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Frequently asked questions on business and investment

How did Shenzhen perform in terms of its economy last year?

Shenzhen saw its gross domestic product (GDP) reach nearly 3.24 trillion yuan (US$477.4 billion) in 2022, up 3.3% year on year, according to official data. The total added value of the city’s industrial enterprises above designated size exceeded 1 trillion yuan for the first time in 2022, ranking first among Chinese cities. In terms of industrial scale, the total industrial output of enterprises at and above the designated scale exceeded 4.5 trillion yuan in 2022, ranking first for four straight years among Chinese cities.

In which business sectors does Shenzhen take the lead?

Shenzhen leads in sectors including high-tech development, financial services, foreign trade, shipping and creative and cultural industries.

Please name a few large Shenzhen-based companies.

Shenzhen is home to a large number of high-tech companies such as Huawei, ZTE, Tencent, BYD, and DJI.

How much does Shenzhen invest in research and development annually?

In 2022, the city’s investments in R&D accounted 5.49% for the city’s gross domestic product (GDP), which amounted to 3.24 trillion yuan (US$469.63 billion) in 2022.

Is Shenzhen an export-oriented city?

Yes. Shenzhen saw exports jump 13.9% year on year to 2.19 trillion yuan (US$323 billion) in 2022, ranking first for the 30th consecutive year in China, according to data by Shenzhen Customs.

The city’s total foreign trade reached a new high of 3.67 trillion yuan, up by 3.7% year on year. The volume accounted for 44.2% of Guangdong’s total and 46.3% of the total of the nine mainland cities in the GBA. The city’s imports amounted to 1.48 trillion yuan, ranking third in the country.

Brief me on Shenzhen’s private enterprise development.

Shenzhen took the lead in Guangdong Province with 25 private enterprises entering the China Top 500 Private Companies for 2022 list. Four companies from Shenzhen, namely Amer, Huawei, Tencent and Vanke, took the fourth, fifth, sixth and ninth places among the 500 enterprises.

What is the status of Shenzhen’s development of small and medium-sized enterprises?

Shenzhen ranked first in terms of environment for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2022, followed by Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou and Beijing, according to the evaluation report targeting the environment for SME development. The report was made after probing 34,000 SMEs from 36 typical Chinese cities.

What has Shenzhen done to enhance financial cooperation with Hong Kong?

Government agencies in Shenzhen released 30 measures on deepening cooperation of the financial industry between Hong Kong and the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone in February. The measures are designed to establish and improve a policy system and a management mechanism focusing on Qianhai’s further opening up of the financial industry and the internationalization of the RMB by 2025.

What is the status of Shenzhen’s design sector development?

Data showed Shenzhen is now home to 33,000 enterprises and institutions involved in creative design, 30 listed design companies and over 220,000 designers, with the annual revenue of the cultural creative design sector surpassing 1 trillion yuan (US$145 billion). The city leads the country in terms of graphic, industrial, fashion, furniture and jewelry designs.

When was Shenzhen officially designated by the UNESCO as a “City of Design”?

Shenzhen was officially designated by the UNESCO as the “City of Design” of the Creative Cities Network in 2008.

What is the status of Shenzhen’s digital economy sector development?

Shenzhen’s flourishing digital economy is giving wing to the city’s high-quality development by empowering the traditional economy while achieving high growth in its core industries. The number of digital economy-related enterprises in Shenzhen has increased significantly with a wide range of innovations being commercialized and more than 1 million jobs being created, the report said. The added value of the core digital economy industries now accounts for more than 30% of Shenzhen’s GDP.

What is the status of Shenzhen’s NEV sector development?

As a city of innovation, the NEV industry is booming in Shenzhen. Shenzhen is now home to 1,500-1,600 automotive electronics companies, with output surpassing 150 billion yuan (US$21.81 billion). Shenzhen sold 211,500 NEVs in 2022, with market penetration rate reaching 48%, ranking first among first-tier cities.

What is the status of Shenzhen’s cross-border use of the renminbi?

Shenzhen’s cross-border use of the renminbi (RMB), including payments and receipts, climbed up by 4.8% year on year to reach 3.2 trillion yuan (US$466.5 billion) in 2022, ranking third in the country again, according to the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) Shenzhen Central Sub-branch.

Cross-border RMB use between Shenzhen and Hong Kong hit 2.6 trillion yuan, accounting for 51.3% of cross-border use of local and foreign currencies between the two cities. RMB has been the largest cross-border settlement currency between Shenzhen and Hong Kong for three consecutive years.

What is the status of Shenzhen residents’ per capita annual disposable income?

Shenzhen residents’ per capita annual disposable income reached 72,718 yuan (US$10,622.75) in 2022, up 2.6% year on year, after deducting the price factor, according to the Shenzhen survey team of the National Bureau of Statistics. In 2022, Shenzhen residents’ per capita salary income was 61,157 yuan, a nominal increase of 3.5% year on year.

Are Shenzhen residents avid readers?

Shenzhen residents read approximately 18 books, including 6.33 paper books and 11.66 e-books, on average in 2022, according to a municipal annual reading report. The report showed that the city’s figures were much higher than the national average, with readers in the country reading an average of 4.76 paper books and 3.3 e-books per capita in 2022.

What are the strategic emerging industrial clusters and future industries of Shenzhen?

Shenzhen has a total of 21 strategic emerging industrial clusters and future industries that has taken up 39.6% of the city’s total GDP in 2021. They are: the internet and telecom industry, the semiconductor and integrated circuit industry, the ultra-high-definition video display industry, the intelligent terminal industry, the intelligent sensor industry, the software and information services industry cluster, , the modern fashion industry, the industrial machine tool industry, the intelligent robot industry, the laser and additive manufacturing industry, the precision instrument and equipment industry, the new energy industry, the safety, energy conservation and environmental protection industry, the intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) industry, the new materials industry, the high-end medical device industry, the biomedical industry, the health and wellness industry, the marine industry and the future industries.

What is the status of Shenzhen’s strategic emerging industries?

Official statistics showed that the strategic emerging industries of Shenzhen grew 6.7% year-on-year to reach 1.21 trillion yuan (US$174.70 billion) in 2021. In the first three quarters of 2022, Shenzhen’s strategic emerging industries recorded 937.05 billion yuan in added value, up 7.5% from the same period of last year.

