I. Applicable Object
(i) Basic Requirements for Employers
1. The employer must be legally established, have a physical business location, pay taxes ad social insurance in accordance with the law, and have no record of serious violations or dishonesty. The position offered to the foreigner shall be one of specialized need, where no suitable local candidate is available, and must comply with national regulations. The salary or remuneration paid to the foreign employee must not be lower than the local minimum wage standard.
2. For positions requiring prior approval from the competent industry authority as stipulated by laws or regulations, the employer shall obtain such approval before applying.
(ii) Basic Requirements for Applicants
1. The applicant shall be at least 18 years old, in good health, have no criminal record, be employed by a confirmed organization within China, and possess the professional skills or knowledge necessary for the position.
2. The work to be performed must align with China's economic and social development needs and fall within the scope of urgently needed professional fields.
3. Where laws or regulations stipulate otherwise for foreigners working in China, those provisions shall prevail.
4. Foreign High-End Talent (Category A) refers to individuals who meet the criteria of "Highly Educated, Professionally Competent, Cutting-Edge, and Urgently Needed" and are oriented toward market demand and China's economic and social development needs. This includes scientists, leading technological talents, international entrepreneurs, specialized experts, and those meeting the points-based standard for foreign high-end talents (scoring 85 points or above on the "Points Assessment Table for Evaluation Factors"). High-end foreign talents are not subject to restrictions on age, educational background, or work experience.
Foreign Professional Talent (Category B) refers to individuals who comply with the Guidelines for Foreigners Working in China and position requirements, and who are urgently needed for China's economic and social development. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher and have at least two years of relevant work experience, with age determined according to China's statutory retirement age. For cases of special need, foreign talents listed in the Shanghai Urgently Needed Foreign Talent Positions (Trial) directory, innovation and entrepreneurship talents, technical professionals, those meeting the points-based standard for foreign professional talents (scoring 60 points or above), or individuals working under intergovernmental agreements or treaties, restrictions on age, educational background, or work experience may be appropriately relaxed.
II. Legal Basis
(i) Issuance of the Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China
Notice on the Full Implementation of the Foreigner's Work Permit System in the People's Republic of China (W. Z. F. [2017] No. 40)
Notice on the Provisional Service Guide for the Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China (W.Z.F [2017] No. 36)
Notice of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on the Integration of the Foreigner's Work Permit and the Social Security Card (R.S.B.F [2024] No. 75)
(ii) Issuance of Foreigner's Residence Permit
Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China
Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners
(iii) Registration for Foreigners' Social Insurance Participation
Social Insurance Law of the People's Republic of China
Notice of the General Office of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Issues Concerning the Participation of Foreigners Employed in China in Social Insurance (R.S.T.F [2011] No. 113)
Decision of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Amending the Interim Measures for the Participation of Foreigners Employed in China in Social Insurance
(iv) Professional Title Evaluation for Foreigners Working in China
Notice of the Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau on Issuing the Measures for the Administration of Professional Title Evaluation in Shanghai (H.R.S.G [2021] No. 30)
III. Jointly Processed Items
1. New Application for the Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China (domestic application for work exceeding 90 days)
2. Issuance of the Foreigner's Work-Related Residence Permit
3. Social Insurance Registration for Foreigners
4. Professional Title Evaluation for Foreigners Working in the People's Republic of China
IV. Application Procedures
1. The employer shall log in to Shanghai Government Online-Offline Service Platform ("Government Online-Offline Shanghai") Platform and select "Do It Efficiently in One Go" under the "Featured Services" section on the homepage.
2. On the "Do It Efficiently in One Go" page, select "Service for Enterprises", click on "Employee Recruitment", then choose "Foreigners Working in China" under the submenu, and click "Apply Now".
V. Required Materials
1. Application Form for Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China:
Fill in and print the form online. After being signed by the applicant, it must be stamped with the official seal of the employer or the authorized department seal and uploaded to the system.
2. Foreign Talent Qualification Documents: According to the Classification Standards for Foreigners Working in China (Trial), Recognition Standards for Highly Educated, Professionally Competent, and Cutting-Edge Foreign Talent in Shanghai (Trial), and Occupation List for Urgently Needed Foreign Talent in Shanghai (Trial), the applicant shall provide supporting documents that meet the recognition criteria. The applicant shall sign the application form and have it stamped with the employer's official seal, agreeing that the licensing authority may conduct additional verification if necessary.
Applicants who meet the standards for Foreign High-End Talent (Category A) or Foreign Professional Talent (Category B) through the point-based system shall provide the following materials: the highest academic degree certificate, professional qualification certificates, proof of Chinese language proficiency (such as HSK certificates), proof of annual income for work in China, work experience certificates, and the point-based scoring form.
