A permit that an employer must apply for from a designated online service platform with a competent local labour authority (which in most cities would be sitting with either the Local Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs or the Local Administration of Human Resources and Social Security) for a foreign employee after the foreign employee has arrived China and has temporarily registered with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB).

This permit grants approval for the foreign employee to work in China. The permit is valid for three months to five years, subject to the term of the employment contract and the decision of the local labour authority.

The usual practice is for a foreigner under category B (for professional talents) to be issued a work permit with an initial one-year term. If a foreigner is recognised as high-level talents which is under category A, the person may obtain a work permit with a term of up to five years.

For detailed information, see Practice note, Engaging foreign employees in China: Obtaining work permit.