China | Increase to category A and B work permit salary thresholds in Beijing and Shanghai

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.

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