Posted by Not a good news for the potential applicants: Beijing’s salary requirement for China permanent residency just raised by 68%.
The good news: by applying now, applicants will still face the lowest standards of the next few years.
– April 23th, 2025
Permanent residency and work visa requirements are getting updated. If you’re planning a move, now’s the time to act.
The big picture:
China is actively promoting work visas and permanent residency for foreign professionals, but criteria can be constantly updating. As income thresholds are going up, expectations around qualifications, experience, and industry alignment can also be subject to changes. For many, waiting even one more year could mean missing the window.
What’s changing:
China’s average wage (社会平均工资) is more than an economic stat – it’s a key benchmark used by local governments to determine visa and residency eligibility for foreigners. Over the past five years, China’s average wage has seen steady growth – even amid global uncertainty. As this number climbs, so do the income thresholds tied to work permits and permanent residency, directly influencing who qualifies as “high-level talent,” a designation that can unlock faster visa processing and residency perks.
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- The average social wage is generally published by each local government at the beginning of the year and serves as the basis for social security contributions in that area. Therefore, the average wage varies from place to place. Generally speaking, the average social wage level is high in large cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, and low in small cities.
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- Permanent residency standards: In Beijing, for example, the income threshold will now be 6x the city’s average wage – a change from CNY 500,000 (~USD 680,000) per year to approximately CNY 840,000 (USD 840,000) per year, a 68% increase.
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- Work visa eligibility: Some regions require foreign applicants to meet wage minimums tied to the local average wage.
Why now:
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- Higher income benchmarks are being introduced in major cities to filter for “top-tier” talent.
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- New local policies are redefining who qualifies for long-term stays.
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- Application reviews are becoming more selective, especially for permanent residency.
Locking in your application early could mean qualifying under this year’s requirements—before the next increase. For many foreign professionals and investors, it’s the difference between a green light and a missed opportunity.
Get ahead of policy changes by applying under the current standards. Once approved, your residency status won’t be affected by future shifts – giving you long-term security in China’s evolving immigration landscape.
How we help:
We’re a trusted legal team specializing in China immigration. Our job is to keep you one step ahead.
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- Tailored guidance: We’ll assess your profile and build the strongest possible case.
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- Regulatory fluency: We stay up to date with every change, so you don’t have to.
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- Start-to-finish service: From strategy to submission, we handle it all.
Bottom line:
China wants high-impact talent – but the gate is narrowing. If you are serious about living and working here, now is the moment to move.
Let’s make it happen. Reach out today and secure your future in China – before the rules change again.
Yu
Yu is professional expert in China policy and government affairs, and has been working in the field for a decade. Yu has experience consulting multinational companies in navigating business in China. Yu graduated from the University of Michigan and holds a master’s degree. Yu possesses PRC Bar Admission, and has massive experience in resolving cases in China immigration and foreign employment area.
Yu is native in Chinese and can speak very fluent English. Yu can also speak elementary-level Spanish, and she is a big fan of Mexican food and culture.