Foreigners working in China shall obtain work permits and work-type residence permits in accordance with relevant regulations.
Organizations or individuals shall not employ a foreigner without obtaining a work permit and a residence permit.
These foreigners are exempted from FWP application:
1. Personnel of foreign diplomatic or consular missions in China, UN representative offices in China and others with diplomatic privileges and immunities of other international organizations.
2. Foreigners with China's permanent residence (Chinese Green Card).
3. Foreign laborers with special skills to perform offshore petroleum operations without going ashore, holding Foreigner's Work Permit to Perform Offshore Petroleum Operation in the People's Republic of China.
4. Foreigners performing for profitable purposes with Temporary Profitable Performance Permit approved and issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
5. Other circumstances as expressly provided for in laws and regulations.
The employers established in Guangzhou should apply and handle with FWP and its related issues for their foreign employees. The review and approval targets are employers who hire foreigners and their foreign employees.
Eligibility
Besides the above-mentioned requirements, applicants shall also meet one of the following criteria:
1. High-end foreign talents (Category A)
High-end Foreign Talents (Category A) include scientists, leading S&T talents, international entrepreneurs, special talents and other foreign high- end talents urgently needed in the economic and social development of China who fall in line with the national priority list for foreign talents or fulfill the market demand for government-encouraged posts as well as those who meet the criteria for high-end foreign talents set in the points-based system (grade 85 points or more). Foreign high-end talents are free from restriction on quota not subject to age, education and work experience restrictions. For details, see the Categorization Criteria of Foreigners Working in China (Trial).
2. Foreign professional talents (Category B)
Foreign Professional Talents (Category B) include foreign professionals who meet the requirements of the Guiding Catalog and Positions for Foreigners Working in China, fulfill the urgent demands of the economic and social development of China, hold bachelor's degree or above, have relevant working experience for two years or more, and are aged below 60 or obtaining 60 points or more in the points- based system; for those who are in urgent need and meet the criteria for innovative and entrepreneurial talents, professional and skilled talents, excellent foreign graduates, meet the criteria for foreign professional talents set in the point-based system, or are introduced due to implementation of inter-government agreements or protocols, the restrictions on age, education or working experience can be relaxed. For details, see the Categorization Criteria of Foreigners Working in China (Trial). If there are national regulations on professionals and government project personnel, the said regulations shall apply.
3. Other foreigners (Category C)
Other Foreigners (Category C) refers to foreigners employed to meet the demand of the domestic labor market in line with the state policies and regulations. For details, see the Categorization Criteria of Foreigners Working in China (Trial).
Where to apply
Service System for Foreigners Working in China (https://fuwu.most.gov. cn/lhgzweb/) accepts on-line applications on a year-round basis at no cost.
Guide to Apply for Foreigner's Work Permit From outside China (over 90 days)
Guide to Apply for Foreigner's Work Permit from Within China (over 90 days)
Besides meeting the basic requirements mentioned above, eligible FWP applicants applying for FWP from Within China (over 90 days) shall also fit in with one of the following circumstances:
(1) A foreigner working in China and intending to work for a different company, with the job position (occupation) remaining the same and the work-type residence permit still valid;
(2) The foreign spouse or children of a Chinese citizen or a foreigner permanently residing or working in China with valid visas or residence permits;
(3) Being in line with the relevant preferential policies for free trade zones and/or comprehensive innovation reform pilot zones;
(4) The employer is eligible for the preferential policies for the Chinese headquarters of multinationals;
(5) Personnel transfer between the group and its subsidiaries;
(6) Foreigners undertaking the intergovernmental agreements or cooperation projects;
(7) Representatives of foreign establishments in China who have entered China with valid work visas; or foreigners who have obtained FWP for less than 90 days in China and now are employed by domestic employers within the validity period of their stay;
(8) Other circumstances deemed eligible by the approving agencies.
Guide to Apply for Short-term FWP in Guangzhou(90 days or less)
Foreigners intending to work for a short term (90 days or less) in Guangzhou shall apply for Notification Letter of FWP (90 days or less).
Applicants should fit in with one of the following circumstancs：
*To complete technical, science research, management, advisory jobs, etc. with their partner within Chinese mainland
*To conduct trial training for sports within Chinese mainland (including coaches and athletes)
*Photographing (including advertisements and documentaries)
*Modelling (including models for car shows and print ads)
Guide to Apply for Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents
High Level and urgently needed talents in China's economic and social development who meet the conditions for High-end Foreign Talents (Category A) set forth in the Evaluation Criteria for Foreigners Employed in China (Trial), as well as high-end scientists, science and technology leading talents, international entrepreneurs, special talents and high-skilled talents fulfilling the demand, may apply for the Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents and may apply for the Talent Visa (R visa) with the Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents.
Guide to Apply for Foreigner's Work Permit by Foreign Graduates
Foreigners obtaining master degrees or above from renowned overseas universities for less than one year, or international students obtaining master degrees or above from the universities in China for less than one year.
Service Center
Guangzhou Service Center of Foreigner's Work Permit (Huangpu District and Nansha District are not included)
Address: Counter 517-518, 5th Floor, No.61 Huali Rd, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou Foreign-related Comprehensive Service Platform, Guangzhou
Nansha Government Affairs Service Center (only for Nansha District)
Address: Counter 4-5, Comprehensive Service Platform for Foreign Affairs, Guangzhou Nansha Government Affairs Service Center, 1st Floor, No.1 Fenghuang Avenue, Nansha District, Guangzhou Service
Center of Science and Technology Bureau of Huangpu District (only for Huangpu District)
Address: Counter 401-402, Zone A, 4th Floor, Government Affairs Service Center, No.3 Xiangxue 3rd Rd, Huangpu District, Guangzhou
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00 (national statutory holidays excluded)
Hotline: 020-12345
For Foreigner's Work Permit related issues, please log in the Service System for Foreigners Working in China at https://fuwu.most.gov.cn/lhgzweb/
For Service Guide of Foreigner's Work Permit application, please visit the website of Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau and refer to Service for Foreign Talents and Talents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan at http://kjj.gz.gov.cn/attachment/6/6777/6777216/7230754.pdf
Scan QR code to obtain Guide to Apply for Foreigner's Work Permit in Guangzhou (Amended in 2020)
Source: Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office
