Immigration News - Employment-based visas, Global mobility, China China | Increase to category A and B work permit salary thresholds in Beijing and Shanghai Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) February 18, 2026 The average salary thresholds for category A and B work permits in Beijing and Shanghai have significantly increased and have been strictly enforced effective Feb. 5, 2026. Key highlights: Beijing: The new monthly salary threshold is CNY11, 937 (about US$1,728). For category B, the new annual salary standard is CNY572,976 (about US$82,938), and the new monthly salary standard is CNY47,748 (about US$6,911). For category A, the new annual salary standard is CNY859,464 (about US$124,407), and the new monthly salary standard is CNY71,622 (about US$10,367). Shanghai: The new monthly salary threshold is CNY12,434 (about US$1,800). For category B, the new annual salary standard is CNY596,832 (about US$86,391), and the new monthly salary standard is CNY49,736 (about US$7,199). For category A, the new annual salary standard is CNY895,248 (about US$129,586), and the new monthly salary standard is CNY74,604 (about US$10,799). The salary threshold increases will not only affect new applications for category A and some category B work permits but will also impact the renewal of category A and some B work permits. This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. Copyright © 2026 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.