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14 facts quoted from the official source
China · Talent & merit
China Long-Term Residence - Key-Sector Talent or Innovation Group Member
Residence permit of up to five years for foreign talent in a key development sector or a member of a qualifying innovation or start-up group.
- Route type
- Talent & merit
- Can bring
- — Not stated in the official source
- Requirements
- 9 each quoted below
Who qualifies
Who this route is for
Every item below is the government’s own wording, quoted from the official source. Whether you personally qualify depends on your full profile.
9 requirements quoted from the official source.
The conditions that decide it
- Character and security
A certificate of no criminal record is required.
via english.www.gov.cn - Eligibility summary
Foreign talents and members of innovation groups employed by key sectors and industries of development in China may apply for residence permits valid for no more than 5 years [...] with their work permits and letters from their employers. A member of an innovation group/start-up business may apply [...] with a letter of guarantee from the leader of the group.
checked 2026-08-03 · National Immigration Administration — Service Guide on Issuance of Residence Permit for Foreigners, facilitation measure 3(b) - Employer Files Online
The employer files through the national service system for foreigners working in China.
via english.www.gov.cn - Employer Or Group Leader Letter
Foreign talents and members of innovation groups employed by key sectors and industries of development in China may apply for residence permits valid for no more than 5 years [...] with their work permits and letters from their employers. A member of an innovation group/start-up business may apply [...] with a letter of guarantee from the leader of the group.
checked 2026-08-03 · National Immigration Administration — Service Guide on Issuance of Residence Permit for Foreigners, facilitation measure 3(b) - Job Contract Or Employment Certificate
A job contract or employment certificate is required.
via english.www.gov.cn - Key Sector Talent Or Innovation Group
Foreign talents and members of innovation groups employed by key sectors and industries of development in China may apply for residence permits valid for no more than 5 years [...] with their work permits and letters from their employers. A member of an innovation group/start-up business may apply [...] with a letter of guarantee from the leader of the group.
checked 2026-08-03 · National Immigration Administration — Service Guide on Issuance of Residence Permit for Foreigners, facilitation measure 3(b) - Medical screening
A physical health examination certificate is required.
via english.www.gov.cn - Degree Or Professional Qualification Conditionally
Authenticated degree or professional-qualification evidence is required where applicable.
via english.www.gov.cn - Work Permit Conditionally
Employed talent normally submits a work permit.
Also stated by the source
- Foreigners Work Permit
Foreign talents and members of innovation groups employed by key sectors and industries of development in China may apply for residence permits valid for no more than 5 years [...] with their work permits and letters from their employers. A member of an innovation group/start-up business may apply [...] with a letter of guarantee from the leader of the group.
checked 2026-08-03 · National Immigration Administration — Service Guide on Issuance of Residence Permit for Foreigners, facilitation measure 3(b) - Official source basis
Foreign talents and members of innovation groups employed by key sectors and industries of development in China may apply for residence permits valid for no more than 5 years [...] with their work permits and letters from their employers. A member of an innovation group/start-up business may apply [...] with a letter of guarantee from the leader of the group.
checked 2026-08-03 · National Immigration Administration — Service Guide on Issuance of Residence Permit for Foreigners, facilitation measure 3(b) - Report summary
Foreign talents and members of innovation groups employed by key sectors and industries of development in China may apply for residence permits valid for no more than 5 years [...] with their work permits and letters from their employers. A member of an innovation group/start-up business may apply [...] with a letter of guarantee from the leader of the group.
checked 2026-08-03 · National Immigration Administration — Service Guide on Issuance of Residence Permit for Foreigners, facilitation measure 3(b) - Work Qualification Evidence
Supporting evidence of work qualifications is required.
via english.www.gov.cn
Family
Who you can bring
— Not stated in the official source. The official page for this route does not address dependent-family rights, so we do not publish a claim either way.
Costs & timelines
What the source prices
Validity
1 proven from the official source.
- Permit Validity Years Max
Foreign talents and members of innovation groups employed by key sectors and industries of development in China may apply for residence permits valid for no more than 5 years [...] with their work permits and letters from their employers. A member of an innovation group/start-up business may apply [...] with a letter of guarantee from the leader of the group.
checked 2026-08-03 · National Immigration Administration — Service Guide on Issuance of Residence Permit for Foreigners, facilitation measure 3(b)
How it works
From here to a yes
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FAQ
Straight answers
01Who qualifies for this route to China?
The official source states:
Residence permit of up to five years for foreign talent in a key development sector or a member of a qualifying innovation or start-up group.
Every answer is quoted from the official en.nia.gov.cn page for this route, last read 2026-07-26.
We checked 14 points against the official source; 14 are quoted on this page. The other 0 are either not addressed by the source or not yet backed by a quote — we would rather show you the edge of the record than fill it with a plausible guess.
See the 0 open points
Fees and processing time are not published in the official source for this route. We publish a number only when the official text states that number.
Not stated in the official source — the official source names no exclusion for this route.
The source
Where every quote comes from
Official government source en.nia.gov.cnLast read 2026-07-26 Every quote on this page is from this China government page.Same category, same country
Other talent & merit routes to China
5 other talent & merit routes to China.
Foreigner's Work Permit - Category A High-End TalentK Visa for Young Science and Technology TalentLong-Term Residence - Team Member Recommended by Outstanding TalentPermanent Residence - Outstanding Contribution or Urgently Needed TalentR Visa - High-Level or Urgently Needed Talent
Same category, elsewhere
Talent & merit routes in other countries
105 other countries publish at least one talent & merit route. Nearest first.
Macau
Taiwan
Japan
Hong Kong
Mongolia
South KoreaDoes this route fit your numbers?
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