China enforces RMB 71,622 monthly salary floor for Category A work permits

China is enforcing the 6x local average social wage floor again for Category A work permits, with the tougher checks back in place from early February 2026. In Beijing, that puts the monthly bar at RMB 71,622; in Shanghai, it’s RMB 74,604.

The rule applies through the national work permit system and now appears to be enforced more strictly for new applications, renewals and amendments. Salary proof, including employment contracts and tax statements, is mandatory and lower salaries are being auto-rejected.

Who feels the change most

The tighter review hits employed foreigners in China’s biggest cities, especially expats trying to qualify or renew under the salary route. Applicants who miss the Category A floor can be pushed into Category B, which usually means extra documents such as degree authentication.

Category C stays unchanged and digital nomads and tourists aren't the target here. The stricter age checks for some Category B renewals also matter, especially for applicants over 60.

What applicants are doing now

Renewals may need to happen 3 to 6 months early if salaries, tax records or supporting documents need updating. Some applicants can still qualify through the points system, advanced degrees or talent lists instead of salary alone.

The process also now leans on cleaner paperwork, including PDF files and gap-free timelines in the online system. Read our full China guide for the complete picture and check our visa updates page for more.