Refer China: China Visa Updates ： Key Changes for Work & Residency

Shanghai raised salary thresholds for A/B work visas. Hangzhou now accepts coaching certs for B visas. Guangzhou clarified work-residency permit links. Shenzhen added a 5-year deregistration rule for descendants' green cards. Policies tighten on salary, identity checks, and conversions.

8 New China Visa Policies Updated in February

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Latest Updates on Work Visas (Z Visa / Work-Based Residence Permit)

1. Shanghai - A-Class Work Visa Salary Threshold Raised to Sixfold Average

The A-Class Work Visa in Shanghai is now subject to a "six times the social average salary" standard.

The annual salary requirement has been raised from approximately RMB 600,000 to RMB 900,000.

⚠️ The new salary standard applies to both new applications and renewals.

Applicants previously approved under the RMB 600,000 threshold must meet the new RMB 900,000 requirement upon renewal.

📌 Practical Tip: Employers must update:

Labor contracts
Individual income tax declarations

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2. Shanghai - B-Class Work Visa Fourfold Salary Route Also Updated

The "four times average salary" requirement for B-Class visas has been adjusted.

Annual salary threshold increased from approximately RMB 400,000 to RMB 600,000.

⚠️ Renewals must also meet the new standard, even if the original visa was granted under the old threshold.

📌 Key Reminder: In practice, some districts have begun reviewing salary continuity and reasonableness, not just relying on the declared contract amount.

For more information, welcome to consult our visa specialist, Maggie.

3. Hangzhou - Coaching Certificate Can Replace Bachelor's Degree for B-Class Visa

In Hangzhou, certain sectors now accept:

Coaching certificates or professional qualifications
As substitutes for a bachelor's degree

Applicable for B-Class work visa applications.

📌 Who Should Pay Attention: Foreign professionals in sports, fitness, or skilled trades should consider this route.

For tailored advice, welcome to consult our visa specialist, Maggie.

4. Guangzhou - Clarifies Link Between Work Permit & Residence Visa

Recent guidelines in Guangzhou include:

Applicants may retain their current residence permit

Then apply for a new residence permit after receiving the official work permit

❌ Work permit screenshots alone are not accepted for stay visa applications

❌ Ongoing work permit applications also do not support stay visa issuance

📌 Key Takeaway: Precisely plan timing to avoid a visa gap.

5. Turkish Nationals Cannot Apply for Z Visas in Hong Kong

Holders of Turkish passports are not permitted to submit Z visa applications in Hong Kong.

Applications must be routed through a third country or the applicant's home country consulate.

📌 Recommendation: Confirm the visa submission location before leaving China to avoid situations where the applicant is abroad but unable to file for the visa.

For tailored advice, welcome to consult our visa specialist, Maggie.

6. Buddhist University Degrees: Extra Identity Clarification Required

For applicants graduating from Buddhist universities, diplomas may feature:

A Dharma name,
Or a name not matching the passport exactly.

📄 An additional statement of explanation is required.

📌 Practical Tip: Have this explanation professionally drafted to ensure consistency in identity documentation and prevent delays or rejections.

7. X2 (Language) to Work Visa Transitions Face Stricter Scrutiny

Recent trends indicate increased scrutiny in converting X2 short-term study visas to work visas:

📚 Verification of actual class attendance

🏢 Assessment of employer's credibility and job role relevance

🗣 Evaluation of Chinese language proficiency alignment

📌 Risk Warning: X2 visa holders planning to work in China should exercise caution and ensure compliance.

Part

Updated Requirements for Permanent Residency (China Green Card)

8. Shenzhen Adds 5-Year Deregistration Rule for Chinese Descendants

Chinese descendants applying for permanent residency in Shenzhen must now have deregistered their Chinese household registration for at least five years.

📌 Important Reminder: Being a foreign national alone is not sufficient—the five-year deregistration rule is now a mandatory condition.

For tailored advice, welcome to consult our visa specialist, Maggie.

✍️ Final Thoughts: Three Key Trends Emerging from Recent Policy Changes

🔹 Overall increase in salary thresholds

🔹 Tighter verification of identity and background authenticity

🔹 Growing disparity in enforcement across different cities

Even with the same background and qualifications, outcomes may vary greatly depending on the city. If you are at a critical stage—such as renewal, transfer, or initial application—advance evaluation is strongly advised to avoid reactive corrections.