Last week, Shanghai announced a series of measures to attract foreign professionals to boost its economy following the COVID-19 crisis. With these measures, highly qualified expatriates will be able to stay in China for up to 10 years.
Overall, restrictions on age, academic background and work experience have been relaxed. For example, foreign professionals working in the fields of technology and science will be able to apply for a work visa until they are aged 70 instead of 60, as is the case presently. Still, the shortage of skills in their particular fields has to be established. Moreover, their two-year work visas will be extended.
From now on, foreign professionals in the field of scientific research and holders of master's degrees in science, medicine, engineering and agriculture will be eligible for an R visa. This visa allows its holder to stay in China for 10 years. The visa requirements are now more straightforward. Today, Shanghai aims at becoming a hub for scientific innovation with international influence.
It's worth noting that by the end of February 2021, the city comprised about 18% of highly qualified foreign professionals working in different fields. According to official figures, this accounts for 215,000 active foreign professionals.
Along with scientists and highly skilled foreign professionals working in the technology field, category A also includes foreign entrepreneurs. This means that they have been recognised as indispensable for the city's market, economic and social growth. So these foreign professionals do not need to provide a clean criminal record when applying for their visa. Instead, they can just swear that they have no criminal record.
If you meet the above-mentioned criteria and are looking to boost your career overseas after the crisis, Shanghai can be an interesting option.
Benefits of moving to Shanghai
Modern infrastructure
When thinking of Shanghai, images of huge modern skyscrapers will probably spring to mind. And that's quite normal! The city has a modern and ultra-sophisticated infrastructure that's designed to make your daily life easier. Public transport, schools and universities, entertainment, health care centres and accommodation, etc., are easily accessible even though the cost of living tends to be higher than in other Chinese cities. For example, housing is relatively expensive, but there's a huge supply for all tastes. Shanghai has a high standing property market, which guarantees a pleasant and safe stay. You are perhaps aware that Shanghai is one of the world's safest cities in the world, with a very low crime rate compared to the rest of China. That said, some areas are more popular than others with expats. These districts can boast of numerous cafes, bars and restaurants where you will get to meet new people. Regarding healthcare, although the costs can be high, Shanghai is home to several hospitals and clinics, some of which have units specifically dedicated to expatriates.
Career prospects
The global health crisis has affected Shanghai's economy and the local labour market, as is the case of most major cities worldwide. Still, Shanghai remains a top destination for foreign professionals with a wide range of career prospects, especially in science, engineering and technology, marketing, communications, content writing, media and education. It's also worth noting that both salaries and the standard of living of expatriates are high.
Attractive wages
According to a study recently published by the China Briefing, Shanghai offers the highest minimum wage among China's 31 provinces, which is around US$ 382 per month in 2020. In general, employees in Shanghai earn between US$ 1,015 US and US$ 17,977 per month, depending on their profession. But foreign professionals in Shanghai are also entitled to a lot of benefits besides their expatriate package of around US$ 80,668 per year. Indeed, they are eligible for a lump sum mobility premium of 25 per cent of their salary, comprehensive health insurance, accommodation allowance of around US$ 3,840 per month, a car with a driver worth 2 $ 304 to $ 3,072 per month, a salary mobility bonus equivalent to one month's salary on arrival and departure, language courses, as well as an allowance for shipping their household appliances and pets. For those moving to Shanghai as a family, children's school fees are taken care of, and they get plane tickets for the whole family once a year. Finally, trailing spouses are entitled to an allowance while they are looking for a job or training.
Cultural diversity
Regardless of your origins, you won't find it hard to adapt to Shanghai. In fact, the city is very popular with foreign professionals from different parts of the world. So it's quite obvious that you'll find a large multilingual expat community. Whether you speak English or any other language, you won't find it hard to interact with people around you. It's worth noting that most of Shanghai's inhabitants are bilingual compared to the rest of the country. It's also a place where you will get to discover Chinese culture and traditions and those from around the world. Foodies will be delighted by the wide choice of international cuisines in addition to the amazing local cuisine. Ranging from high-end restaurants to street food, there is something for everyone.
