In the wave of globalization, China has emerged as a crucial battleground in the global talent competition. According to data from the National Immigration Administration, the number of foreign talents working in China exceeded 850,000 in 2024, with 42% of them in the high-tech sector. However, amidst these opportunities in this land, foreign talents still face a maze of policies: from the "green channel" for Class A high-end talents to the quota restrictions for Class C ordinary personnel, and from the "Talent Gathering Plan" to exclusive policies in free trade zones, China's talent admission system is undergoing an unprecedented refinement.
I. POLICY LOGIC
(I) Talent Classification: The Three-Tier A/B/C System
China's admission management for foreign talents adopts a "pyramid-style" classification standard, primarily based on the "Classification Standards for Foreigners Working in China (Trial)." This standard divides talents into three categories:
- Class A (High-End Talents)
No quantity restrictions, enjoying privileges such as the "commitment system + acceptance with deficiencies." This includes Nobel laureates, executives of internationally renowned enterprises, and leaders of national-level scientific research projects. For example, under Shanghai's "Talent Gathering Plan," leaders of top scientific research teams can directly recommend six core team members to apply for permanent residency.
- Class B (Professional Talents)
Subject to market-oriented quota management. Requires a bachelor's degree or above and two years of relevant work experience, or an intermediate professional title or above. A Silicon Valley engineer recruited by a Beijing AI company in Zhongguancun falls into this category. - Class C (Ordinary Personnel)
Strictly limited, mainly targeting short-term labor personnel. Requires passing a "domestic labor market demand test" and working for no more than 90 days.
Through differentiated admission, China aims to attract global top-tier talents while preventing an influx of low-end labor that could impact the domestic employment market. The 2025 new policy further reinforces this orientation by eliminating salary thresholds for Class A talents and imposing stricter industry restrictions on Class C personnel.
(II) Regional Policy Dividends: The "Special Zone Effects" of Free Trade Zones and Key Cities
China is constructing talent attraction zones through regional policy innovations:
- Shanghai's "Talent Gathering Plan"
Allows foreign talents in free trade zones to engage in part-time entrepreneurship and innovation, breaking the "one person, one company" restriction. The CTO of a biomedical company holds advisory roles in three enterprises simultaneously, with his residence permit marked "talent" and valid for five years. - Beijing Zhongguancun Policies
Pilot programs allow foreign talents to serve as legal representatives of new research institutions and support their equity participation in registered enterprises through technology contributions. The leader of a quantum computing team obtained permanent residency without submitting third-party evaluation documents, relying solely on a patent evaluation report. - Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
Mutual recognition of professional qualifications for talents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Holders of membership in the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers can directly apply for Class B work permits.
In 2024, the proportion of foreign talents in free trade zones jumped from 18% in 2019 to 37%, with Shanghai's Lingang Area having the highest density of foreign executives at 2.3 per square kilometer, ranking first nationwide.
II. APPLICATION PROCESS
(I) Preconditions: Dual Verification of Unit Qualifications and Personal Eligibility
Unit Qualifications:
-
Requires "foreign employment qualifications," meaning completion of foreign-related unit registration. For example, in Shenzhen, enterprises must submit eight types of materials, including business licenses, social security payment proofs, and foreign-related unit registration forms, to obtain a system account after review by the foreign expert bureau. -
Key sector enterprises (such as those in artificial intelligence and biomedicine) can enjoy a "green channel." The CTO of a self-driving car company, listed in the "Science and Technology Innovation Occupation List," had his application materials accepted with deficiencies.
Personal Eligibility:
-
Basic conditions: Over 18 years old, no criminal record, and physically healthy. A German engineer was rejected due to a 2018 drunk driving record but successfully reapplied after legally clearing his record. -
Academic certification: Requires certification from the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange. An Indian programmer was blacklisted and banned from entry for five years for submitting a fake degree certificate.
(II) Core Process: The Precise Operation of Four Stages and Twenty Steps
Stage I: Work Permit Application (Online + Offline)
- System Registration
The employing unit logs into the "Foreigners Working in China Management Service System," fills in unit information, and uploads materials such as business licenses and legal representative ID cards. - Information Submission
Submits over 20 items of applicant information online, including passport, academic credentials, and work experience, and uploads notarized criminal record certificates and medical examination reports (issued by designated hospitals). - Pre-review and Supplementation
The system provides pre-review feedback within five working days. A Korean designer had to resubmit photos due to non-compliance with background color requirements. - On-site Acceptance
After pre-review approval, the employing unit brings paper materials to the foreign expert bureau window. Materials include: -
"Application Form for Foreigners Working in China" -
Employment contract (must specify salary, position, and working hours) -
Applicant's passport-sized photos taken within the last six months - Review and Decision
The review is completed within ten working days. A Canadian professor underwent additional security reviews due to his research involving sensitive technologies, extending the process to 25 days.
