On November 21, the Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau (together with the Guangzhou Municipal Foreign Experts Bureau) issued a notice titled “Pilot Program to Facilitate Work Permits for Foreign Nationals in China.”
The program outlines several initiatives aimed at streamlining procedures and creating a more supportive environment for foreign professionals working in China.
1. Simplified Work Permit Transfers Within Guangdong Province
Foreign nationals already working in Guangdong Province can transfer to another organization within the same system without needing to apply for a new work permit, as long as both the current and new employers consent. This process only requires documentation to be filed with both the outgoing and incoming organizations. The original work permit remains valid during the transfer process, but any permit renewals or cancellations must be handled in the same location where the original permit was approved, with the relevant explanations provided.
For foreign professionals with compensation-related commitments, supporting documents will be required during permit renewals or cancellations. If the work permit remains valid, a new transfer application is not needed.
Transfers outside of the managed list will still follow the standard process, which involves canceling the previous permit and applying for a new one. More details can be obtained from Guangzhou’s foreign work service windows located in Huangpu and Nansha.
2. Easier Work Permits for Foreign Entrepreneurial Investors
Foreign nationals who have invested directly in businesses in Guangzhou, with an investment of at least RMB 4 million or a stake of over 30%, are eligible to apply for a B-type work permit, provided they have completed business registration and are actively involved in business operations.
For permit renewals, applicants must submit supporting documents such as proof of timely capital contributions, financial records, operational reports, tax certificates, and social security payment records for both Chinese and foreign employees.
3. Support for Foreign Graduates Working or Starting Businesses in Guangdong
Foreign nationals holding a master’s degree or higher in a STEM field from a world-class university or one of China’s “Double First-Class” institutions (147 universities) are eligible to apply for a B-type work permit within one year of graduation. This policy eliminates the requirement for prior work experience.
Employment: Employers can apply for a work permit valid for up to one year, which can be renewed in accordance with regulations.
Entrepreneurship: Innovation and entrepreneurship incubators, such as startup parks, can apply for a work permit on behalf of foreign entrepreneurs. These permits are initially valid for one year and can be extended for an additional year.
4. High-Level Talent Standards Remain Unchanged
The current standards for recognizing “high-caliber, cutting-edge, and urgently needed” foreign talent in Guangzhou will continue unchanged under this pilot program.
These measures take effect immediately and will remain in place until December 31, 2025.
For the list of eligible world-class universities and the full policy in Chinese, please refer to the official sources.
For the list of eligible world-class universities:
https://kjj.gz.gov.cn/attachment/7/7724/7724114/9988860.pdf
For the full policy in Chinese:
https://kjj.gz.gov.cn/xxgk/zwdt/tztg/wjgg/content/post_9988860.html
