China’s Capital Loosens Work Permit Requirements to Attract Overseas Talent

Beijing has introduced new policies to attract more foreign graduates from both domestic and international universities to live and work in the city, including the removal of the two-year work experience requirement for obtaining work permits [para. 1]. The "10-measure initiative" is designed to facilitate foreign graduates' job search and internships in Beijing, aid them in establishing businesses, and help them integrate into the city's life, according to a statement from the Beijing Overseas Talents Center [para. 2].

The new measures are a collaborative effort between the Exit-Entry Administration of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, the Beijing Overseas Talents Center, and local universities, as announced at a recent forum [para. 3]. One significant change under the initiative is that foreign nationals with university degrees are no longer obligated to have two years of work experience when applying for a work permit, provided that their majors align with the job requirements [para. 4].

Another pivotal aspect of the initiative is the new opportunity for international students who have graduated within the past two years from one of the world's top 500 universities, or from a Chinese university recognized as "world-class" or having a first-class academic discipline. These graduates can now apply for a work permit valid for up to three years [para. 5].

Additionally, the initiative includes measures to simplify visa processes for foreign students willing to enter the Chinese mainland. For instance, foreign students from overseas universities invited by businesses in Beijing's special zones—the demonstration zone for opening up the services sector and the pilot free trade zone—can apply for short-term port visas for private purposes [para. 6]. Furthermore, foreign students invited by Beijing-based institutions or renowned domestic enterprises for internships can apply for a one-year private visa, provided they have an invitation letter from the host institution and a certificate of study from their school [para. 7].

For inquiries, contact Wang Xintong at xintongwang@caixin.com and editor Lu Zhenhua at zhenhualu@caixin.com [para. 8].