No Transfer, No Experience … New Policies Ease Work Permits

Source: OT-Team(G), 广州市科学技术局

  On November 21, the Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau (Guangzhou Municipal Foreign Experts Bureau) issued a notice titled "Pilot Program to Facilitate Work Permits for Foreign Nationals in China." 
  The program introduces several measures aimed at simplifying procedures and fostering an accommodating environment for foreign professionals.
1. Streamlined Work Permit Transfers Within Guangdong
  Foreign nationals working within Guangdong Province may transfer between affiliated organizations under the same system with the mutual consent of both parties. This requires documentation to be filed with both the outgoing and incoming organizations. Reissuance of work permits is not necessary, and the validity of the original permit remains unchanged. However, renewals and cancellations must be handled in the original approval location, with relevant explanations provided.
  For foreign professionals subject to compensation-related commitments, supporting documents must be submitted during permit renewals or cancellations. If the work permit remains valid, no additional transfer application is required.
  A managed list approach applies to this measure. Transfers outside the list are subject to standard procedures, requiring cancellation of the previous permit and application for a new one. Further details are available at Guangzhou's foreign work service windows in Huangpu and Nansha.
  2. Simplified Work Permits for Entrepreneurial Investors
  Foreign nationals who have made direct investments in Guangzhou—amounting to at least RMB 4 million or holding over 30% of equity—are eligible to apply for a B-type work permit, provided they have completed business registration and actively participate in operations.
  For permit renewals, applicants must submit 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 with master's degrees or higher in STEM fields from world-class universities or China's Double First-Class universities (147 institutions) are eligible for a B-type work permit within one year of graduation. This eliminates prior work experience requirements.
  • Employment: Employers can apply for a work permit valid for up to one year, renewable according to regulations.
  • Entrepreneurship: Innovation and entrepreneurship incubation platforms such as startup parks can apply for a work permit on behalf of foreign entrepreneurs, also valid for one year and extendable for another year.

  4. Continuation of Standards for High-Level Talent

  The recognition standards for "high-caliber, cutting-edge, and urgently needed" foreign professionals in Guangzhou will remain unchanged under the current pilot program.

  These measures take effect immediately and will remain valid until December 31, 2025.

  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





















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