What measures is the city government taking to support the high-quality development of the real economy?

To further accelerate the transformation and upgrading of industrial zones and boost the high-quality development of the real economy, Shenzhen will, in the next five years, provide high-quality, low-cost, customized factories for the manufacturing industry, supplying no less than 20 million square meters of high-rise factory premises every year.

What is the development status of the internet and telecom industry?

Shenzhen has formed a relatively complete supply chain, industrial chain and innovation chain in its internet and telecom industry with a number of upstream and downstream enterprises. The added value of the industry reached 204.6 billion yuan in 2021. There were 6.285 million fixed broadband users, 26.57 million mobile broadband users, and more than 51,000 5G base stations. Shenzhen’s household fixed broadband penetration rate reached 156.9% in 2021, and optical fiber users accounted for 94.4%.

What is the short-term forecast for the development of the internet and telecom industry?

The added value of the internet and telecom industry is expected to exceed 270 billion yuan by 2025, when the number of specialized and sophisticated enterprises in the industry will multiply.

What are the short-term development goals of Shenzhen’s internet and telecom industry?

Shenzhen aims to build five internet and telecom application demonstration parks, five terminal equipment industrial bases, and five core component industrial bases by 2025 to better the industrial layout.

The city will strive to set up one or two national innovation platforms, build two to three international and domestic industry standard organizations, and make breakthroughs in key areas and technologies such as optical transmission networks, radio frequency antennas, ultra-dense heterogeneous networks, software virtualization and edge computing to enhance the sector’s innovation capability.

The city’s household coverage rate of gigabit broadband is expected to reach 200% by 2025, and a total of 60,000 5G base stations will be built.

By 2025, a number of industry and government virtual networks will be built and put into use.

What are the primary segments of Shenzhen’s semiconductor and integrated circuit (IC) industry?

The city’s semiconductor and integrated circuit industry mainly includes chip design, manufacturing, packaging and testing, as well as related raw materials, production equipment and components.

What kind of role does Shenzhen play in the semiconductor and IC industry in China?

A: Shenzhen is one of the distribution centers, application centers and design centers for China’s semiconductor and IC products. In 2021, the main business income of Shenzhen’s semiconductor and IC industry exceeded 110 billion yuan. Shenzhen has a national IC design industrialization base, a national third-generation semiconductor technology innovation center, a national demonstration microelectronics institute, and other major innovation platforms.

What is the short-term business prospect of the semiconductor and IC sector of Shenzhen?

A: The industrial revenue of the industry is expected to exceed 250 billion yuan by 2025. Shenzhen aims to have more than three design firms with revenue of more than 10 billion yuan each, a batch of firms with revenue of more than 1 billion yuan each, and three manufacturing firms with revenue in excess of 2 billion yuan each.

What measures will Shenzhen take to achieve the above-mentioned short-term development goals of the semiconductor and IC industry?

A: R&D is vital to the quality development of the industry. So the city will encourage backbone firms in the design industry to increase their R&D investment to more than 10%.

What steps is Shenzhen taking to improve the semiconductor and IC industrial chain?

Shenzhen will build large-scale production lines and improve the upstream and downstream supporting segments such as equipment, materials, advanced packaging and testing to create a wide bandgap semiconductor industry chain from substrate and epitaxy to chip manufacturing and device application.

How does Shenzhen’s ultra-high-definition video display industry compare to other cities in the country?

Shenzhen has an ultra-high-definition video display industry cluster with competitive advantages, with the main operating revenue ranking first in the country in 2021 at about 290 billion yuan, and an increased self-sufficiency rate in the segments of polarizers, mask plates and panel manufacturing equipment.

What are the development prospects of the ultra-high-definition video display industry in Shenzhen?

Revenue of the ultra-high-definition video display industry in Shenzhen is projected to exceed 450 billion yuan by 2025, with a shipment volume of ultra-high-definition video display terminals accounting for an important share of the global total.

What role will Shenzhen play in the ultra-high-definition video display industry globally in the short term?

Shenzhen is expected to lead the world in terms of shipments and market share of large-size panels and ultra-high-definition video display terminals by 2025, when the city will have nurtured more than eight firms with revenue of more than 10 billion yuan each, and more than 20 firms with revenue of more than 1 billion yuan each.

What does Shenzhen’s intelligent terminal industry industrial chain include?

Shenzhen has a complete intelligent terminal industrial system integrating core component research and development, OEM production and complete brand machines. The system is formed with a number of complete machine firms, advanced manufacturing firms and suppliers of key components.

Tell me about the latest added value of the city’s intelligent terminal industry.

The intelligent terminal industry is an important strategic emerging industry in Shenzhen with an added value of 209.2 billion yuan in 2021.

What is the projected added value of the intelligent terminal industry by 2025?

By 2025, the added value of the intelligent terminal industry is expected to top 270 billion yuan.

How many “single champions” and “small giants” will Shenzhen have in different segments of the manufacturing sector of the intelligent terminal industry by 2025?

Shenzhen will nurture at least 15 “single champions” and “small giants” in different segments of the manufacturing sector of the intelligent terminal industry by 2025.

What is the current development status of the intelligent sensor industry in Shenzhen?

The added value of Shenzhen’s intelligent sensor industry exceeded 4 billion yuan in 2021. there are a range of MEMS microphone industry leaders that have accumulated extensive technology as well as “small and sophisticated” firms that boast innovative technology, strong R&D capabilities, and considerable industry influence in subdivision fields such as lidar and infrared thermopiles.

What are the development prospects of the intelligent sensor industry in Shenzhen?

Shenzhen will seize the strategic opportunities brought by the explosive growth and technological innovation in the intelligent sensor market to expand and strengthen a number of intelligent sensor manufacturing and system integration firms. By 2025, the added value of the intelligent sensor industry is projected to double to 8 billion yuan, and a number of “little giants,” “single champions” “unicorns” in the manufacturing industry are expected to emerge.

What is the Shenzhen government doing to facilitate the development of the intelligent sensor industry?

Shenzhen will invest in high-level innovation platforms with advanced technology, outstanding features and complementary advantages by 2025. At least four industrial public service platforms, high-level industrial bases (industrial parks) and advanced sensor-processing pilot platforms will be built for the industry.

What is the status of the MEMS microphone sector, including its development plans?

