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Analysis of the Core Contents of the "Hangzhou Foreign High-End Talent Service 'One-Card'

Immigration Guide Article2026/05/29

The "Implementation Details of the 'One-Card' Service for Foreign High-Level Talents in Hangzhou" were jointly issued by the Hangzhou Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau and other departments, effective from August 20, 2018. It primarily targets foreign high-level talents holding an "Foreigner Work Permit" (Type A), aiming to enhance convenience in employment, residence, education, medical care, and daily life for foreign talent in Hangzhou.


The policy applies to foreign high-level talents and relevant employers in the Hangzhou area.


I. Core Policy Provisions


1. Work Permit Facilitation


Foreign high-level talents can apply for long-term work permits valid for 2–5 years.


Eligible individuals may apply for a Talent (R) visa and multiple-entry visas with a maximum validity of 5 years.


2. Support for Children's Education


Children of foreign talents can apply to attend international schools in Hangzhou.


Primary and secondary schools in Hangzhou are open to children of foreign talents.


3. Medical and Insurance Services


Municipal Grade III Class A hospitals have established international medical service areas.


Customized commercial insurance and medical guidance services are provided.


4. Financial and Lifestyle Services


Holders of Type A work permits can apply for credit cards.


Foreign talents can obtain citizen cards to enjoy public services such as transportation, healthcare, and library borrowing.


5. Housing Guarantee Policies


Eligible individuals can purchase housing designated for foreigners.


Recognized high-level foreign talents are entitled to home purchase and rental subsidies as well as housing provident fund benefits.


II. Eligibility Criteria


1. Applicable Individuals


Foreign high-level talents holding an "Foreigner Work Permit" (Type A).


Foreign professional talents working legally in Hangzhou and their employers.


2. Basic Requirements


Employers must submit applications through the Foreigner Work Management Service System.


Applicants must meet national standards for recognizing foreign high-level talent.


3. Special Support Recipients


Designated special-needs talents may receive relaxed age and work experience requirements during approval.


Individuals selected for national-level talent programs can benefit from simplified document submission procedures.


III. Implementation Standards and Timeline


1. Effective Date


The policy officially came into effect on August 20, 2018.


2. Approval Timelines


Online pre-review: completed within 5 working days.


Formal review: completed within 5 working days after receipt of application.


3. Processing Procedures


Employers submit applications online;


After passing the pre-review, they submit paper documents;


Upon approval, they receive the Type A work permit.


4. Implementing Authorities


The Municipal Foreign Experts Bureau is responsible for overall coordination.


Departments of education, housing and urban-rural development, health, and others collaborate to implement supporting services.