Understand the 3.0 version of the List of Recognized Overseas Professional Qualifications in Shanghai in One Article
The Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau released the "Shanghai List of Recognized Overseas Professional Qualifications (Version 3.0)" on November 7, 2025, aiming to improve the mechanism for recognizing overseas professional qualifications and attract international professional and technical talent.
The policy applies to overseas professionals holding recognized qualifications who are legally employed in Shanghai, as well as relevant employers.
1. Establishment of a four-category certificate management system: A, B, C, and D.
Holders of A and B category certificates can enjoy facilitation measures such as visas, work permits, residence permits, and talent introduction policies; C category certificates support direct application for professional title recognition; D category certificates explore mutual recognition with domestic evaluation standards.
2. Optimization of convenience measures for foreign talents coming to China.
Foreign nationals holding A or B category certificates may apply for work permits or residence permits valid for up to five years; high-level B category talents may apply for an R-type visa valid for up to ten years.
3. Support for direct professional title recognition.
Holders of C category certificates who meet the requirements may directly apply for corresponding-level professional technical titles, with their overseas work experience serving as an evaluation criterion.
4. Establishment of a unified certificate verification platform.
Citywide unified inquiry and verification of overseas professional qualification certificates will be conducted, and the verification results will serve as an important basis for handling related procedures.
5. Implementation of a dynamic adjustment mechanism.
Items on the list will be managed dynamically, with those no longer meeting the criteria being removed, while prioritizing the inclusion of internationally recognized qualifications urgently needed in Shanghai.
1. Eligible Applicants
Foreign nationals, residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, and other overseas professionals legally employed in Shanghai;
Enterprises and institutions employing overseas professional and technical personnel;
Individuals intending to apply for professional title recognition or related talent facilitation services.
2. Basic Requirements
Compliance with Chinese laws and regulations;
Possession of good professional ethics and competence;
Holding overseas professional experience or relevant international business background;
Certificate holders must have worked in Shanghai in relevant positions for the prescribed period.
3. Educational and Qualification Requirements
Junior-level titles: one year of undergraduate study or a master’s degree;
Intermediate-level titles: five years of undergraduate study, two years of master’s study, or a doctoral degree;
Associate senior-level titles: ten years of undergraduate study, seven years of master’s study, or two years of doctoral study.
1. Effective Date
The policy takes effect from November 7, 2025, simultaneously abolishing the "List of Recognized Overseas Professional Qualifications (Version 2.0)."
2. Application Process
Complete online verification of overseas professional qualification certificates;
Employers review and publicly announce submitted materials for at least five working days;
Submit applications through the "Shanghai Professional Title Service System";
Issue electronic certificates after expert evaluation and public announcement.
3. Implementation Standards
Work permits, visas, and talent introduction measures are implemented according to categorized standards;
Verification results serve as the basis for enjoying policy benefits;
Personnel in public institutions must comply with post management regulations.
1. Certificates Must Be Officially Verified
Certificates not verified through Shanghai’s unified verification platform will not be accepted as grounds for processing under this policy.
2. Clear Responsibilities for Employer Review
Employers are responsible for the authenticity of submitted materials and must complete internal publicity procedures.
3. Dynamic Adjustment of Policies
Certain overseas professional qualifications may be removed from the recognition list due to assessment changes; applicants should promptly refer to the latest version.
4. Post Restrictions in Public Institutions
When applying for professional title recognition, personnel in public institutions must adhere to overall staffing quotas and meet departmental requirements.
This policy further enhances Shanghai’s system for recognizing overseas professional qualifications and strengthens mechanisms linking international talent attraction with professional title alignment. Relevant inquiries can be made through the Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, with the consultation hotline: 12333.