Specifically, the city will launch an MEMS pilot line with mass production capacity to provide customized and large-scale processing services for high-end MEMS sensor firms. A complete MEMS product technology innovation chain covering R&D, pilot testing and mass production is being developed.

How important is Shenzhen’s software and information services industry to the country?

The industrial scale of Shenzhen’s software and information services sector is now at the forefront of large and medium-sized cities nationwide. In 2021, the added value of the industry stood at 230 billion yuan, leading the country in software revenues, exports, and copyright registrations. Ten Shenzhen firms made it onto the list of China’s top 100 software and information technology services firms for their competitive advantages and six were among the to 100 internet firms with comprehensive strength.

What are the new growth points of the city’s software and information services industry in the next few years?

Big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence are expected to become the new growth point of the industry.

What is the growth forecast of the software and information services industry of Shenzhen?

The added value of the software and information services industry cluster is expected to top 420 billion yuan by 2025.

What is the development plan of the city’s software and information services industry?

Shenzhen will build more than 10 high-level research institutes, laboratories, innovation centers and other new research and development institutions to nurture an open-source ecosystem. The city’s aims to attract more than 200,000 high-caliber talents and professionals to work in the software and information services industry.

How strong is Shenzhen’s digital creative industry?

Shenzhen’s digital creative industry has expanded rapidly, with its growth rate significantly higher than that of the city’s GDP over the same period, thanks to relying on the advantages of its powerful digital technology and rich cultural and creative resources.

How important is the city’s digital creative industry nationwide?

At present, the scale and development level of the city’s digital creative industry are unmatched elsewhere in China, with its gaming sector accounting for more than half of the national market share. Digital information services, animation, networking audio-visual, digital cultural equipment and consumer terminal manufacturing are at the forefront in the country.

What segments does the Shenzhen digital creative industrial chain cover?

A relatively complete digital creative industrial chain has emerged, covering creative production, dissemination, consumer services, and derivatives manufacturing.

What are the short-term goals of the development of the digital creative industry?

Shenzhen aims to create a batch of original works with high-quality digital content and original IPs bearing distinctive Chinese cultural characteristics. The city will seek to more than double the number of projects included as national online game publishing projects and national animation programs, create more than 20 nationally known digital creative brands.

How will Shenzhen support the development of the digital creative industry?

The city will build several incubation and service platforms for creative digital startups based on the highest standards, with an emphasis on cultivating or introducing 2-3 internationally renowned exhibition and events centered on digital creativity. Shenzhen will build more than 10 digital creative theme parks and cultivate one to two leading international e-sports event.

What is the status of Shenzhen’s fashion industry?

The added value of Shenzhen’s fashion industry was 37.7 billion yuan in 2021. The number of brands, market share and number of listed firms in the garment sector enjoy the leading position in women’s wear in the country. The product design and processing technology of the furniture sector also lead the country, while the annul gold delivery volume of the gold jewelry sector accounts for 70% of Shanghai Gold Exchange. The clock sector accounts for 40% of the global watch output and the leather sector occupies the leading position in the domestic shoes and bag sector. The output of the glasses sector accounts for about 50% of the world’s medium and high-end glasses. The annual area of the exhibition industry totals more than 5 million square meters, ranking fourth in the country.

What has Shenzhen planned for the short-term development of the garment industry?

Shenzhen will build a number of garment-centric industrial areas with coordinated industrial chains, launch two to three industrial internet platforms for the garment sector, add more than 10 nationally-known brands, and build Shenzhen Fashion Week into a globally influential and trend-setting fashion event.

How will the city boost the development of its clock sector?

Shenzhen, dubbed as “China’s watchmaking capital,” will focus on the improvement in key technologies for watch movements, high-end professional watches and smart watch sensors, and brand strength of the clock sector, by nurturing three to five provincial-level or higher “single champions,” “little giants,” and “unicorns,” cultivating five to 10 watchmaking technology leaders as well as highly skilled craftsmen and professional watch designers.

What are the focuses for the growth of the city’s gold and jewelry sector?

Innovation in creative design, craftsmanship and materials will be the growth focuses of the gold and jewelry sector.

Does Shenzhen have a complete industrial chain for the industrial machine tool industry?

Yes. In some fields of the industrial machine tool industry, relatively complete industrial chains have emerged with upstream core parts, midstream equipment and downstream applications.

What is the status of the industrial machine tool industry?

The added value of Shenzhen’s industrial machine tool industry reached 21.7 billion yuan in 2021, and it’s forecast to reach 35 billion yuan by 2025. Specifically, the technical level of special equipment for lithium batteries has reached a leading position in China.

What role does Shenzhen’s intelligent robot industry play in the country?

Shenzhen’s intelligent robot industry is developing well, and in 2021, the added value of Shenzhen’s intelligent robot industry reached 8.9 billion yuan. It has a number of backbone firms, among which the servo system and humanoid robots are leading the country. The industrial robot industry has a relatively complete industrial chain, covering the sectors of reducers, servo systems, controllers, ontology and integrated applications. There are rich product types in the field of service robots. Special robots are widely used in pipeline networks and racks, medical care, energy, environmental protection, agriculture, subways and emergency rescue, among other fields. Shenzhen leads the world in drone technologies, and consumer drones account for a large share of the global market.

What’s the forecast for the intelligent robot industry in the short term?

By 2025, the added value of the city’s intelligent robot industry is expected to reach 16 billion yuan, with the added value of the drone sector reaching over 10 billion yuan, the output in terms of industrial robots, service robots, and special robots posting rapid growth.

What sectors in Shenzhen will utilize intelligent robots in their production?

By 2025, intelligent robots will be applied in the fields of electronic information, automobiles, education, and security and logistics.

What are the development focuses of the intelligent robot industry?

Shenzhen will focus on improving the self-sufficiency rate of core components, product accuracy, reliability and average life span of intelligent robots.

Why is Shenzhen a good place for investment in the laser and additive manufacturing industry?

Shenzhen serves as the home of an important laser and additive manufacturing industry cluster in China. The industrial scale, the number of firms and effective patents lie at the forefront of the country. An industrial ecosystem covering the whole chain of materials, devices, software, equipment, and application services has started to take shape. Multi-module continuous optical-fiber lasers, high-power laser-cutting heads, and battery welding equipment are leading the country. In 2021, the added value of Shenzhen’s laser and additive manufacturing industry reached 7.3 billion yuan.

