Since its introduction in 2017, China’s unified work permit system has become the standard framework for foreign professionals seeking employment.
Understanding your score is crucial—it determines your eligibility, application process speed, and permit duration.
Updated for 2024, this system categorizes applicants into Class A (High-End Talent), Class B (Professional Talent), and Class C (Non-Technical or Service Talent) based on a transparent points assessment.
This guide provides the latest calculation methodology, replaces outdated 2017 information, and serves as your definitive resource for self-assessment.
The 2024 Points Breakdown Table
Your total score is calculated from a mandatory 85-point baseline across six core categories.
The following table details the 2024 scoring criteria.
Please note that exact salary multipliers and designated “encouraged” areas are subject to provincial and municipal interpretation; always confirm with local human resources and social security bureaus.
| Scoring Category | Maximum Points | Detailed Criteria & 2024 Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Direct Qualification (A类) | N/A | Direct Class A designation for Nobel laureates, top award winners, members of national academies, or those meeting specific “high-end talent” criteria per local catalogs. No points calculation required [1]. |
| 2. Annual Salary | 30 | Points: 30 (≥6x local avg), 25 (4-6x), 20 (2-4x), 15 (1-2x), 10 (≥ local avg), 5 (< local avg). 2024 Note: Use the local average social wage published by your city of employment, not the national average [2]. |
| 3. Education/Qualifications | 25 | Points: 25 (Ph.D. or world top 100 uni), 20 (Master’s), 15 (Bachelor’s), 10 (Associate’s), 5 (Professional cert). 2024 Update: The list of accepted “world-class” universities is periodically updated; diplomas require authentication by the Chinese Ministry of Education [3]. |
| 4. Work Experience | 25 | Points: 25 (Over 8 years), 20 (5-8 years), 15 (3-5 years), 10 (2-3 years), 5 (1-2 years), 0 (<1 year). Key: Relevant experience post-bachelor’s degree. Proof requires former employer letters and tax records. |
| 5. Age | 15 | Points: 15 (18-25), 20 (26-45), 15 (46-55), 10 (56-60), 0 (>60). Note: Age is calculated at the time of application submission. |
| 6. Mandarin Proficiency | 10 | Points: 10 (HSK 5/6 or Chinese degree), 5 (HSK 3/4), 0 (No proficiency). Alternative: 5 points for working in a Chinese-invested overseas company for ≥2 years. Official HSK standards are set by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation [4]. |
| 7. Annual Work Location | 10 | Points: Up to 10 additional points for working in encouraged development zones, remote/western regions, or low-tax free trade zones (e.g., parts of Hainan, Greater Bay Area) as per local incentive policies [5]. |
| 8. Extra Points | 20 | Graduates: 5 points for a Bachelor’s or higher from a Chinese university. STEM Fields: 5 points for work in urgent talent-shortage fields (varies by city; see local catalog). Compliance: Up to 10 points for a clean work and tax record in China. |
Step-by-Step Calculation Process
Follow this process to accurately calculate your likely score and classification.
Step 1: Check for Direct Class A Qualification
Before calculating points, review if you qualify for direct Class A status.
Criteria include [1]:
- Winners of prestigious international awards.
- Eligible for national or provincial “high-end talent” programs.
- Senior management in a Fortune 500 company.
- Earning a salary ≥ 6 times the local average wage (this single criterion can grant direct A status in many jurisdictions).
Step 2: Gather Documentation for Each Category
- Salary: A formal offer letter stating your annual pre-tax income and the official local average social wage for your city (found on the local HRSS bureau website) [2].
- Education: Your highest degree certificate, authenticated by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) [3].
- Work Experience: Notarized letters from previous employers on company letterhead, detailing your job title and exact dates of employment.
Step 3: Calculate Your Points
Using the table above, calculate your score for each category and find the sum.
Step 4: Determine Your Category
- Class A (High-End Talent): Score ≥ 85 points OR meet direct qualification criteria.
- Class B (Professional Talent): Score ≥ 60 points and have a job offer in a role that matches your education/experience.
- Class C (Non-Technical/Service Talent): Governed by quota-based policies for temporary or seasonal roles. Points are less relevant.
The Application Process & Strategic Tips
Once you have your score, follow this updated 2024 application pathway, which is managed by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) [6]:
- Job Offer & Contract: Secure a formal offer. Your employer must have a valid Work Permit Quota and qualify to hire foreigners.
- Online Application: Your employer submits the initial application via the Foreigner’s Work Permit Management Service System.
- Document Submission: Submit all notarized, authenticated, and translated documents to the local Science, Technology, and Foreign Experts Bureau.
- Work Permit Notification: Upon approval, you receive a notification letter to apply for a Z Visa at a Chinese embassy/consulate abroad.
- Final Registration: Enter China on the Z Visa, undergo a medical check, and receive your final Work Permit Card and Residence Permit.
Strategic Tips for 2024:
- Negotiate Salary: A high salary is the most significant point lever and can lead to direct Class A status.
- Provincial Variations: Cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen have additional favorable local criteria. Always check the local catalog published by the municipal human resources bureau.
- Timing: The entire process, from document preparation to receiving the permit card, typically takes 2 to 4 months. Plan accordingly.
References and Further Reading
- State Council of China. (2024). Policy on Facilitating the Introduction of Foreign Talent. Official government portal detailing high-end talent classification. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/2024-01/05/content_6947112.htm
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS). (2024). Statistical Communiqué on the Average Wage of Employed Persons in Urban Units. Provides the official basis for local average salary calculations. http://www.mohrss.gov.cn/xxgk2020/fdzdgknr/shbx_4216/202401/t20240131_514133.html
- Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). (2024). Authentication Service for Foreign Academic Degrees. The official platform for authenticating foreign educational credentials. https://en.cscse.edu.cn/
- Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC). (2024). Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK). The official website for HSK standards and testing. https://www.chinesetest.cn/
- State Council of China. (2023). Overall Plan for the Institutional Reform of the Hainan Free Trade Port. Example of regional incentive policies that can affect points. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/2023-12/23/content_6923127.htm
- National Immigration Administration (NIA). (2024). Service Guide for Foreigners. The primary government portal for work and residence permit procedures. https://www.nia.gov.cn/
- Ministry of Science and Technology (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs). Guide to the Foreigner’s Work Permit System. Historical and procedural context for the points-based system.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
China’s work permit system in 2024 continues to prioritize and streamline immigration for high-value, skilled foreign professionals.
By using this guide to accurately calculate your points, you can understand your classification, strengthen your application, and navigate the process with confidence.
Key Takeaways for 2024:
- The system is points-driven, with Class A requiring 85+ points or meeting direct high-end talent criteria.
- Salary, education, and experience are the three most critical scoring pillars.
- Local implementation rules vary—always confirm details with your employer’s local HR department or the city’s foreign expert bureau.
- Preparation of properly authenticated documents is as important as your score itself.
For the most authoritative final confirmation, always refer to the official Chinese government portal for foreigner’s work permit services or consult with a licensed visa agency specializing in Chinese work permits.
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