China
People's Republic of China · Capital: Beijing
The world's second-largest economy and manufacturing engine, with vast tech and industrial hubs, a points-based work-permit system and elite-talent fast tracks.
Migration statistics
Who is arriving
Top source countries and the make-up of recent arrivals into China.
Policy overview
4 visa routes into China
Eligibility, fees, processing times and whether each route leads to permanent residence.
CN-Z
Employer-sponsored work visa, with a tiered (A/B/C) points classification.
Eligibility
- Job offer
- Degree + experience or points
Document checklist (10 items)
Core
Professional
Background
R Talent Visa
TalentCN-R
Fast-track visa for high-level foreign talent in priority fields.
Eligibility
- Recognised top talent (A-tier)
- Sponsorship/endorsement
Document checklist (10 items)
Core
Professional
Background
X Student Visa
StudentCN-X
Study visa for enrolment at a Chinese university.
Eligibility
- University admission
- Funds
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
New ordinary visa from 1 October 2025 for young foreign STEM talent, with more entries, longer validity and longer stays than other visas. No Chinese employer invitation is needed.
Eligibility
- Meet the age, education and work-experience criteria set by the Chinese authorities
- STEM degree or research background with supporting documents
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Economic context
The numbers behind the move
Pay reflects the local market in China, what you'd typically earn there, not your current salary.
Skill shortages
Sectors actively recruiting from abroad
Where China needs foreign talent most, and what those roles pay.
Advanced manufacturing
The world's manufacturing core needs senior engineering and management talent.
Technology & AI
Heavy state investment in AI, EV and chips drives specialist demand.
Education (English)
Qualified teachers remain in steady demand despite tighter rules.
Recent changes
What's changed lately
Recent policy changes that affect migrants, newest first.
No policy changes recorded in the last 90 days. The intelligence agent is monitoring.
Quality of life
What living there feels like
Shanghai
Finance & MNC hubThe most international city, with finance, MNC HQs and the largest expat community.
- Cost index
- 74
- 1-bed rent
- $1,400
- Quality
- 76
Shenzhen
Hardware & techChina's Silicon Valley for hardware and electronics, young and fast-moving.
- Cost index
- 70
- 1-bed rent
- $1,200
- Quality
- 75
Beijing
Capital, tech & academiaThe political and academic capital with tech giants and top universities.
- Cost index
- 72
- 1-bed rent
- $1,300
- Quality
- 73
Safety & climate
The reception you can expect
How welcoming the public and political mood is, how safe it is, and how geopolitically stable the country is right now.
Anti-migrant sentiment
trendRecruiting high-end foreign talent to priority sectors; politics and censorship shape daily life.
Higher = more hostile public/political climate.
Geopolitical stability
A composite of governance, security and regional-risk signals. Higher means a more predictable environment for settling long term.
Higher = more stable.
Safety
Very low street crime in major cities; heavy surveillance environment.
Higher = safer (crime index 26/100).
Where to live
Which China city fits you?
Cities matched to who you are, career, family, retirement, study or remote work. We flag the ones to consider and the ones to approach with care.
Shanghai
Cosmopolitan megacity
The most international city, with finance, MNC HQs and the largest expat community.
Shenzhen
Boomtown of makers
China's Silicon Valley for hardware and electronics, young and fast-moving.
Beijing
Imperial & political
The political and academic capital with tech giants and top universities.
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Immigration solicitors for China
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