How does Shenzhen contribute to the country’s carbon peak and carbon neutrality standards?

Shenzhen has been vigorously developing the new energy industry, which has begun to take shape. In 2021, the added value of Shenzhen’s new energy industry was about 64.2 billion yuan, while a number of enterprises with a strong reputation both at home and abroad have emerged in key fields such as nuclear energy, smart grid, solar energy and energy storage. The installed capacity of new energy power generation accounted for 77% of the total installed capacity of the city in 2021, while the supply capacity of natural gas accounted for more than 40% of the total capacity of Guangdong Province. The number of new energy innovation carriers has doubled during the “13th Five-year Plan,” and more than 100 have been built in total. Shenzhen has undertaken more than 1,000 national and industrial standards in the nuclear power field, leading China. The Shenzhen-based CGN (China General Nuclear Power Group) provides new energy power to 15 countries and regions around the world, and the number and scale of nuclear power units under construction are unmatched elsewhere in the world.

Why is Shenzhen a good place to invest in the new energy industry?

The added value of Shenzhen’s new energy industry was about 64.2 billion yuan in 2021, and by 2025, the added value of the industry is projected to reach 100 billion yuan, while the installed capacity of new energy power generation in the city will account for 83% of the planned total. A new ecological environment for industrial development will be formed featuring coordinated development of upstream and downstream elements of the industrial chain, the concentration of innovative elements, and a burst of market vitality.

Which fields in the safety, energy conservation and environmental protection industry does Shenzhen lead the country?

Shenzhen’s urban safety risk assessment, accident and disaster simulation and other technical services have reached the national leading level. The city is the national leader in the subdivisions of efficient energy conservation, advanced environmental protection and resources recycling.

What is the status of the city’s safety, energy conservation and environmental protection industry?

The added value of Shenzhen’s safety, energy conservation and environmental protection industry reached 42.5 billion yuan in 2021, and is expected to exceed 60 billion yuan by 2025.

What is Shenzhen doing to boost the development of the safety, energy conservation and environmental protection industry?

The city plans to build at least two industrial clusters to form an industrial cluster belt, which will take R&D centers and headquarters as their core and feature equipment manufacturing and comprehensive resources utilization. Shenzhen will also create an innovation hub to house key engineering laboratories, engineering technology research centers and enterprise technology centers, and set up a number of science and technology collaborative innovation platforms that combine production, teaching, research and application.

How strong is Shenzhen’s intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) industry in China?

The ICV industry is a new type of industry showing deep integration and development of automobile manufacturing, information communication, transportation and other industries. Shenzhen is the first city in the world to fully electrify its public transport and taxis, and its automobile industry is leading China in terms of intelligence, networking and electrification. The city also took the lead in realizing the large-scale demonstration application of ICV in Mawan Port.

What’s the development prospect of the city’s intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) industry in the short term?

A strategic echelon of more than 10 enterprises with revenues of more than 10 billion yuan each, and more than 20 enterprises with revenues of at least 1 billion yuan each is expected to form in the city. The operating revenue of the ICV industry is projected to reach 200 billion yuan by 2025.

How is Shenzhen improving its intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) industrial ecosystem?

Shenzhen will help leading enterprises improve the integrated capabilities of vehicle intelligence, networking and electrification, while cultivating a number of major enterprises in divisions such as vehicle wireless communication, intelligent sensing systems, vehicle computing platforms, cloud service terminals, power batteries, electric motor control, and charging facilities to form a development patter of “One head enterprise + N parts leaders.”

Why is Shenzhen a good place to invest in the new materials industry?

Shenzhen’s new materials industry has gone through rapid growth in recent years. A number of competitive enterprises and startups have emerged, forming an industrial cluster effect represented by the advanced battery material industry cluster. The added value of the industry reached 32.4 billion yuan in 2021 and is expected to reach 55 billion yuan by 2025. Clusters of new energy materials, advanced metal materials, and polymer materials will take shape in Shenzhen. The city will set up a number of high-level innovation carriers such as large scientific installations, provincial key laboratories, new research and development institutions.

How many medical device manufacturing enterprises are there in Shenzhen?

Official figures showed that at the end of 2021, there were more than 1,800 medical device manufacturing enterprises in the city, among which 100 having an output value of more than 100 million yuan each. The number of listed enterprises in the industry ranked first in China.

What is the operating income of the city’s high-end medical device manufacturing industry?

The operating income of Shenzhen’s high-end medical device manufacturing industry reached 80.5 billion yuan in 2021, and is forecast to hit 200 billion yuan by 2025, when the added value of the industry will reach 65 billion yuan.

What measures is Shenzhen taking to further boost the development of the high-end medical device manufacturing industry?

Shenzhen will build 30 key laboratories at the provincial level or above, as well as engineering (technology) research centers to further build the existing national platform into a new engine leading national medical device technology innovation and high-quality industrial development. In addition, a number of public service platforms, such as those pertaining to basic research, engineering technology, industrial pilot scale, clinical research and trials, post-marketing evaluation and application demonstration, supply chain and trade will be set up to form a national CDMO service highland for medical devices, and the whole industry chain service system will be completed to a preliminary level.

Are How many bio-medicine industrial clusters are in Shenzhen?

Two bio-medicine industrial clusters have taken shape, with one in Shenzhen High-Tech Park in Nanshan District and the other in the national bio-industry base in Pingshan District.

Can you introduce some of the achievements of Shenzhen’s bio-medical industry?

Yes. Seven Class I new drugs were approved for market sales, 84 innovative drugs have entered clinical trial stage, 94 varieties passed the consistency evaluation of generic drugs, and the trend of simultaneously developing generic drugs and innovative drugs have gradually taken shape.

What is the short-term development prospect of the bio-medical industry in Shenzhen?

By 2025, the added value of Shenzhen’s bio-medical industry is projected to reach 400 billion yuan, while its operating income will hit 100 billion yuan.

What is Shenzhen doing to further boost the development of the bio-medical industry?

Shenzhen will attract eight to 10 enterprises with global influence to set up their headquarters, R&D centers and high-value-added production bases in the city. The city will encourage enterprises above designated size to increase their R&D investment to reach 10%. Shenzhen will build some 200 innovation carriers of all types at all levels, and major platforms including those for model experimental animal research, pharmaceutical CRO/CDMO/CMO, biological product inspection and detection, and the internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine and natural products.

