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MODEL 2026 PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY: CAREERS IN CHINA AND HONG KONG

(MODEL'S PROFESSIONAL HANDBOOK 2026: CAREER IN CHINA & HONG KONG)

INTRODUCTION: A NEW ERA OF MODELING IN ASIA

Dear candidates!

You are reading this document because you are considering working in the world's largest and most solvent market - the Asian market. China and Hong Kong today are not just an alternative to Europe. It is the center of world commerce, where trends are born and fortunes are made.

However, Asia is a complex region. It has different laws, a different mentality and different discipline requirements. Our task as a parent agency is not just to find you a contract, but also to ensure your safety, legal stay and comfort.

In this guide, we'll detail every aspect of your upcoming trip, from visa processing to ordering food on the app.

CHAPTER 1: GEOGRAPHY OF OPPORTUNITIES

We assign models to markets based on their type. Understanding the differences between cities is critical to your career.

1. HONG KONG (HONG KONG SAR)

Status: Asia's capital of luxury.

• Atmosphere: A mix of London and New York in the tropics. English is the official language.

• Specialization: High Fashion, editorial, expensive catalogs, jewelry brand campagines.

• Who we're sending: Models with strong beech, «expensive» faces, perfect skin and good English. Personality is important here.

2. SHANGHAI

Status: The fashion capital of mainland China.

• Atmosphere: China's most European city. The center of art and design.

• Specialization: Fashion weeks, magazines, creative shoots, showrooms.

• Who we're sending: Tall runway models, models with unconventional looks (Strange face), classic beauties.

3. GUANGZHOU & HANGZHOU (GUANGZHOU & HANGZHOU)

Status: Factories of the World and E-commerce Capitals.

• Atmosphere: Frenzied pace, business, commerce.

• Specialization: Apparel catalogs (Taobao, Tmall), mass-market, lingerie, Plus-size.

• Who we're sending: Commercial models (Commercial) who are ready for hard work and high earnings.

CHAPTER 2: VISA REGIME AND LEGALIZATION (DETAILED BREAKDOWN)

Security starts with documents. We work strictly within the legal framework.

2.1. WORK VISA TO CHINA (CATEGORY Z / WORK PERMIT)

Many models are afraid to go to China because of rumors about police checks. These risks only apply to those who work illegally (on tourist or business visas). Our models are protected by the law.

Design Process (Step-by-Step):

1. Document Collection: You send us a scan of your passport (valid for at least 6 months), a professional photo on a white background (3.5 x 4.5 cm), a diploma of education (scan) and a certificate of no criminal record (not always required, depends on the province).

2. Filing in China: The Chinese agency submits your documents to the Foreigners' Bureau. This takes 2-4 weeks.

3. Receipt of Notification Letter: It's an official state invitation with a bar code. It is a guarantee that you are officially welcome.

4. Visit to the consulate: With this letter you go to the Chinese Consulate in your country (Moscow, Kiev, Minsk, etc.) and get a visa.

5. On Arrival: Within 30 days of arrival, the visa in the passport is replaced by a Residence Permit (Residence Permit) - a plastic card that allows you to live and work, as well as leave and enter the country multiple times.

2.2. HONG KONG EMPLOYMENT VISA (EMPLOYMENT VISA)

Hong Kong has a separate migration system. The Chinese visa is not valid here, and vice versa.

The design process:

1. Sponsorship: The host agency acts as your sponsor.

2. Proof of uniqueness: We prepare a package of documents proving to the Immigration Department that you are a unique specialist (model) and your work cannot be done by a local resident.

3. E-Visa: Hong Kong is now issuing electronic visas. You don't have to go to the embassy. We send you a PDF file, you print it out and show it at the border.

4. Timeline: The process takes 4 to 8 weeks.

Funding: All visa costs are taken care of by the agency (advance) and added to your balance (Statement).

CHAPTER 3: LIFE & ADAPTATION (LIFESTYLE & ADAPTATION)

What will your daily life look like?

3.1. MODEL APARTMENTS (YOUR HOME)

You will not be looking for accommodation yourself. The agency provides accommodation.

• Standard: Apartments are located in residential complexes (Compounds) of business class. Protected territory, often there is a garden, swimming pool.

• Neighbors: You live with other models (girls with girls, guys with guys). It is an international environment: Brazil, Russia, Poland, Colombia.

• Amenities: Fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, washing machine. Bed linen is provided, but we recommend bringing your own set of pillowcases for facial hygiene.

3.2. DIGITAL SURVIVAL (APPS & INTERNET)

In Asia, your smartphone is your survival tool.

FOR CHINA (MANDATORY):

1. VPN (Virtual Private Network): China has blocked all of Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, YouTube. You have to buy and install a paid VPN before departure. The free versions don't work there!

2. WeChat (Weixin): It's a «super app.» Through it, you communicate with the bouquet, get your schedule, pay in stores, call a cab. There is no life in China without WeChat.

