Reviewed by Scott, Scott Info Consulting · October 2026
Tools / Work permitsCategory A, B and C,
explained.
China sorts every foreign work permit applicant into one of three categories. Your category affects how your application is handled and which conditions apply. Here is what each one means and how people qualify.
Already know the basics? Estimate your points
Ways to qualify
Meet any one of these:
- Selected for a national talent programme
- Internationally recognised professional achievements
- Senior roles in encouraged positions, or a salary of at least six times the local average wage
- Innovation and entrepreneurship talent
- Outstanding young researchers
- A points score of 85 or more
What it means for you
Faster “green channel” handling, some missing documents can be accepted while you supply them, and more flexibility on age and work experience.
Ways to qualify
Meet any one of these:
- A bachelor’s degree or above and 2 years of related work experience
- Internationally recognised vocational qualifications, or skills in short supply
- Foreign language teachers who meet the teaching conditions
- A salary of at least four times the local average wage
- Special personnel and project staff under state rules
- A points score of 60 or more
What it means for you
Standard processing. Most work permits for professionals and small company owners fall here.
Ways to qualify
Typical situations:
- Temporary or short-term work of up to 90 days
- Work under quota schemes, such as intergovernmental youth internships
- Some foreign students and graduates under specific programmes
- In some cities, the legal representative of a foreign-invested company, under local policy
- Other foreign workers who meet the general rules
What it means for you
Subject to quotas and tighter conditions. Where a local policy for company legal representatives exists, it is a common route for small company owners.
The points routeOne table, two lines:
60 and 85.
The points table scores your salary, education, work experience, months worked per year, Chinese language, age, work location and a few other conditions. A score of 60 or more points to Category B and 85 or more points to Category A.
Points are only one of the routes above. If you already qualify another way, such as a degree with two years of experience for Category B, you do not need to reach 60 points.
Calculate your points → - Under 60
- Other routes needed
- 60–84
- Points to Category B
- 85+
- Points to Category A
Common misunderstandings
- “A doctorate makes me Category A.” A doctorate is worth 20 points. It is not a Category A route on its own.
- “Without a degree I cannot work in China.” The degree route is the most common, not the only one. Check the other Category B routes and your points.
- “Registering my own company gives me a category.” The category describes you as the applicant. Your company must still be able to employ you and genuinely operate.
- “The rules are the same in every city.” The national framework is the same, but salary multiples use the local average wage and local practice varies.
QuestionsQuestions clients ask about categories
Can I get Category B without a university degree?+
Possibly, but the degree route is the most common way into Category B, and without it you need another route that fits your situation.
Category B can also be reached through internationally recognised vocational qualifications or skills in short supply, a salary of at least four times the local average wage, or a points score of 60 or more.
Without a degree, a points score of 60 is harder to reach because education is worth up to 20 points. A high salary, long experience and Chinese language ability can make up part of the difference. Check your score with the calculator.
If you do not have a degree, assess your work permit route before you invest in a company for that purpose. Read the guide for owners without a degree.
If I score 85 points, am I automatically Category A?+
The score points to Category A, but it is not an approval. The authorities still check the documents behind each score, such as your degree authentication, salary commitment and employment records, and whether the role and the employer meet the requirements.
A doctorate or a high salary alone should not be treated as automatic qualification.
Can my category change later?+
Yes. Your category is assessed when you apply, so it can change at a later application or renewal. A higher salary, a new qualification, an HSK certificate or longer work experience can move your score up.
The reverse can also happen. If your salary falls or your role changes, check the effect before your next renewal.
Which category do owners of small foreign companies usually apply under?+
In Scott’s experience, most owners of small foreign-owned companies apply under Category B, based on a degree and relevant work experience, or on points.
Some cities also have local policies that let the legal representative of a foreign-invested company apply for a Category C work permit. Where it is available, this is also a common route for small company owners, including those who do not meet the Category B conditions. Whether it applies depends on your city and your company.
Category A has a route for innovation and entrepreneurship talent, but it looks at real investment, sales and tax over time. A newly registered company rarely meets it in its first years.
Your company also needs to be genuinely operating to support your application. Read about working through your own company.
Does my category matter for my family?+
Your family’s residence normally follows your own work and residence status. A spouse and children under 18 can usually apply for dependant residence permits linked to yours. The category itself mainly affects how your own application is handled.
Family members do not gain the right to work through dependant residence. Read about work rights.