What is the status of Shenzhen’s health and wellness industry?

Some subsectors of the manufacturing of the health and wellness industry have achieved global competitiveness, while Shenzhen-made medical and beauty laser equipment occupied about 15% of the national market in 2021. On top of that, new-generation sequencing capability and the ability to calculate and analyze large-scale biological information were among the leading positions in the world.

What is the development plan for Shenzhen’s health and wellness industry?

Shenzhen will build more than six industrial zones with a reasonable industrial layout, and create an industrial cluster with significantly improved synergistic and agglomeration benefits. Efforts will also be made to set up a health service demonstration center to serve the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The city aims to cultivate a number of enterprises with strong independent innovation capability to play a leading role in technological development, and form a new model for the health and wellness industry based on the deep integration of industry, education, research and medicine.

What is the container throughput of Shenzhen Port?

Latest official figures showed that in 2021 the container throughput of Shenzhen Port reached 28.77 million TEUs to rank fourth globally.

Which future industries are rapidly expanding in Shenzhen?

Four industries of the future, i.e. synthetic biology, blockchain, cell and gene, and aerospace technology, are now in fast expansion stage, and are expected to achieve exponential growth in the next five to 10 years. Another four future industries -- brain science and brain-like intelligence, deep earth and deep sea, visible light communication and optical computing, and quantum information -- are in the gestation period, and are expected to become the backbone of strategic emerging industries within 10-15 years.

Are there any favorable rules for expats in Shenzhen to apply for permanent residence?

Yes. Select “Favorable rules for expats in Guangdong” for more information.

Can expats’ family members apply for permanent residence in China?

High-level foreign talents who meet the recognition criteria, their spouses and children who are still minors can directly apply for permanent residence in China upon the recommendation of the Office of the Guangdong FTZ.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

Which group of expats can apply for permanent residence in China through points-based assessment?

Foreign members of innovation and entrepreneurship teams in the Guangdong FTZ and foreign technical talents selected by Guangdong FTZ enterprises shall be scored according to the FTZ talent points-based assessment criteria. Those who reach a certain amount of points may apply for permanent residence in China.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

What are the criteria for foreign investors to apply for permanent residence in China?

Foreigners can apply for permanent residence in China if they invest directly in the Guangdong FTZ as a natural person or through a company in which they are the controlling shareholder, provided their investment remains stable for three consecutive years and the total amount exceeds US$1 million (US$500,000 for those industries encouraged in the Catalogue of Industries for Guiding Foreign Investment promulgated by the State. They must also have unblemished tax records.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

What are the criteria for foreign nationals who have a doctoral degree to apply for permanent residence in China?

Chinese or foreign nationals who have a doctoral degree or above, or who have worked in Guangdong FTZ enterprises for four consecutive years, can directly apply for permanent residence in China. However they must have resided in China for at least six months per year.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

Are there any favorable visa policies for foreign students seeking an internship in the Guangdong FTZ?

Foreign students from overseas universities who are invited for an internship by enterprises in the Guangdong FTZ through the exit-entry administration of Guangdong public security organs can apply for short-term private affairs visas (these must be marked as an “internship”) at the port visa authorities in order to enter the country to pursue their internship. Those who enter with other types of visas can also apply for short-term private affairs visas (with “internship” marked) in the country to undertake their internship.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

What are the minimum requirements for foreigners applying for permanent residence in China?

Foreigners who have continuously worked in Guangdong for four years, have resided in China for at least six months per year, have a stable living income and residence, and whose annual income and annual personal income tax payment meet the prescribed standards may apply for permanent residence in China upon the recommendation of their work units.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

Which group of expats are not subject to the age limit of 60 years old when applying for permanent residence in China?

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

What can high-level talents who are expats do when arriving in China if they do not have a visa?

High-level foreign talents recognized by the competent talent department of Guangdong Province, senior professional foreign talents employed and guaranteed by enterprises recognized by the competent scientific and technological innovation department of Guangdong Province and the Office of the Guangdong FTZ, high-level foreign talents employed by universities and scientific research institutes of Guangdong Province, and other foreigners who rank as high-level talents as certified by the inviting units can apply to the visa authority for an R (talent) visa at the port of arrival if they do not have a visa for China. After entering the country, they can apply for a work-type residence permit valid for less than five years. Foreigners who come to China with other visas can apply for a different R visa or a work-type residence permit valid for up to five years after entry.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

I’m a foreigner who came to work in Guangdong Province with a work permit. Can I apply for a work-type residence permit?

Foreigners who come to work in Guangdong Province with a work permit issued by local human resources and social security departments and foreign expert affairs departments can directly apply for a work-type residence permit valid for up to one year after entering China with their work permit. If they come to China without a visa, they can apply for a Z (work) visa from the visa authority at the port of arrival and apply for a work-type residence permit according to the regulations after entering China.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

How can I apply for a work permit valid for a longer period of time?

For foreigners working in Guangdong Province, if they have applied for a work permit for two consecutive times and have not violated any laws or regulations, they can be issued a work permit valid for up to five years when they make an application for the third time.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

What are the visa policies for foreign nationals who were born in Guangdong?

For Chinese or foreign nationals who were born in Guangdong or whose original household registration was in the province, with the corresponding certificates or guarantees for visiting relatives, negotiating business, carrying out scientific, educational, cultural and medical exchanges, and handling private affairs, a valid visa can be issued for multiple entries and exits within five years. For those who work, study, visit relatives, or engage in private affairs in Guangdong Province and need to stay for a long time, a residence permit valid for up to five years can be issued in accordance with the regulations.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

Are there any favorable policies for foreign students who are willing to start a business in Guangdong?

Shenzhen supports foreign students who wish to start their own business in Guangdong Province immediately after they graduate from institutes of higher education in China (including those in Hong Kong and Macao). Foreign students who are willing to start their own business in Guangdong can apply for a residence permit for private affairs (with “start-up” marked) valid for up to two years using their certificate of graduation from an institute of higher education, which will allow them to undertake an internship as well as other business or entrepreneurial activities. During this period, if a foreign student is employed, they can apply for a work-type residence permit in line with the regulations.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

What are the visa policies for foreign students who are enrolled in primary or secondary schools in Guangdong?