Stage II: Work Visa Application (Overseas)
- Obtaining the "Work Permit Notice"
After review approval, the system generates an electronic notice, which the employing unit prints and stamps. - Visa Application
The applicant holds the notice, passport, and visa application form to apply for a Z visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad. A British businessman was required to resubmit materials for not providing the original invitation letter. - Entry Registration
Within 24 hours of entry with a Z visa, the applicant must register their accommodation at the local police station. A Russian student received a warning and faced impacts on subsequent residence permit applications for failing to register promptly.
Stage III: Work Permit Processing (Domestic)
- Medical Examination Reverification
Within seven days of entry, the applicant undergoes a secondary medical examination at a designated hospital, focusing on infectious disease screenings. - Permit Application
The applicant holds the medical report, passport, and photos to apply for the "Foreigner's Work Permit" at the foreign expert bureau. A Brazilian athlete was required to provide additional explanations for a contract salary below regional standards. - Information Updates
If passport numbers, positions, or other information change, updates must be made within ten days. A Japanese engineer's residence permit application was rejected for failing to update his information after changing passports.
Stage IV: Residence Permit Application (Public Security Bureau)
- Material Preparation
-
Work permit -
Accommodation registration certificate -
Passport -
Application form -
Photos - Window Submission
Submit materials to the municipal public security bureau's exit-entry administration. A German family was required to resubmit materials for not providing their child's birth certificate. - Approval and Certificate Production
The approval is completed within seven working days. A French artist received a five-year residence permit due to the authenticity and completeness of his application materials. - Certificate Collection
Options include self-collection or mailing. A Silicon Valley team chose expedited services and paid additional fees due to urgent certificate needs.
(III) TIME MANAGEMENT
- Visa Conversion Period
The work permit must be applied for within 30 days of entry; failure to do so results in treatment as illegal employment. In 2024, Beijing investigated 12 such cases, with fines up to 20,000 yuan. - Residence Permit Renewal
Applications for renewal must be submitted 30 days before the expiration date. An Indian programmer faced administrative detention and forced deportation for delaying his renewal due to business trips. - Information Update Period
Personal information changes must be updated within ten days. A Korean student's scholarship disbursement was disrupted for failing to update his address promptly. -
III. RISK CONTROL
(I) Material Authenticity: The Red Line That Cannot Be Crossed
- Academic Fraud
The Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange has established data-sharing with educational authorities in 198 countries, ensuring 100% detection of fake degrees. In 2024, 47 cases of academic fraud were investigated nationwide, with all involved individuals blacklisted. - Work Experience Misrepresentation
The partner of a venture capital firm had his application rejected for exaggerating past performance and was required to provide bank statements and tax records as evidence. - Forged Criminal Record Certificates
Chinese embassies and consulates have established criminal record verification mechanisms with police departments worldwide. Forging such certificates can lead to criminal charges.
(II) Compliant Operations: Dual Constraints of Labor Law and Taxation
- Labor Contracts
Must be in Chinese, with salaries not below the regional average wage standard. A foreign enterprise was penalized by labor supervision for signing English contracts and paying salaries below the standard. - Social Security Contributions
Employers must contribute to five social insurances and one housing fund for foreign employees. A manufacturing company was reported by an employee and ordered to make back payments for failing to contribute to the housing provident fund. - Individual Income Tax Declaration
Foreign talents must declare comprehensive income, with a 45% tax rate applied to income exceeding 960,000 yuan annually. A financial executive faced back taxes and late fees for failing to declare overseas income.
(III) Cultural Adaptation: Soft Requirements from Workplace Rules to Life Taboos
- Social Media Remarks
Foreign employees must comply with Chinese laws when posting on social media platforms in China. A foreign teacher was deported and had his work permit revoked for posting sensitive content. - Pet Management
Dog ownership requires a license, with prohibited breeds not allowed. A foreign family had their pit bull confiscated and was fined for non-compliance. - Prohibition on Photographing Military Facilities
Photographing military targets violates the "National Security Law." A photographer faced administrative detention for photographing port facilities.
IV. FUTURE TRENDS
(I) Policy Relaxation: From "Strict Entry, Lenient Management" to "Precision Drainage"
- Permanent Residency Expansion
Foreign talents who have worked continuously for four years and earned an annual salary reaching 4.5 times the regional average wage can apply for permanent residency. The 2025 new policy lowers the salary threshold from six times, benefiting more mid-level managers. - Part-time Entrepreneurship Liberalization
Foreign talents in free trade zones can work for up to three entities simultaneously, breaking the "one person, one company" restriction. A biomedical expert simultaneously serves as a university professor, corporate advisor, and startup CTO, with his residence permit marked "part-time talent." - Digital Nomad Visa
Pilot programs issue "digital residence permits" to remote workers, allowing them to reside in China without being employed by domestic enterprises. A blockchain developer successfully applied using overseas client contracts, becoming one of the first beneficiaries.
