What is the basis for a work permit for foreigners coming to China?The policy basis for work permits for Foreigners in China: Detailed Explanation of Core regulatory Documents and System Implementation Framework -- Work and Employment
The Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs on Issuing the Pilot Implementation Plan for the Work Permit System for Foreigners in China (Wai Zhuan Fa [2016] No. 151), the Notice on Issuing the Service Guidelines for the Work Permit System for Foreigners in China (Interim) (Wai Zhuan Fa [2017] No. 36), and the Notice on Fully Implementing the Work Permit System for Foreigners in China (Wai Zhuan Fa [2017] No. 20 17. 40.
The application basis for work permits for foreigners in China covers three key documents: Foreign Experts Document No. 151 [2016] (Pilot Implementation Plan), Foreign Experts Document No. 36 [2017] (Interim Service Guidelines), and Foreign Experts Document No. 40 [2017] (Comprehensive Implementation Notice). This article centers on the core term of the foreigner work permit system in China, sorts out the policy evolution from pilot to full implementation, and supplements the latest changes in the integration of permits and cards in 2026 (No. 75 of 2024 issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security), to help employers and foreign applicants accurately understand the current legal basis and avoid application errors caused by policy updates.
