In today's increasingly fierce global competition, talent has become the core resource pool global wisdom and resources to promote high-quality development. In 2002, Shanghai was the first in the country to introduce the residence permit system for overseas talents. This innovative measure broke the restrictions of the traditional household registration system, providing overseas talents with a "third identity" between Chinese residents and foreigners, enabling them to enjoy similar treatment and security to Shanghai residents while maintaining their original nationality or residence rights. This institutional design reflects Shanghai's open and inclusive city spirit and also provides an important reference for the overseas talent policies of other cities across the country in the future.

The Shanghai Municipal Government has issued the " Measures for the Administration of Residence Permits for Overseas Talents in Shanghai" (Shanghai Municipal Government Regulation [2025] No. 3). The Measures will come into effect on July 1, 2025 and remain valid until June 30, 2030. This policy covers a wide range of overseas talent groups. Overseas talents with a bachelor's degree or above or special talents who are legally working or starting businesses in Shanghai can apply for the Shanghai Overseas Talent Residence Permit. Specifically, it includes overseas students who have obtained foreign nationality, foreign high-end and professional talents, Chinese students with permanent residence rights abroad and other professional talents, as well as professional talents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions. It is particularly worth noting that the scope of talents with special abilities is dynamically determined by the Municipal Talent Work Bureau in accordance with the development directions of the country and the city. This flexibility enables policies to respond promptly to the new demands of scientific and technological innovation and industrial development.

Foreigners who hold A type of work permit in China can also directly apply for B permits, which greatly simplifies the procedures for high-end talents. The policy also benefits the spouses and minor children of the certificate holders, eliminating the worries of overseas talents and demonstrating a people-oriented service philosophy. The spouses and children under the age of 18 or who are currently in high school of the above-mentioned individuals may apply to be accompanying personnel and obtain an accompanying certificate.

The benefits that certificate holders can enjoy cover all aspects such as residence permits, work permits, entrepreneurship support, social security, children's education, and housing security, forming a comprehensive service system. In terms of residence, holders of B permits can enjoy longer-term residence permits and convenient entry and exit services. In terms of work, they may apply for work permits and obtain employment in administrative units; In terms of entrepreneurship, they can enjoy the convenient policies for establishing enterprises; In terms of social security, they can participate in social insurance and housing accumulation fund; In terms of education, children can enjoy the same educational resources as Shanghai citizens. In terms of housing, they can apply for housing security such as talent apartments. This all-round treatment system enables overseas talents to work and live in Shanghai with peace of mind, truly realizing the inclusive concept that "once you come to Shanghai, you are a Shanghainese".

The simplification and digitalization of the application process reflect the efficiency and convenience of Shanghai's government services. Applicants submit materials through the system. After going through the pre-examination, acceptance, verification and other procedures, the production of the certificates can be completed within 10 working days at the fastest. This combined online and offline model has significantly reduced the number of trips and waiting time for applicants, enhancing administrative efficiency. If you have any questions, please feel free to learn more details at any time.

The Municipal Talent Work Bureau, in accordance with the "Standards for the Determination of the Validity Period of the Shanghai Overseas Talent Residence Permit Management Measures"，the validity period of the corresponding certificates is determined based on the applicant's age, educational background, professional category, work experience, and the position applied for, etc. The validity period of the certificates is divided into 1 to 5 years and 10 years. Foreign students who have obtained foreign nationality and are working in areas such as the Lingang New Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Zhangjiang Science City and Hongqiao International Central Business District can directly apply for long-term (with a maximum validity period of 10 years) overseas talent residence permits. The validity period of the document shall not exceed the validity period of the valid identity document and the employment (labor) contract.

The Shanghai Overseas Talent Residence Permit Management Measures represent a significant innovation in the city's talent strategy. It not only provides tangible convenience for overseas talents but also shapes Shanghai's image as an open, inclusive and innovative city. In the journey of building a globally influential science and technology innovation center, this policy will continue to play its unique role, helping Shanghai gather talents from all over the world and jointly create a bright future. Shanghai’s practical experience is of great reference value to the major cities in China that are deepening the internationalization of talents.