency guarantees you a fixed amount per month (for example, $1000 - $3000), even if there was no work. If you earned more than the guarantee - you get a percentage.

Pocket Money: Every week, the agency gives you cash (usually around 500-700 RMB/Hong Kong dollars) for food and travel. This is also recorded in your «minus».

Calculation: Full payment is made at the end of the contract before you fly home. You will receive a detailed Statement with all work and costs.

SECTION 5: WHAT TO BRING? (CHECK-LIST)

To make your trip comfortable, prepare your suitcase properly.

1. Powerbank: Shooting lasts for a long time, the phone must always be charged. (Important: the capacity is not more than 20000 mAh for airplane travel).

2. Cosmetics:

   • A foundation cream of your shade (in Asia, tones that are often too light or yellowish).

   • Deodorant (selection is limited in China).

   • Feminine hygiene products (tampons are rare here, mostly pads).

3. Linens: Beige seamless lingerie (thong panties and bra) is a must for all castings!

4. Shoes: Comfortable sneakers for running around the castings and classic black heeled loafer shoes (for the girls).

5. First aid kit: Your usual medicines (for colds, poisoning, painkillers). It is difficult to understand a Chinese pharmacy without knowing the language.

6. Gifts: Small souvenirs from your country (chocolates, postcards) for bookers and clients are a great way to build relationships.

SECTION 6: HOW TO APPLY?

We value professionalism. Your application is our first impression of you.

Step 1: Prepare materials

• Snaps: Photo without makeup, daylight, black swimsuit. Front, profile, back. No posing!

• Video walkthrough: 30 seconds. Performance + walkthrough.

• Portfolio: 10-15 best photos (if available).

Step 2: Formatting the letter

• Topic: Asia Casting 2025 / Name / Age / Height

• The body of the letter:

  • Full name (as in the passport)

  • Date of birth

  • Height, Size (Chest-Waist-Hips), Shoe Size

  • Nationality

  • Possession of a valid passport (and its validity period)

  • Your work experience (or lack thereof)

  • Desired country (China, Hong Kong or «Consider All»)

Step 3: Send Attach photos with files or a link to cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex Disk). Do not send ZIP/RAR archives.

AFTERLIFE.

Modeling in Asia is not a vacation. It's hard work, early rises, endless cross-dressing and auditions. But it's also:

• Opportunity to earn money for your own apartment or education.

• A chance to see the world.

• Experiencing independent living in the megacities of the future.

• Friends from all over the globe.

If you feel the strength, discipline and desire to change your life - we are waiting for you. Our agency will provide you with full legal support and security at every stage.

See you in Asia!