Shanghai continues to strengthen its position as a global talent hub by introducing a new residence permit for overseas talent, aimed at making it easier for foreign professionals to live and work in the city. Find out who is eligible for the permit, how to apply, the required documents and much more useful information

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Shanghai has officially revised its residence permit policy for foreign talents to attract more international professionals, entrepreneurs and returnees to the city and introduced the Residence Permit for Foreign Talents.

This guide explains in detail who is eligible for the permit, how to apply, what documents are required, processing times and the benefits associated with this permit.

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What Is the Overseas Talent Residence Permit?

The Overseas Talent Residence Permit (often referred to as Residence Card Type B or “B-card”) is a city-level residence document designed for skilled foreign professionals and overseas returnees working or starting businesses in Shanghai.

The permit simplifies access to key urban services — from social security registration and medical insurance to housing, education, and even local financial services — making it easier for top talent to settle and work long-term in Shanghai.

A new residence permit for foreign talents was introduced on July 1, 2025, and is expected to be valid until June 30, 2030.

Who Can Apply?

According to the Shanghai Talent Work Bureau, the permit is open to several categories of applicants:

- Foreign professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree or specialized skills who are legally employed or run a business in Shanghai.

- Returned overseas graduates who have obtained foreign degrees and now hold foreign citizenship.

- Holders of a Category A Work Permit (China’s top-tier foreign expert classification).

- Residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan working in qualified positions.

- Family members – spouses and children (under 18 or still in high school) – may apply for dependent permits.

Applicants holding a Category A Work Permit can usually apply directly for the residence card without extra qualification review.

Key Benefits Shanghai permit for international talents

Holding an Overseas Talent Residence Permit provides tangible advantages, such as:

- Legal residence and employment rights in Shanghai.

- Enrollment in local social insurance and housing fund schemes.

- Easier access to education for children in local or international schools.

- Eligibility to start businesses, open bank accounts, and handle financial procedures with fewer restrictions.

- Streamlined access to public services and government programs.

- Recognition as part of Shanghai’s official talent database – a plus when applying for permanent residence (China Green Card) later.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

Step 1 – Preparation

Your employer or authorized agent must gather all required digital materials and submit them via the official Government Online-Offline Shanghai platform.

Step 2 – Online Pre-review

Local talent service centers verify the documents online. If approved, they issue a receipt for in-person submission; if not, they request corrections.

Step 3 – Submission of Originals

The applicant (or authorized representative) visits the service window with original documents for verification.

Step 4 – Official Review

The Shanghai Talent Work Bureau conducts the final review within five working days after receiving the file.

Step 5 – Card Issuance

Once approved, the physical or electronic card is produced within ten working days. Some districts now offer courier delivery or digital permit download.

Total average processing time: about 2 weeks.

Indicative package of documents for submitting an application

To submit an application, you must prepare the following indicative package of documents. Note that specific districts may request additional paperwork:

- Valid passport (original + copy).

- Valid visa or work permit (Category A certificate, if applicable).

- Employment contract or business license (for entrepreneurs).

- Degree certificates, professional licenses, CV, or reference letters.

- Employer documents – business registration, tax records, social security proof.

- Recent passport-size photo meeting local specifications.

- Medical certificate and/or criminal record check, if required.

Validity Period and Renewal

Review time: 2 days (submission → transfer) + 5 days (review) + 10 days (card issuance).

Permit validity: 1–5 years, and in some cases up to 10 years, depending on the applicant’s education, position, and contribution level.

The validity cannot exceed the period of your passport or employment contract.

Renewal follows the same online + in-person process and can usually be started within 30 days before the current permit expires.

Employer’s Role

Applications must be initiated by the employer or a certified service agency.

The employer uploads company credentials, pays social insurance for the employee, and coordinates with the talent bureau throughout the process.

Self-application is generally not accepted, except for verified entrepreneurs registered with local talent or business departments.

The Overseas Talent Residence Permit makes it easier for skilled foreigners and returnees to live and work in Shanghai.

With faster processing, longer validity, and access to key local services, the new policy strengthens Shanghai’s role as a leading destination for global professionals.

Need help with your residence or work permit?

Our migration specialists can guide you through every step — from document preparation to application submission in Shanghai.

Get expert advice and avoid common mistakes when applying for your Overseas Talent Residence Permit.

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As a reminder! The new Chinese K visa category opens up wide opportunities for young professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship. We have already talked about the conditions for obtaining it, criteria for candidates, and differences from other Chinese visas and H-1B in the USA.

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