Immigration
Work permits tiered A/B/C by a points score
The Exit and Entry Administration Law governs foreign nationals. Work permits are graded into three classes by a points system covering salary, education, age and Chinese-language ability, and the class determines how easily a permit is granted and renewed.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — Permits are issued by provincial human resources bureaus and are tied to a single employer and city.
- Deadline — Residence permit application within 30 days of entry on a Z work visa
- Deadline — Registration with local police within 24 hours of arrival (72 hours in rural areas)
Governing law
- Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC2013
- Regulations on Administration of Employment of Foreigners in China
In practice
Class A covers high-level talent and enjoys the fewest restrictions; Class B is professional employment subject to quota and local labour-market considerations; Class C is quota-controlled unskilled or seasonal work. A permit is employer-tied, so changing jobs requires a new application rather than a transfer. Permanent residence exists but is granted rarely. Family members receive dependent residence permits that do not carry an automatic right to work.