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Lin-gang | Individual income tax subsidy and foreign exchange facilitation

english.shanghai.gov.cn| January 24, 2025

I. Tax subsidy for foreign talent

A 15 percent subsidy will be provided to offset the individual income tax burden for qualified overseas talent who work in the Lin-gang Special Area. This subsidy is exempt from individual income tax.

 

II. Fast Pass guidelines for remuneration and foreign exchange for foreign talent

1. Requirements

1.1 For employers

  • Must be legally established, have actual business premises, and comply with tax and social insurance obligations, without records of serious violations or dishonesty.
  • The positions offered to foreign talent should address specific needs where suitable domestic candidates are unavailable, in compliance with national regulations. Salaries should meet or exceed the local minimum wage.
  • Positions requiring pre-approval by competent authorities should receive approval as per applicable laws and regulations.

1.2 For foreign employees

  • Should be at least 18 years old, healthy, have no criminal record, be employed by a legitimate company in China, and possess the necessary professional skills or knowledge.
  • The position must align with China's economic and social development needs, fulfilling a critical demand.
  • Must comply with relevant laws and regulations governing foreign employment in China.
  • Should have a legal salary in Shanghai.

2. Procedure

(1) Log in to the Government Online-Offline Shanghai platform using an electronic certificate authority.

(2) Select "Related Administrative Regions or Functional Zones" (相对应的行政区或功能区).

(3) Under "Public Services" (公共服务), click "Fast Pass on Foreign Talents Remuneration Foreign Exchange in Shanghai (Application)" (在沪工作外籍人士薪酬购付汇FAST PASS（申请）), then click "Apply" (立即办理).

(4) Complete the Fast Pass on Foreign Talents Remuneration Foreign Exchange form, download it, and print it double-sided.

The applicant should sign the form, and the employer should affix its official seal before uploading it to the system.

Applicants or their authorized handlers must present original documents at the service windows without waiting for preliminary review results.

Note: The application can be submitted by either the employer or the employee. If the employer submits, paper materials must be submitted by an authorized representative registered in the Service System for Foreigners Working in China.

3. Required documents

3.1 New applicants with a Foreigner's Work Permit

  • Foreigner's Work Permit.
  • Fast Pass on Foreign Talents Remuneration Foreign Exchange form.
  • Additional documents requested by the reception authority.

3.2 New applicants with an R visa

  • Passport information page and entry stamp page.
  • Copy of the Confirmation Letter for Foreign High-Level Talents.
  • Income certificate.
  • Fast Pass on Foreign Talents Remuneration Foreign Exchange form.
  • Additional documents requested by the reception authority.

3.3 Changes (employer or remuneration changes)

  • Foreigner's Work Permit.
  • Old and new versions of the Fast Pass on Foreign Talents Remuneration Foreign Exchange form.
  • Additional documents requested by the reception authority.

4. Time and location

5. Notes

  • Keep the Fast Pass on Foreign Talents Remuneration Foreign Exchange form for use in every foreign exchange transaction at banks.
  • The form is valid for two years.
  • For expired or modified forms, or for balance transfer registration, submit the original form at the acceptance window to apply for a new form and transfer the remaining foreign exchange balance.
  • Lost forms will not be reissued. In such cases, foreign exchange transactions must be handled at the bank counter with a valid ID, a labor contract, an income certificate, and payroll tax slips.
  • The form should be printed double-sided.

 

Source: Lin-gang Special Area Immigration Service Center