— HACOS —
China Work Permit
If you're planning to work in China, the first thing you need to know is that not all foreign work permits are the same.
China classifies foreign work permits into three clear categories: A, B, and C.
Each comes with different requirements, benefits, and validity periods.
Let's break them down.
The most exclusive.
The best benefits.
Who qualifies?
This category is reserved for “highly sought-after” professionals, including:
Academic leaders and top researchers
Corporate executives
High-salaried foreign experts
Individuals with rare or critical skills
Key features
Hardest to obtain – strict criteria and documentation
Best treatment – faster processing, more privileges
Validity: 1 to 5 years – offering long-term stability
If you are a top-tier expert in your field, Category A is your goal.
Where most foreign
workers in China fit.
Who qualifies?
This is the standard category for foreign employees in typical professional roles.
Requirements are clear:
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
At least 2 years of relevant work experience after graduation
What if you don't have a degree?
No problem. You can still qualify if:
Your monthly salary meets the local minimum requirement (usually 4× the local average)
Or you score enough points on China's Work Permit Points System (see reference chart below)
Key features
Validity: 1 to 2 years – renewable
Most common permit type for skilled professionals in companies
Limited duration,
specific purposes.
Who qualifies?
This category is for temporary or part-time work arrangements, such as:
Short-term internships or seasonal jobs
Eligible international students working part-time
Specific temporary roles approved by authorities
Key features
Most restrictions – not eligible for long-term residence
Validity: 6 to 12 months – no extension beyond one year typically
Best for short stays tied to a clear, time-limited project or role
❓ Which one should you apply for?
Start by asking yourself:
Do I have an advanced degree or high-level executive experience?
→ Aim for Category A.Do I have a bachelor's degree + 2 years of work experience?
→ Most likely Category B.Am I a student or looking for a short-term gig under 1 year?
→ Category C may be your only option.
📢 Need help with your
China work permit application?
Each category has different documents, salary requirements, and processing timelines.
If you're not sure what to do, feel free to DM us – we can help you assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process step by step.
HACOS-Lucy
Wechat丨hacos008