Foreign students who are enrolled in primary or secondary schools and who come to Guangdong to study for urgent reasons can apply to the provincial port visa authority for an X1 visa using the admission notice and letter of proof from their school in Guangdong. After entering the country, they can apply for a study-type residence permit according to the regulations. Those who enter the country with other visas can receive a study-type residence permit on the strength of the school admission notice and letter of proof.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

Can I apply for a residence permit for the domestic helper I employ?

High-level foreign talents and high-level talents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who have obtained permanent residence or a work-type residence permit in China may apply for a private affairs-type residence permit for the corresponding period of time for any foreign domestic helpers they employ (with “domestic helper” marked) by providing a personal guarantee and an employment contract.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

What is the visa-free policy for foreigners in transit?

Shenzhen actively supports Guangdong Province in applying to the State Council to optimize and improve the visa-free policy for foreigners in transit. The scope of the existing 72-hour visa-free transit service for foreigners from 51 countries in Guangdong at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport will be further expanded. The entry ports will be expanded from that airport to also include Shenzhen Bao’an Airport and Jieyang Chaoshan Airport, while the exit ports will be expanded from the Baiyun airport to all land, sea and air ports open to foreign visitors in the province, so as to realize the linkage of air, land and sea ports. During the visa-free period, the scope of activities is limited to the administrative region of Guangdong Province, and the duration of stay is extended from 72 hours to 144 hours.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

Is there any limit for scope of activities during the visa-free period?

During the visa-free period, the scope of activities is limited to the administrative region of Guangdong Province, and the duration of stay is extended from 72 hours to 144 hours.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

Can I apply for a work permit and a residence permit at the same time?

Yes. Shenzhen provides one-stop services for work permits and work-type residence permits applications by foreigners.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

How many days does it need for approval?

Seven days.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

Is there an inquiry hotline for residence/work permit applications?

12367.

Learn more: “Exit-entry policies facilitate expats' work and life in SZ”

What is the status of Shenzhen’s technology research and development funding?

Shenzhen’s R&D expenditure and science and technology funding are both higher than the national average. In 2021, Shenzhen’s total R&D spending was 168.2 billion yuan, accounting for 6.1% of the country’s total and 42% of that in the province. In the same year, Shenzhen’s science and technology research fund reached 13.4 billion yuan, which was mainly used to subsidize 24,000 projects in key fields, key links and major strategic platforms.

Can small, medium and micro enterprises and maker teams get support from the Shenzhen government?

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and maker teams can receive up to 200,000 yuan worth of sci-tech innovation vouchers every year. The Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission has formulated the Implementation Measures on the Science and Technology Innovation Voucher Project, aiming to improve the innovation ecosystem, encourage enterprises and makers to get involved in scientific and technological innovation and entrepreneurship activities, and promote the open sharing of scientific and technological resources. The move has been widely acclaimed by small and medium-sized enterprises.

The sci-tech innovation voucher, which is an initiative of the administrative department for science and technology, enables technology-based micro, small and medium enterprises and maker teams to purchase services related to their innovation activities from service organizations. Enterprises and maker teams can apply for and use the vouchers, which help spur the rapid growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and stimulate their innovation vitality and development momentum.

Learn more: “Talent Policies”

What kind of incentives does Shenzhen offer to international science and technology cooperation projects?

Up to 3 million yuan in subsidies for international science and technology cooperation projects are provided. The subsidies, either given out before or after the projects have begun operation, are included in the overall budget of Shenzhen’s science and technology research and development funds.

Learn more: “Talent Policies”

How many postdoctoral graduate workstations are there in Shenzhen, and what are the categories they cover?

At present, Shenzhen has 15 mobile workstations, 128 substations, 355 innovation practice bases, and nine recruiting units based in universities for postdoctoral researchers. In Shenzhen, postdoctoral stations are divided into four categories: postdoctoral research mobile stations, postdoctoral research workstations (substations), municipal postdoctoral innovation practice bases, and recruiting units based in universities. The latter include Shenzhen University, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen).

The stations also include Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Pengcheng Laboratory, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, and other high-end research institutes. Fortune 500 enterprises in Shenzhen like Huawei, ZTE, and Tencent, emerging technology enterprises like SenseTime and BGI, and high-level hospitals like Shenzhen People’s Hospital and the Second People’s Hospital all have their own postdoctoral stations.

Are there any benefits for postdoctoral researchers working in Shenzhen?

The standard of living allowance for postdoctoral researchers in mobile stations is 150,000 yuan per person per year from provincial coffers, with an additional 60,000 yuan per person per year in the form of municipal subsidies. For those who work at the stations, innovation bases or other units, the living allowance for postdoctoral researchers is 180,000 yuan per person per year. Such allowances shall be paid for up to two years.

Postdoctoral researchers who have finished their stints at workstations and who choose to stay in the city to engage in research and sign employment contracts with local enterprises and institutions for more than three years will be given 300,000 yuan as a research grant.

What are the favorable policies Shenzhen offers to overseas high-end talents and urgently needed talents?

High-end overseas and urgently needed talents working in the GBA will enjoy tax subsidies equivalent to the difference between the individual income tax applied on the mainland and in Hong Kong, and the subsidies will be exempted from individual income tax.

How can overseas high-end talents and urgently needed talents apply for tax subsidies?

Application procedure:

According to the policy, the whole application process is conducted online. There is no need to submit paper materials at a window. For more details, please log in to the Guangdong Government Service Network and conduct an online application according to the talent type and region.

How can overseas high-end talents and urgently needed talents apply for resident permits?

In order to help high-level foreign talents apply for a talent visa (““R visa”“) and provide them with the convenience of having permanent residency, Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission has printed and distributed the Talent Identification Standards for High-end and Urgently Needed Foreign Talents in Shenzhen.

Learn more: “Talent Policies”

How many commercial entities are there Shenzhen?

By the end of September 2022, the number of commercial entities in the city exceeded 3.86 million, and the entrepreneurial density continues to rank first among large- and medium-sized cities in China.

Can entrepreneurship projects be funded by the government?

Entrepreneurship projects can get up to 1 million yuan in financial aid.

For requirements for companies applying for this subsidy, please click “Talent Policies”

Can maker exchange programs be funded by the government?

