If you currently hold a study-type residence permit, you must apply in person at the local exit-entry administration bureau to cancel the permit within 10 days of a change in your residency status, such as graduation.

If you meet the eligibility requirements for innovation and entrepreneurship, you may apply on-site for a residence permit for private affairs (entrepreneurship).

If you do not meet the requirements and have not yet confirmed an employment offer, you may apply for a stay permit valid for up to 30 days.

Please note that your visa must still be valid at the time of application, and final eligibility is subject to on-site verification by the authorities.

For a comprehensive list of the specific application requirements and documents, please click here.

Further details are provided below.

What to prepare

1. Original, valid passport and visa

2. A Visa and Residence Permit Application Form. The applicant must be present in person at the city's exit-entry administration department for a photo

3. Health certificate issued by China's entry-exit inspection and quarantine department within the past six months (exempted for applicants under 18 or over 70)

4. Submit a personal application letter for innovation and entrepreneurship. If necessary, a letter of guarantee from the affiliated organization should also be provided

Who can apply?

Foreign nationals who meet the following criteria may apply for a residence permit for private affairs (entrepreneurship):

1. Recent international graduates from Chinese universities who plan to start a business or engage in innovation in Shanghai.

Required documents include the original and a copy of the Chinese university diploma, together with either a certificate of innovation and entrepreneurship issued by a professional business incubator platform or a written confirmation letter from the administrative committee of the relevant park or incubator.

2. Foreign nationals planning to invest in or launch a startup in Shanghai.

Required documents include an original and a copy of investment proof, or documents showing the company's entry into an enterprise park or business incubator.

3. Outstanding international graduates from top Chinese universities or globally renowned universities, engaged in innovation or entrepreneurship in Shanghai.

For graduates from domestic universities: A full-time bachelor's degree or above certificate issued by a top-tier Chinese university.

For graduates from international universities: A full-time bachelor's degree or above certificate issued by a renowned university, together with either a credential verification certificate issued by the Ministry of Education, or authentication documents from a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad.

4. International graduates from top Chinese or internationally renowned universities who graduated within the past two years, and are currently engaged in innovation or entrepreneurship in Shanghai.

5. International members of innovation and entrepreneurship teams introduced in key national development fields or industries.

Required documents include a letter of recommendation and guarantee issued by an entity listed in the Shanghai science and technology innovation occupation catalogue, the valid ID of the team leader, and a letter of recommendation and guarantee from the team leader.

Where to apply in person

The Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau

Address: No 1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area

Open: 9 am–5 pm, Monday to Saturday (except for statutory holidays; Saturdays are for document processing only)

Note

1. First-time application must be submitted in person. For renewals, the applicant's employer or a family member may apply on their behalf with the required documentation. If the original residence permit expires but is renewed within 3 months, the applicant is exempt from submitting the health certificate.

2. If employed by a Shanghai-based company during the period of innovation or entrepreneurship, you must apply for a work-type residence permit.

3. If the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau requires an interview or additional materials, and the applicant fails to attend the interview without a valid reason, such as force majeure, or does not submit the required documents, the application will be rejected.