Refer China: Shanghai Updates Foreign Talent Policy ： 10-Year Visa Possible

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Shanghai Updates Foreign Talent Policy: 10-Year Visa Possible

Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau Notice on Issuing the Shanghai List of Recognized Overseas Professional Qualification Certificates (Version 3.0)

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I. Categorized Convenience and Support Services

(1) For Certificate Holders of Category A Items in the List

Provide the following convenience and support services for holders of Category A certificates who are legally working in Shanghai:

Foreign nationals can apply for multiple-entry visas valid for up to 5 years with an invitation letter from the relevant entity or apply for work residence permits valid for up to 5 years with a work permit;

Eligible foreign nationals can apply for the corresponding category of work permits in China. For foreign professionals (Category B), the age limit can be relaxed to 70 years old. Those who meet the criteria for high-end foreign talents (Category A) can apply for documents valid for up to 5 years;

Non-local residents applying for the Shanghai Residence Permit point system may receive corresponding points for their professional qualifications or titles;

Eligible foreign nationals and residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan may receive bonus points when applying for the Shanghai Overseas Talent Residence Permit;

Overseas work experience may be regarded as equivalent to domestic work experience;

Industry authorities, districts, and enterprises and institutions in Shanghai are encouraged to provide other support and guarantees for certificate holders.

(2) For Certificate Holders of Category B Items in the List

In addition to the above services for Category A certificate holders, the following additional services will be provided for Category B certificate holders legally working in Shanghai:

Eligible foreign nationals can apply for high-end foreign talent (Category A) work permits without restrictions on education, age, or work experience;

Eligible foreign nationals may be recommended by relevant authorities in national key development zones to apply for permanent residency in China. Their foreign spouses and minor children can apply together;

Foreign nationals can apply for multiple-entry visas valid for 5 years. Those who qualify can apply for a Confirmation Letter for High-End Foreign Talents and then apply for an R-visa (talent visa) valid for up to 10 years, enjoying convenient entry and exit;

Foreign nationals engaged in innovation and entrepreneurship in Shanghai may apply for relevant residence documents with appropriate proof;

Those with outstanding job performance may be recommended by local employers for talent introduction procedures;

Industry authorities, districts, and enterprises and institutions in Shanghai are encouraged to provide support and guarantees to certificate holders by referencing policies for high-level talents.

II. Support for Certificate Holders in Title Assessment and Recognition

Holders of Category C certificates who are legally working in Shanghai can directly apply for title assessment in corresponding professional series and levels. Their overseas professional experience, work achievements, and innovative contributions can be considered in the evaluation.

(1) Basic Requirements

Comply with the Constitution and laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China;

Possess good professional ethics, dedication, and a righteous work style;

Be passionate about their job and perform duties diligently;

Have relevant overseas experience or engage in corresponding overseas business in their professional field.

(2) Education and Qualification Requirements

Certificate holders must have worked in Shanghai for at least one year in the relevant field. For title recognition in engineering and technical professions, a science or engineering background is required.

For junior-level titles, one of the following must be met:
(1) Hold a master's degree or second bachelor's degree;
(2) Hold a bachelor's degree and have worked in the relevant field for at least 1 year.

For intermediate-level titles, one of the following must be met:
(1) Hold a doctoral degree;
(2) Hold a master's or second bachelor's degree and have 2 years of relevant experience;
(3) Hold a bachelor's degree and have 5 years of relevant experience.

For deputy senior-level titles, one of the following must be met:
(1) Hold a doctoral degree and have 2 years of relevant experience;
(2) Hold a master's or second bachelor's degree and have 7 years of relevant experience;
(3) Hold a bachelor's degree and have 10 years of relevant experience.

(3) Assessment Procedures

Complete verification on the Shanghai Overseas Professional Qualification Certificate Verification Platform (refer to Annex 2 for the procedure);

The employer must strictly review the application materials and job performance, and publicly display the materials within the unit for no less than 5 working days;

Applicants must submit their applications via the "Shanghai Title Service System";

The Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau organizes expert review and assessment;

Upon approval and public announcement without objection, an electronic title certificate will be issued by the Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau.

For overseas professional and technical talents introduced by public institutions, applications should be approved by the competent department and generally comply with job management requirements for public institutions.

III. Explore Mutual Recognition with Domestic Evaluation Standards

Gradually explore various forms such as direct qualification application, exemption from certain courses, or reduced exam subjects to promote mutual recognition between Category D projects and domestic professional qualifications, certifications, or professional titles.

IV. Establish a Unified Certificate Verification Platform

Establish a unified city-wide certificate verification platform to provide certificate inquiry and verification services for certificate holders. The verification results will serve as the basis for enjoying relevant services and handling related affairs. Certificate holders not yet employed in Shanghai can apply for verification from abroad.

V. Actively Introduce Supporting Industry Policies

Shanghai's relevant industry authorities in fields such as economy and information technology, science and technology, construction and transportation, education and health, commerce and finance, are encouraged to optimize mechanisms in innovation, talent selection, training, evaluation, and incentives. Supporting policies and practice guidelines should be introduced. Under certain conditions, restrictions on the employment of overseas professionals may be moderately and prudently relaxed.

VI. Dynamic Adjustment of List Items

Enhance tracking and monitoring of the certificate issuance status, technical level, and innovation/entrepreneurship activity of certificate holders in the List. Projects failing to meet requirements will be removed in a timely manner. At the same time, establish and improve the selection criteria for List projects and the application procedures for Category C items (see Annex 3). Adjust and improve the List as needed based on Shanghai's economic and social development and talent needs, incorporating internationally recognized and urgently needed overseas qualifications to gather and cultivate professional and technical talents in key areas.

👉Visit https://rsj.sh.gov.cn/trsrc_17739/20251107/t0035_1436657.html for the original text.

Source: 上海市人力资源和社会保障局