The new 2026 'talent score system' for work permits — my HR friend explained it to me
My friend works in HR at a tech company in Shenzhen. She processes work permits for foreign employees. Last week, she told me about a new system rolling out in 2026.The 'talent score' system
China is moving toward a points-based evaluation for foreign workers. It's being piloted in several cities (Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hangzhou) and might go national by 2027.
How the scoring works (from what my friend told me):
Education:
• PhD from top 100 university: +30 points
• Master's from top 100: +20 points
• Bachelor's: +10 points
Work experience:
• 5+ years in relevant field: +20 points
• 3-5 years: +15 points
• Under 3 years: +10 points
Salary:
• Above ¥600,000/year: +30 points
• ¥400,000-600,000: +20 points
• Below ¥400,000: +10 points
Chinese language:
• HSK 5+: +15 points
• HSK 3-4: +10 points
• Basic: +5 points
Age:
• Under 35: +10 points
• 35-45: +5 points
• Over 55: -5 points
Special skills:
• Published patents: +10 points each
• Key role at Fortune 500: +15 points
• STEM background: +10 points
What the score means:
• 85+ points: Fast-track (approved in 2-3 weeks)
• 70-84 points: Standard processing (4-6 weeks)
• 55-69 points: Extended review (8-12 weeks)
• Below 55: Unlikely to be approved
The catch:
This is still a pilot. Not all cities use it. Not all industries use it. My friend's company doesn't use it yet — they're still on the old Category A/B/C system.
But the trend is clear: China wants high-skilled, young, well-paid, Chinese-speaking talent.
My HR friend: "If you're over 50, don't speak Chinese, and earn under ¥300,000, it's getting harder. Not impossible. But harder."
Note: The new system also ties into the permanent residence (Green Card) application. Higher scores = faster PR processing.
Anyone else heard about the talent score system? Is your company using it yet?
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