3. Alipay: Master Wallet. Link your card to it (or use the TourPass feature) to pay everywhere. Cash is almost never accepted.

4. DiDi: Chinese Uber. There's an English interface. You just copy the casting address from WeChat.

FOR HONG KONG: Everything works here (Instagram, Google Maps). You need an app Citymapper or Google Maps for navigating subways and buses, as well as Uber.

3.3. FOOD AND NUTRITION

• Delivery: Meituan and Ele.me services operate in China. Food arrives in 20-30 minutes at any time of day. You can order everything from burgers to fresh fruit.

• Supermarkets: In big cities there are chains with imported goods (Carrefour, Ole, CitySuper). You will find oatmeal, yogurt, chicken breast, avocado.

• Water: You can't drink tap water! Only bottled water.

CHAPTER 4: COMPLETE VACANCY CATALOG (REQUIREMENTS)

We are opening enrollment in the following areas. Check out where you fit in.

A. HIGH FASHION & RUNWAY (HIGH FASHION)

• Description: Work at Fashion Weeks, showrooms, shoots for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire.

• Requirements (Girls): Height 177-181 cm. Hips strictly up to 90 cm. Type: characteristic, strong, androgynous or «alien».

• Requirements (Guys): Height 188-190 cm. Chest 92-98 cm. Type: sharp cheekbones, thin.

B. COMMERCIAL / CATALOG

• Description: Shooting for online stores (Taobao, Tmall, Amazon), lookbooks of mass-market brands. Highest paid category.

• Requirements (Girls): Height 165-175 cm. Nice, pretty face (Baby face), big eyes, good skin, ability to smile.

• Requirements (Guys): Height 180-187 cm. Type «boyfriend», «student».

C. PLUS-SIZE (PLUS-SIZE MODELS)

• Description: A fast-growing market. Advertising for plus-size clothing.

• Requirements: Height from 170 cm. Clothing size 48-54 (RU). Hourglass figure, trim body, well-groomed face without a second chin.

D. LINGERIE & BODY (LINGERIE MODEL)

• Description: Advertising of underwear, corrective underwear, pajamas, swimwear.

• Requirements: Age 18+. Perfect body proportions, smooth skin, no visible tattoos. China does not value aggressive sexuality, but tenderness and femininity.

E. MATURE MODELS

• Description: Advertising to a target audience of 40+.

• Requirements: Women and men 35-60 years old. Well-groomed appearance, noble gray hair, good shape.

F. KIDS & TEENS

• Description: Advertising for children's clothing and toys.

• Requirements: European or mixed appearance. Height from 90 cm to 160 cm.

• Terms and Conditions: Parents only! We help to arrange a visa for the accompanying person.

CHAPTER 5: THE ECONOMICS OF TRAVEL (FINANCIALS)

How do you make money?

1. Investment Model (Negative): The agency invests in you. We buy tickets, arrange visas, pay for accommodation and give you pocket money. It all adds up to your «minus».

• Example: Ticket ($800) + Visa ($200) + Housing for a month ($500) = Your starting minus $1500.

2. Income: You start working. From each fee, the agency keeps its commission (standard 40-50%) and your share (50-60%) goes to pay off the «minus».

• Example: You've earned $3000. The agency takes the commission. Your share of $1500 covers your «minus». You are now at «zero.» The next job is your net profit.

3. Pocket Money (Pocket Money): You will not go without food. Each week you are given cash (about $70-$100 per week) for running costs. This amount is also added to the «minus».

CHAPTER 6: PREPARING FOR DEPARTURE (CHECK-LIST)

If you've been cast, start preparing.

What to bring:

• Powerbank: (up to 20,000 mAh).

• Cosmetics: Foundation cream (your own shade), mascara, eyebrow gel.

• Hygiene: Tampons (in short supply in Asia), deodorant.

• Casting clothes:

  • Black skinny jeans or leggings.

  • Black Alcoholic T-shirt (tight).

  • Black stiletto heeled loafer shoes (comfy!).

  • White and black plain linen.

• Medications: Sorbents (for poisoning), painkillers, band-aids (lots of leg patches!).

Mental preparation:

• Be prepared for early rises (6am).

• Be prepared for the wait at auditions.

• Be prepared to smile even if you are tired. In Asia, they don't like «complicated faces».

CONCLUSION: YOUR NEXT STEP

Asia is a school of professionalism. Going here is the best way to start an international career, build a portfolio and earn money.

We are looking for those who are ready to work. Those who understand that modeling is a business, not just pretty pictures on social networks.

If you're ready to take on this challenge, we look forward to your submissions.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make fresh ones snaps (фото без макияжа, в купальнике, при дневном свете).

2. Запишите короткое видео-представление на английском (Имя, Возраст, Рост, проходка).

3. Соберите это в одно письмо.

4. В теме письма укажите: CHINA 2026 / ВАШ ГОРОД / ВАШ РОСТ.

Не упустите свой шанс. Сезон начинается сейчас.