China's opening-up vitality continues to be unleashed. In the third quarter of 2025, 13.4 million foreigners visited China, among whom 7.246 million entered visa-free, accounting for 72.2%, up by 48.3% year-on-year. In the office buildings of Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, in the trade markets of Guangzhou and Yiwu, and in the technology parks of Chengdu and Hangzhou, foreign faces are no longer a rare sight. They either impart knowledge, or join technical teams, or assist enterprises in exploring international markets. With the continuous development of China's economy and the acceleration of its internationalization process, the industry distribution, policy environment and career development paths for foreigners working in China are undergoing profound changes.

　　China's opening-up vitality continues to be unleashed. In the third quarter of 2025, 13.4 million foreigners visited China, among whom 7.246 million entered visa-free, accounting for 72.2%, up by 48.3% year-on-year. In the office buildings of Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, in the trade markets of Guangzhou and Yiwu, and in the science and technology parks of Chengdu and Hangzhou, foreign faces are no longer a rare sight. They either impart knowledge, or join technical teams, or assist enterprises in exploring international markets. With the continuous development of China's economy and the acceleration of its internationalization process, the industry distribution, policy environment and career development paths for foreigners working in China are undergoing profound changes.

　　This demand stems from Chinese parents' continuous emphasis on international education, and the demand for foreign teachers in international schools and language training institutions has been steadily increasing. However, changes are also taking place. The technology and research and development industry has emerged as a new high ground for attracting foreign high-end technical talents. The proportion of foreign engineers and R&D personnel in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, chip research and development, biomedicine, and new energy is increasing year by year. It is expected that the demand for foreign technical talents will grow by 15% by 2025. The financial and consulting industries, as traditional gathering places for foreigners, still maintain strong appeal. With the expansion of foreign-funded enterprises and multinational companies in China, positions such as investment analysts, financial advisors, and cross-border M&A experts continue to attract global elites. The cultural and creative and entertainment industries have also become new choices for foreigners to work in China. With the prosperity of China's cultural industry, the participation of foreigners in fields such as film and television, music, and design has significantly increased.

　　China is precisely guiding foreign talents to work and start businesses in the country through continuously optimized visa and work permit policies. The Foreigner Service Platform in Shaanxi has become a bridge between foreign talents and the Chinese market, providing services such as policy interpretation and consultation, as well as process and material handling, helping many foreigners efficiently connect with China's talent policies.

　　According to the "Classification Standards for Foreigners Working in China", foreign talents are classified into three categories: A, B, and C. The policy adheres to the principle of "encouraging high-end, controlling general, and restricting low-end".

　　Category A is for foreign high-end talents (enjoying a green channel).

　　Category B is for foreign professional talents.

　　Category C is for other foreign nationals.

　　Starting from December 1, 2024, China will integrate the Foreigner Work Permit with the Social Security Card by loading the information of the work permit for foreigners coming to China onto the Social Security Card. Relying on both the physical Social Security Card and the electronic version, foreign talents can conveniently handle matters such as social security contributions, medical reimbursements, and transportation. This policy innovation significantly enhances the experience and integration of foreign talents working in China.

　　In 2025, the policy will be further upgraded: The K visa, specifically designed for foreign young scientific and technological talents, will come into effect on October 1, 2025. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or above in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields or have relevant work experience in renowned universities or research institutions. They can apply without an invitation from a domestic employer. Visa holders can engage in scientific and technological exchanges, entrepreneurial research and other activities during their stay, laying the groundwork for future employment.