For applications involving salary matters, the employer and the applicant shall submit a letter of commitment specifying the foreigner's monthly (or annual) salary, the amount of tax paid monthly (or annually) in Shanghai, and the tax payment location. The letter must be signed by the applicant and affixed with the employer's official seal. The processing and decision-making authorities may require the employer to provide the corresponding tax receipts when handling the next application.
Foreign High-End Talent (Category A) or Foreign Professional Talent (Category B) recommended by relevant authorities shall submit a recommendation letter for the Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China issued by the competent industry authority of Shanghai.
3. Proof of Work Experience: The applicant shall provide a certificate of employment issued by the previous employer(s), confirming work experience relevant to the position to be held. The certificate must include details such as job title, employment duration, or projects undertaken, and must bear the official seal of the previous employer or the signature of the responsible person. It should also include valid contact information (telephone number or email address) of the certifying party. Applicants who meet the Point-Based Evaluation Criteria for Foreign Talent must submit proof of work experience that satisfies the required years of employment. Applicants who meet the Classification Standards for Foreigners Working in China (Trial) and the Recognition Standards for Highly Educated, Professionally Competent, and Cutting-Edge Foreign Talent in Shanghai (Trial) may qualify as Foreign High-End Talent (Category A) under the following circumstances: (1) Those selected under national talent introduction programs; (2) Those who meet internationally recognized standards of professional achievement — such cases are subject to a commitment system. Other applicants who meet the criteria for Foreign High-End Talent (Category A) are still required to provide proof of work experience. Applicants who have received prestigious awards in their respective professional fields may provide corresponding award certificates as supporting documentation. Applicants who qualify as Foreign Professional Talent (Category B) according to the Occupation List for Urgently Needed Foreign Talent in Shanghai (Trial) shall submit supporting documents consistent with the relevant qualification requirements.
4. Highest Degree (Diploma) Certificate and Authentication Documents: If the highest degree (diploma) was obtained outside of China, it must be authenticated either by: the Chinese embassy or consulate in the country where the degree was issued, or the embassy or consulate of that country in China, or an authorized Chinese academic credential evaluation agency. If the degree (diploma) was obtained in Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan, it must be either authenticated by a recognized Chinese academic credential evaluation agency or notarized by a local notary public office in the respective region. If the degree (diploma) was obtained within the Chinese mainland, only the original degree (diploma) certificate needs to be provided.
Where applicable, if a university ranking is required for the application, supporting documents indicating the school's ranking must be submitted. Applicants claiming Outstanding Graduate status shall provide the corresponding academic performance records.
Applicants who meet the Classification Standards for Foreigners Working in China (Trial) and the Recognition Standards for Highly Educated, Professionally Competent, and Cutting-Edge Foreign Talent in Shanghai (Trial) may qualify as Foreign High-End Talent (Category A) under one of the following conditions: (1) Selected under national talent introduction programs; (2) Meeting internationally recognized standards of professional achievement; (3) Engaged in positions encouraged by market-oriented demand; (4) Identified as innovative or entrepreneurial talent; (7) Recommended by relevant authorities — this category is subject to a commitment system.
Applicants who qualify as Foreign Professional Talent (Category B) under the Occupation List for Urgently Needed Foreign Talent in Shanghai (Trial) shall submit supporting documents consistent with the relevant qualification requirements.
5. Relevant Approval Documents and Professional Qualification Certificates: If, under Chinese laws and regulations, prior approval from a competent industry authority is required or the position involves a regulated profession that requires specific qualifications, the applicant shall submit the corresponding approval documents issued by the competent authority or the professional qualification certificates. If the professional qualification was obtained outside of China, it must be authenticated either by: the Chinese embassy or consulate in the country where the qualification was issued, or the embassy or consulate of that country in China, or a recognized local notary public that notarizes the original document. If the qualification was obtained in Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan, it must be notarized by a local notary public in the respective region.
6. Certificate of No Criminal Record and Authentication Documents: For Foreign High-End Talent (Category A), Urgently Needed Talent (Category B), and Scientific and Technological Talent (Category B), this requirement is subject to a commitment system. For other Foreign Professional Talent (Category B), the Certificate of No Criminal Record must be issued by the police, security, or judicial authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country/region of habitual residence, and must be authenticated either by a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad, or by the foreign embassy or consulate in China (Country or region of habitual residence refers to a country or region outside of China where the applicant has resided continuously for one year or more immediately before leaving their country of nationality). Certificates issued in the Hong Kong or Macao Special Administrative Regions or in Taiwan must be notarized by the local notary authority. The certificate must be issued within six months prior to submission. Self-declared or sworn statements of no criminal record made by the applicant are not accepted. Non-sworn certificates of no criminal record issued by diplomatic authorities (including foreign embassies or consulates in China) may be accepted directly without further authentication. In principle, applicants holding a valid residence permit for work are exempt from providing a Certificate of No Criminal Record. If the foreigner changes employers and the public security exit-entry authority has canceled the residence permit for work and replaced it with a Stay Visa, the applicant may still be exempted from submitting the certificate, provided the cancellation occurred within one month and the applicant has not left China.