(II) Technology Empowerment: From "Paper Approvals" to "Intelligent Verification"
- Blockchain Certification
Academic credentials and criminal record certificates are stored on the blockchain, enabling "one-time certification, nationwide use." A Canadian engineer's materials, verified in Shanghai, were directly used in Beijing and Shenzhen, saving 15 working days. - AI Pre-review System
The system automatically verifies material authenticity, with an error rate below 0.3%. A Korean designer's application was rejected by the AI system for excessive photo retouching. - Electronic Social Security Card
Integrates work permits, residence permits, and social security information, enabling "one-code access." A German engineer cleared customs in 10 minutes using his electronic card at the airport, down from two hours. -
(III) Regional Competition: From "Policy Incentives" to "Ecosystem Attraction"
- Yangtze River Delta Integration
Foreign talents' qualifications are mutually recognized in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui. A Shanghai company can transfer an employee's work permit to its Suzhou branch without reapplication. - Greater Bay Area Talent Hub
Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan professionals can practice in the nine cities of the bay area without work permits. A Hong Kong lawyer established a branch in Shenzhen and directly practiced using his Hong Kong license. - Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle
Implements a package of policies for foreign talents, including housing subsidies, children's education, and medical security. A German family in Chengdu received a talent apartment, enrolled their children in an international school, and enjoyed an 80% medical expense reimbursement rate.
China's talent policies are undergoing a profound transformation from "scale expansion" to "quality enhancement." For Class A talents, this is a "policy dividend period," enjoying privileges such as permanent residency recommendations and part-time entrepreneurship. For Class B talents, this is a "skill monetization period," requiring continuous innovation to enhance market value. For Class C talents, this is a "transformation window period," necessitating an upgrade to high-end skills or management positions.
However, opportunities come with. In 2024, cases of illegal employment by foreign talents nationwide increased by 17%, mainly involving material falsification, overstaying, and illegal part-time work. In the future, with the popularization of technologies such as blockchain certification and AI pre-review, compliance costs will further decrease, but the penalties for violations will become more severe.
For foreign talents aspiring to work in China, a "three-step strategy" is recommended: First, accurately position yourself in the talent category and select the optimal policy region; second, establish a dual compliance system for "units + individuals" to ensure material authenticity; third, embrace digital tools, leveraging electronic social security cards and intelligent verification to enhance efficiency. Only by doing so can one write their own "Chinese story" in this land of opportunities.
XYIQI=X+YIQI, 'X' represents the unknown and exploration, as well as every one of you - our global partners, clients, and friends. 'YIQI' represents' 毅奇'and' Together '. XYIQI is a registered trademark and consulting service brand in China, symbolizing working together with you to achieve win-win cooperation.
YIQI is headquartered in Shenzhen, a city in GBA China (Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao Greater Bay Area) , and has deep cooperation with over 50 professional agencies and law firms worldwide.
We provide solutions that combine local and international perspectives, covering intellectual property protection, enterprise creation and maintenance, international bank account opening, and cultural exchange cooperation.
（Landmark of Shenzhen China )
WHAT CLIENTS SAY ABOUT YIQI?
-
CHINESE TRADEMARK REGISTRATION IN CNIPA -
SWISS BRAND FRENCH-CHINESE TRANSLATION -
APPLICATION TO TRAB （TRADEMARK REVIEW ADJUDICATION BOARD）
——Mr. Jerome Bessard, Switzerland | Grangettes Switzerland Sàrl | https://www.grangettes.store/ | Swiss cosmetics brand
-
CHINESE TRADEMARK REGISTRATION IN CNIPA
-
HONG KONG COMPANY REGISTRATION
——Ms. Laura E. Henttunen, Finland | Medical & Travel Assistance | Wellness MedicalTourismConsulting Yoga Teaching
-
HK COMPANY CORPORATE BANK ACCOUNT
——Prelux International Limited |
Import Export Trading | Exhibition | Spain-China Travel
-
HK COMPANY CORPORATE BANK ACCOUNT
——Shenzhen A.Y.A Co.,Ltd(HK company) | Feedadditives | www.shenzhenaya.com | feedadditives@shenzhenaya.com | +86 18250836698
-
SINGAPORE COMPANY CORPORATE BANK ACCOUNT -
DOCUMENTS ENGLISH-CHINESE TRANSLATION
HKCOMPANY REGISTRATION
HK BANK ACCOUNT WITH HSBC
"100 scores for the services in general. Good communication, fast service, focus in finding the best solutions for the clients. Nothing else to improve. "
——CHW SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS LIMITED
www.chwbusinessgroup.com
International trading business, export and import, wine
Rafael Pineyro, +86 13205179820，rpineyrog@gmail.com
SUZHOU, JIANGSU, CHINA.
HK OFFSHORE COMPANY REGISTRATION
CORPORATE BANK ACCOUNT WITH HSBC HK
“I give 95 scores out of 100. Very professional company and provided very good services.If I need more services then won’t hesitate to contact again or freely recommend to others.The good thing is there’s nothing bad so far.Thanks Anna for great work.Everything was fantastic and had been done professionally … just keep going."
——上海柏侍机械有限公司 | BS MACHINERY MART (HONG KONG) Co., Limited | Brand name: BSMM | AMIN,MUHAMMAD | 18621764865
| amin@bsmachinerymart.com | 上海市普陀区长寿路1118号B楼14层H室-1/ | www.bsmachinerymart.com
