Pudong is stepping up its efforts to build a world-class hub for international talent, with new initiatives offering streamlined visa access, and improved services for expats.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Pudong New Area's development and opening-up, an initiative that transformed the area from farmland into a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Today, Pudong is home to more than 2 million professionals, including about 400,000 in its three leading industries — integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and biomedicine — along with 350,000 in finance and 230,000 in shipping. It has cultivated a dynamic environment where global talent live and thrive.

Opening doors to international talent

In 2024, Pudong became the first municipal district in China authorized to issue the Confirmation Letter for High-Level Foreign Talents. With this letter, expats engaged in academic exchanges, research collaboration, or business visits can apply for multi-entry talent visas, allowing stays of up to 180 days per visit within a 10-year validity period.

Pudong has also taken the lead in piloting the e-port visa program across the area. The fully online process eliminates the need for paper documents and passport submission.

To further attract international high-level talent, Pudong has launched a direct recommendation mechanism for foreigners applying for permanent residency in China. High-level foreign talent recommended by the Pudong government can now enjoy streamlined and efficient application procedures.

Attracting global minds with flagship initiatives

In 2023, Pudong introduced the Pearl Project to attract a new wave of high-level international talent in cutting-edge science and technology fields.

Building on this momentum, the Global Talent Partner Program was launched in 2024 to enlist experts and institutions with extensive international networks to recommend outstanding candidates. To date, 180 partners have joined the program, positioning Pudong as the gateway to China for both domestic and international talent.

Building a comprehensive environment for talent

Pudong International Talent Station is actively expanding its global ties, collaborating with top universities such as Harvard and Cambridge. It offers one-stop services such as job matching, entrepreneurship support, housing assistance, and policy navigation. The station has served more than 3,000 professionals, 95 percent of whom hold a master's degree or higher, with 72 percent having international academic experience and 51 percent specializing in STEM disciplines.

Pudong International Talent Hub is a comprehensive service platform providing customized, one-stop solutions across government services, technology incubation, investment, intellectual property, and human resources. In 2024, the hub recorded about 240,000 visits.

Every December, the Pudong International Talent Hub Forum brings together renowned scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators from around the world to foster exchange and collaboration.

Enhancing living support for professionals

Pudong has secured 60,000 units of affordable housing for professionals. Through a digital platform, talent can explore properties with immersive virtual tours and make instant selections online.

Ahead of the 2025 Lantern Festival, Pudong hosted a New Year concert for professionals, inviting nearly 2,000 individuals and their families to enjoy an evening of the "most beautiful music" with the "brightest minds", demonstrating a vibrant community spirit for both domestic and international talent.

Source: Pudong New Area government