7. Medical Examination Certificate: Applicants shall provide either the Verification Certificate of Physical Examination Record for Overseas Personnel or the Health Certificate issued by a Chinese inspection and quarantine authority. Both certificates must be issued within six months prior to submission. Applicants applying for a Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China within the country who already hold a valid Residence Permit are exempt from providing a medical examination certificate (Those holding a residence permit for work valid for less than 90 days are still required to submit the medical examination certificate).
8. Employment Contract or Certificate of Appointment: A Chinese-language employment contract must be provided, signed by the applicant and affixed with the employer's official seal. Alterations or corrections are not permitted. The employment contract or certificate of appointment (including a dispatch letter for multinational corporations) must specify the following key details: work location, job description, remuneration, duration of employment in China, position, and signature/seal page. The certificate of appointment applies to personnel working under intergovernmental or inter-organizational agreements, as well as to chief representatives, representatives of various representative offices in China, and overseas contract service providers. The dispatch letter applies to senior management personnel or professional technicians assigned from the headquarters or regional headquarters of a multinational corporation to work at its subsidiary or branch office in China, and must be issued by the headquarters or regional headquarters. If the certificate of appointment (including the dispatch letter) lacks necessary information, a supplementary explanation letter must be provided. For multinational corporations assigning senior management or professional technical personnel from their regional headquarters in China to domestic subsidiaries or branch offices, both the dispatch letter and the employment contract signed with the regional headquarters in China must be submitted.
9. Applicant's Passport or International Travel Document:
Provide the information page of the applicant's passport or international travel document. The passport must be valid for no less than six months.
10. Applicant's Valid Visa or Residence Permit: Submit copies of the visa page, most recent entry stamp page, or residence permit information page from the passport (or international travel document).
11. Recent Photo of the Applicant (Taken Within the Last Six Months): Provide a recent front-facing, bareheaded electronic photo with a white background, no border, and clear facial features free of any spots, blemishes, or ink defects. Wearing hats or head coverings is not recommended. If required for religious reasons, they must not obscure any part of the applicant's face.
12. A photo that complies with the Photo Requirements for Exit-Entry Documents or a Receipt for Digital Photo Collection for Foreign Visa Applications must be submitted.
13. Completed Application Form for Foreigner's Visa.
14. Official Application Letter Issued by the Employer (Must include the Unified Social Credit Code)
15. Proof of Overseas Chinese Identity.
16. Other Supporting Documents: Additional materials may be required by the permit acceptance authority or decision-making authority as deemed necessary for supplementary review.
VI. Approval Timeframe
Employers may choose to apply for the following services simultaneously based on actual needs:
① Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China
② Foreigner's Residence Permit
③ Foreigner's Social Insurance Enrollment
If all three services are applied for at once, the maximum approval period is as follows:
Foreign High-End Talent (Category A): 8 working days;
Foreign Professional Talent (Category B): 11 working days.
In special circumstances requiring an extension, the permit acceptance or decision-making authority will handle the case as appropriate.
VII. Important Notes
1. Foreigners applying for a work permit within China must, after passing the preliminary review, bring the original application materials to the "Do It Efficiently in One Go" service window for foreigners working in China to complete the document verification process.
2. Foreigners applying for a residence permit for work shall submit supporting documents such as the work permit, and personally visit the exit-entry administration office of the public security authority in the area where their employer is located to complete the relevant procedures in person (offline).
3. Social insurance enrollment for foreigners shall be handled online by the employer.
For foreigners from countries that have signed a bilateral social security agreement with China and are eligible for exemption from certain social insurance contributions, the employer must submit the Certificate of Coverage and other relevant documents to the local social insurance agency for offline processing.
4. Employers may choose to apply for selected services based on actual needs or apply for all services simultaneously, and must submit the corresponding application materials according to the selected services.
5. As the Professional Title Evaluation System is not open year-round, relevant information is not currently included in the unified application form. Applicants who meet the qualification requirements for professional title evaluation should apply separately through the Shanghai Professional Title Service System, in accordance with the Shanghai Professional Title Evaluation Administration Measures.