Qualified enterprise will receive a maximum of 1 million yuan in financial support.

For requirements for companies applying for this subsidy, please click “Talent Policies”

Can incubators be funded by the government?

The municipal science and technology authority will give subsidies of 500,000 yuan and 300,000 yuan, respectively, to incubators and mass-entrepreneurship spaces that are rated as excellent in the current evaluation process, and will recommend them to apply for national and provincial recognition and registration.

What favorable policies does Shenzhen offer for technology-based micro, small and medium-sized enterprises?

Technology-based micro, small and medium-sized enterprises can receive up to 1 million yuan in subsidies for loan interest and guarantee fees per year.

What is the status of the development of the private equity fund industry in Shenzhen?

Shenzhen’s private equity fund industry started early and has seen robust growth. Both the number of institutions and products, and the amount of managed funds in Shenzhen are unmatched anywhere in the country. By the end of 2021, the total amount of private equity funds in Shenzhen reached 2.27 trillion yuan. The private equity institutions in Shenzhen have invested in more than 4,300 local companies, pouring nearly 400 billion yuan and 300 billion yuan into small and medium-sized enterprises and high-tech enterprises, respectively. There are more than 950 funds dedicated to mergers and acquisitions in Shenzhen, which have pooled equity capital of about 400 billion yuan for the real economy and helped more than 500 companies get listed on the domestic stock markets.

How does Shenzhen support development of venture capital institutions in the city?

The amount of financial rewards vary for different types of venture capital enterprises.

Learn more: “Talent Policies”

What is the status of QFLP development in Shenzhen?

As of the end of 2021, Shenzhen had attracted foreign-funded enterprises to set up 171 QFLP management companies, and launched 53 QFLP funds with a fund size of US$7.55 billion, attracting a number of internationally influential equity investment institutions to gather in the city.

What favorable policies does Shenzhen offer for supply chain finance industries?

For financial institutions, core manufacturing enterprises, and supporting service institutions of supply chain finance that have settled in the demonstration zones or industrial parks of Shenzhen, each district can provide policy support based on its overall contributions.

Are financial talents being valued in Shenzhen?

Shenzhen has issued the “Implementation Measures for Supporting the Development of Financial Talents in Shenzhen” in 2020 to speed up the construction of a high-quality, innovative and international professional financial talent team. The city encourages financial practitioners to improve their professional skills and supports financial practitioners to sit for CFA, FRM, ASA, FCAA and ACCA exams. Those who have obtained certificates after Jan. 1, 2017, and who have worked full-time in Shenzhen’s financial industry for at least two years, will receive subsidies of 10,000 yuan for each qualification certificate they obtain. The subsidy is capped at 50,000 yuan per person.

Does Shenzhen have a financial service platform?

The Shenzhen Entrepreneurship and Innovation Financial Service Platform (Shenzhen financial service platform) was initiated at the end of 2016 and officially went online in August 2017. Based on guiding financial resources from the supply side to support the development of the real economy, the platform provides companies with one-stop services such as debt and equity financing, credit inquiries, credit ratings, financing guarantees, industry consulting, investment and financing policy support to help enterprises resolve the difficulty, high expense and complexity of financing.

What is the status of Shenzhen’s technological innovation in the world?

According to the Global Innovation Index 2022 released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster ranks second in the world when it comes to comprehensive strength.

What is the role of Shenzhen Hi-Tech Industrial Park?

After years of leapfrog development, Shenzhen Hi-tech Industrial Park has fostered a next-generation electronic information industrial cluster with an annual output value of 1 trillion yuan, and cultivated a large number of innovative enterprises with international competitiveness and influence. Shenzhen Hi-tech Industrial Park ranked second among national high-tech zones in a comprehensive evaluation ranking released by the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2021, and ranked first in the country in terms of continual innovation and comprehensive quality and efficiency. In 2021, Shenzhen Hi-tech Industrial Park was home to 5,450 national high-tech enterprises, 63 national specialized and sophisticated enterprises that produce novel and unique products, and 16 single champions in the manufacturing industry. The high-tech park also boasted 167 companies that are listed on domestic and overseas stock markets, accounting for one-third of the city’s listed companies.

What favorable policies does Shenzhen provide for innovation platforms established in Shenzhen Hi-tech Industrial Park?

Shenzhen provides corresponding support to innovation platforms including proof-of-concept centers, as well as to pilot-scale testing bases and technology industrialization bases that were established in Shenzhen Hi-tech Industrial Park, and which meet all the requirements. For specific terms of support, click “Talent Policies”

Under what conditions can sci-tech enterprise cultivation projects receive subsidies?

For specific terms of support, click “Talent Policies”

What kind of incentives can I receive if I finance the operations of seed-stage and other early-stage sci-tech enterprises in Shenzhen Hi-tech Industrial Park?

For investment institutions that have invested in seed-stage and other early-stage sci-tech enterprises in Shenzhen Hi-tech Industrial Park in the previous year, a single investment project can expect to get a maximum subsidy of 1 million yuan. The cumulative amount of the subsidy for each agency shall not exceed 5 million yuan every year in all industrial parks; for seed-stage and other early-stage sci-tech enterprises that received investments from investment institutions in the previous year, the subsidy will be no more than 1 million yuan.

What is a sci-tech innovation voucher?

How can I use the sci-tech innovation vouchers?

The scope of services supported by the innovation voucher is as follows: Research and development services, mainly including industrial (product) design, integrated circuit design, technical solutions, pilot-scale testing and engineered development, and cloud computing; technology transfer services, mainly including technology transfers and the transformation of sci-tech achievements; inspection, testing and certification services, mainly including product inspection, index testing, product performance testing, and integrated circuit packaging testing; intellectual property services, mainly including intellectual property agency and intellectual property search and analysis.

How many sci-tech innovation vouchers can I receive?

According to the types of companies and institutions making an application, different quotas are set for those hoping to receive innovation vouchers, among which the annual quota for medium-sized enterprises, small enterprises, micro enterprises, and maker teams is 200,000 yuan, 100,000 yuan, 50,000 yuan and 20,000 yuan, respectively.

What are the qualifications for obtaining sci-tech innovation vouchers?

