Shanghai upgrades list of recognized overseas occupational qualifications

In a bid to advance institutional openness and strengthen the aggregation of technical talent in key industries, the Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau has issued the Shanghai List of Recognized Overseas Occupational Qualifications (3.0), along with the accompanying implementation notice.

Other application requirements and relevant information are provided below.

The notice outlines tiered convenience measures and support services based on the four categories of qualifications: A, B, C, and D.

Category A covers recognized overseas occupational qualifications.

Category B includes urgently needed skills and qualifications.

Category C concerns alignment with China's professional title system.

Category D involves mutual recognition between Chinese and overseas professional qualifications, certifications, and technical titles in fields such as construction, finance, accounting, and human resources.

Providing tiered convenience measures and support services for eligible talent

1. Services for holders of Category A qualifications:

Individuals holding qualifications under category A are eligible for the following support services:

Foreign nationals may apply for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years with an invitation letter from relevant entities. They may also apply for a work-type residence permit valid for up to five years with a work permit.
Eligible foreign nationals may apply for a corresponding category of work permit in China. For foreign professional talent (Category B), the age limit can be extended to 70 years. For high-end foreign talent (Category A), they can apply for a permit valid for up to five years.
Individuals without Shanghai household registration may be awarded corresponding points for their professional qualifications or titles when applying for the Shanghai Residence Permit points.
Foreign nationals, as well as professionals from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, may be awarded extra points when applying for the Shanghai Overseas Talent Residence Permit, or Residence Card (Type B).
Overseas work experience can be recognized as equivalent to domestic work experience.
Local industry authorities, districts, enterprises, and public institutions are encouraged to provide additional support for holders of Category A certificates.

2. Servies for holders of Category B qualifications:

Individuals holding qualifications under category B are eligible for the following support services:

Eligible foreign nationals may apply for a high-end foreign talent work permit (Category A), with no restrictions on education, age, or work experience.
Eligible foreign nationals can be recommended by the authorities of key national development areas to apply for permanent residence in China. Their foreign spouses and minors may apply with them.
Foreign nationals may apply for multiple-entry visas valid for five years. Eligible individuals are encouraged to apply for a Confirmation Letter for Foreign High-Level Talents, which enables them to apply for a talent visa (R visa) valid for up to 10 years with facilitated entry and exit.
Foreign nationals coming to Shanghai for innovation and entrepreneurship can apply for a relevant residence permit with the required documentation.
Those who demonstrate outstanding performance can apply for talent introduction services through their employer in Shanghai.
Local industry authorities, districts, enterprises, and public institutions are encouraged to provide additional support for holders of Category B certificates, similar to those offered to high-level talent.

Supporting certificate holders in assessment and recognition of professional titles

Category C certificate holders may directly apply for corresponding professional titles in the relevant category or field in China. Their overseas professional experience, work achievements, and innovative contributions may be considered as evaluation criteria.

1.Basic requirements

Compliance with the Constitution and laws of China.
Good professional ethics, dedication, and proper conduct.
Commitment to responsibilities and demonstrated competence.
Relevant overseas experience or engagement in overseas business in the corresponding field.
2.Education and experience requirements

Applicants must have at least one year of relevant work experience in Shanghai in a field connected to their overseas qualification. Those seeking engineering and technical titles at all levels must possess a degree in science or engineering.

Application for a junior title requires one of the following:
- Master's degree or second bachelor's degree; or

- Bachelor's degree with at least one year of relevant work experience.

Application for an intermediate title requires one of the following:
- Doctoral degree; or

- Master's degree or second bachelor's degree with at least two years of relevant work experience; or

- Bachelor's degree with at least five years of relevant work experience.

Application for an associate senior title requires one of the following:
- Doctoral degree with at least two years of relevant work experience; or

- Master's degree or second bachelor's degree with at least seven years of relevant work experience; or

- Bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of relevant work experience.

3.Assessment process

Complete verification through the city's overseas occupational qualifications verification platform.
Employers must review all application documents, assess the applicant's job performance, and publicize the application materials for at least five working days.
Applicants should upload the required documents to the Shanghai professional title service system (上海市職稱服務系統) at https://www.rsj.sh.gov.cn/zcps/zcpssb/index
The Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau will review the applications.
For those who pass the evaluation during the publicity period, the Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau will issue an electronic professional title certificate.
Note: Overseas professional talent introduced by public institutions must submit applications upon recommendation from their supervising authority. They should generally adhere to the post management requirements of public institutions.

Promoting mutual recognition with domestic evaluation standards

Shanghai will promote mutual recognition between Category D qualifications and domestic professional qualifications, occupational certifications, and professional technical titles, including direct qualification applications, exemptions from certain courses, and reductions in exam subjects.

Establishing a unified certificate verification platform

Shanghai will establish a unified certificate query and verification service platform, enabling holders to query and verify their qualifications. These results will be used to determine eligibility for relevant services and businesses. Certificate holders not yet employed in Shanghai can apply for verification from overseas.

Introducing complementary industry policies

Authorities in various sectors, including economy and informatization, science and technology, construction and transportation, education and health, as well as commerce and finance shall optimize mechanisms in innovation, entrepreneurship, talent selection, cultivation, evaluation, and incentives. They are encouraged to introduce measures to support overseas professionals under certain conditions.

Ongoing updates to the list

Shanghai will strengthen the tracking and monitoring of the certification status, technical level, and the certificate holders' innovation and entrepreneurship activities in Shanghai.

Items that no longer meet the requirements will be removed from the list. In line with the city's economic and social development and talent demand, Shanghai will continuously adjust and improve the list by incorporating internationally recognized overseas professional qualifications in key fields and focusing on attracting and cultivating urgently needed professionals in key sectors.

Note: The above content is for reference only. In case of any discrepancies, the Chinese version shall prevail.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau

Shanghai upgrades list of recognized overseas occupational qualifications