Refer China: China Visa Policy Updates September 2026 ： IIT, PR, Work Permit Changes

Key China visa and residency policy updates effective September 2026: 20% IIT on foreign shareholder dividends, simplified PR passport rules for ethnic Chinese, and new work permit requirements in Shenzhen and Nanjing. Essential for expats and HR teams.

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New China Visa Policies Updated in

September

1. Foreign Shareholder Dividends: 20% IIT Effective from September 1

Previously, dividends and bonuses received by foreign individuals from foreign-invested enterprises were temporarily exempt from Individual Income Tax.

From September 1, 2026, this exemption no longer applies. Such income is now taxed as “income from interest, dividends and bonuses” at a rate of 20%.

When a foreign-invested enterprise distributes dividends or bonuses to a foreign individual, the enterprise must withhold the Individual Income Tax and file the tax return by the 15th day of the following month. If the enterprise fails to withhold the tax, the foreign individual receiving the dividends or bonuses must pay the tax in accordance with the law.

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

2. PR for Ethnic Chinese:

Only ONE Former Chinese Passport Now Required

Ethnic Chinese applicants who previously held Chinese citizenship were generally required to submit all their former Chinese passports when applying for Chinese permanent residence.

Under the latest requirement, applicants only need to provide one of their former Chinese passports, rather than their complete passport history.

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3. PR: Former Taiwan Residents May Apply with Proof of Nationality Loss

Former Taiwan residents who later acquired another nationality previously faced restrictions when preparing documents for Chinese permanent residence.

They may now apply for Chinese permanent residence using proof of the loss of their former nationality.

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

4. PR: Korean Applicants Need Passport–ID Identity Proof

Korean nationals applying for Chinese permanent residence need to provide an additional Certificate of Passport Issuance issued by a Korean consulate in China. The certificate needs to list the applicant’s Korean resident registration number and the numbers of all Korean passports issued in their name.

This is because Korean non-criminal record(NCR) and certain other official documents follow a fixed format that shows only the applicant’s Korean resident registration number instead of their passport number.

The additional certificate links these Korean documents to the applicant’s passports, confirming that the person named in the NCR and the passport holder are the same person.

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

5. Shanghai - New Birth Certificate Copy Rule for Spouse-Reunion PR

For spouse-reunion permanent residence applications in Shanghai, applicants with children must provide a formal copy of each child’s birth certificate.

A photograph of the birth certificate is not accepted for submission.

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

6. Work Permit Applications:

Extra Proof Required When the Degree Level Is Unclear

When an academic qualification is used for a Foreigner’s Work Permit application, the certificate must clearly state the degree level, such as Bachelor’s or Master’s.

If the certificate only states “Diploma” or does not specify a degree level, the applicant must additionally provide either:

● verification from the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange(CSCSE);

● a degree-equivalency statement issued by the embassy or consulate in China of the country where the qualification was obtained.

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

7. Shenzhen - Social Insurance Records Now Required for Work Permit Renewals

Foreign nationals renewing their Foreigner’s Work Permit in Shenzhen needs to provide their social insurance contribution record with the employing company now.

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

8. Nanjing - Legal Representatives Must Select “Corporate Management Personnel” for Class B Work Permit Applications

In Nanjing, when a company’s legal representative applies for a Class B Foreigner’s Work Permit based on a bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant work experience, the personnel type must be listed as “Corporate Management Personnel”, regardless of the applicant’s actual position.