Guangzhou and Foshan have introduced the Greater Bay Area’s first cross-city work permit scheme for foreign professionals, streamlining talent mobility between the two key manufacturing hubs.

Under the new arrangement, high-end foreign talent classified as Category A can benefit from “single-city approval, dual-city recognition”, allowing permits issued in one city to be accepted in the other without additional vetting. Existing permit holders are also spared from resubmitting core documents when transferring, reducing administrative burdens.

The measures further simplify intra-company moves, with fewer requirements for staff relocating within 30 days, cutting both processing time and paperwork. Eligibility has also been broadened, as top overseas graduates and in-demand science and technology professionals are no longer bound by the usual work experience criteria.

Officials say the reforms will deepen regional integration while creating a more efficient, attractive environment for global talent.