Enterprises or maker teams applying for innovation vouchers shall meet the following conditions: They must be micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that were registered in Shenzhen or Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone, have acquired the status of a legal entity, and meet the classification standards for small and medium-sized enterprises set by the central government. The maker teams shall be those that have settled in makerspaces registered or recognized at or above the municipal level; R&D expenses should have been incurred in the previous year; the purchased sci-tech services should be directly related to the R&D activities conducted; there are no unused amounts left in the innovation vouchers they received in the previous year; they have an excellent track record in terms of the integrity of their scientific research.

How many manufacturing innovation centers are there in Shenzhen?

At present, Shenzhen boasts three national manufacturing industry innovation centers, 33 national enterprise technology centers, six provincial manufacturing industry innovation centers, and one municipal manufacturing industry innovation center, having initially established a cultivation system comprising national, provincial, and municipal innovation centers to boost the high-quality development of the advanced manufacturing industry.

What are the requirements for projects achieving breakthroughs in core technologies to be subsidized?

According to their different positioning, special projects for achieving technological breakthroughs are divided into four categories: general projects, key projects, major projects, and reward projects. For eligible projects, the funding amount shall not be higher than 50% of the total projected costs, and according to the results of the project review, tiered funding will be implemented: the amount of the subsidy for a single general project shall not exceed 5 million yuan; the amount of funds for a single reward project shall not exceed 10 million yuan; the amount of funding for a single key project shall not exceed 10 million yuan; the amount of funds for a single major project shall not exceed 30 million yuan. Subsidies for reward projects approved by the Shenzhen Municipal Government and major projects for achieving breakthrough in core strategic technologies are not subject to the above-mentioned restrictions.

What subsidies does Shenzhen provide for technology transfer and commercialization?

Up to 2 million yuan in subsidies for technology transfer and commercialization. In 2022, Shenzhen planned to subsidize 153 projects through its technology transfer and commercialization (technology contracts) program with a budget of 52.34 million yuan. It also aimed to subsidize eight projects through its technology transfer and commercialization (technology transfer incubation) program with a budget of 6.532 million yuan. In 2022 the startup funding program in Shenzhen planned to subsidize 180 science and technology projects with 107.514 million yuan in total.

What is the Conference on International Exchange of Professionals?

The Conference on International Exchange of Professionals is a State-level comprehensive talent fair serving global high-tech innovation professionals. Approved by the State Council in 2001, and originally organized by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA), the talent fair has been held 20 times. It has been co-organized by the Shenzhen Municipal Government since the fair moved its venue to Shenzhen in 2007. Talent agencies from more than 40 countries and regions, including the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Ukraine, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, Brazil, Argentina and South Africa participate in the fair each year. More than 35,000 returned overseas Chinese students and other professionals seek jobs here, and more than 10,000 projects have been implemented.

How much subsidies does Shenzhen provide for key State science and technology projects?

A specific amount of subsidies, with a cap of 10 million yuan, will be handed out to qualified projects. The Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission has published its “Administration Rules of Undertaking Key State Science and Technology Projects” to support the industrialization of key State research projects.

Who can receive the subsidies for key State science and technology projects?

The applicant needs to comply with the following requirements: (1) The key State science and technology project must have passed an inspection within the previous three years, with the research result not yet being commercialized but in line with the industrial and innovation strategy of Shenzhen; (2) The original undertaker of the project has full ownership of the research or has the right to use it, with no IPR disputes; (3) The applicant has signed a legally binding agreement with the project partner that ensures the project will be commercialized in Shenzhen; (4) The person in charge of the project applying for the subsidies needs to be a full-time researcher employed by the applicant. The team members must include at least three personnel working with the original project and at least one in charge of the original research. More than half of the team members need to be full-time researchers employed in Shenzhen (including the Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone).

How much subsidies does Shenzhen provide for science and technology projects for sustainable development?

Subsidies with respective caps of 4 million yuan, 6 million yuan and 8 million yuan will be handed out to individual projects based on the actual needs and quality of the research in terms of investment return, academic significance, and technological advancement.

Who can receive the subsidies for science and technology projects for sustainable development?

(1)The major applicant needs to be a high-tech enterprise, an institute of higher learning, a science and technology research institute, or a medical service institute registered as an independent legal entity in Shenzhen or the Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone; (2) The major applicant must be law-abiding, with good credit and governance, a sound financial and accounting system and a strong IPR protection mechanism. It also needs to be equipped with the infrastructure and capabilities to ensure the success of the project; (3) The person in charge of the project needs to be equipped with the professional capabilities and coordination skills to complete the project, and should be a full-time researcher employed by the applicant; (4) The science and technology research, development and commercialization carried out by the applicant needs to be related tosustainable development as stipulated in the “List of Key High-tech Fields Supported by Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government.

What are the benefits for doctoral degree holders working in Shenzhen?

The Shenzhen Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau and the Shenzhen Municipal Finance Bureau have issued the Measures for the Implementation of Living Allowances for Newly Introduced Doctoral Talents in Shenzhen. This provides subsidies to newly introduced doctoral degree holders under 35 years old who have been working full-time in Shenzhen since September 1, 2021. Eligible Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and foreign doctoral degree holders who are employed for the first time in Shenzhen can enjoy the same subsidies.

What are the requirements for obtaining the subsidies for doctoral degree holders working in Shenzhen?

The key requirements are:

(1) Has obtained Shenzhen permanent residency (except for overseas talents);

(2)Has obtained a doctoral degree;

(3) At the time of the first application, the applicant has worked full-time in Shenzhen, and paid social insurance through his employers for more than three months;

(4) At the time of applying for renewal, the applicant must have a permanent residence permit in Shenzhen, have been working full-time, and have paid social insurance through his or her local employers for more than 12 months.

What are the application procedures for subsidies for doctoral degree holders working in Shenzhen?

Online processing: The applicant must log in to the Guangdong Government Affairs Service Network, search for ““Subsidies for Newly Introduced Doctoral Talents in Shenzhen,”“ and click ““Online Processing.”

Offline processing: At the Shenzhen Talent Park Service Hall or Shenzhen Municipal Administrative Service Hall. “

What is the special allowance system managed by the Shenzhen municipal government?

In 2000, Shenzhen introduced and implemented the Shenzhen Municipal Government’s special allowance system. The selection work is carried out every two years. This policy plays a positive role in encouraging professional and technical talents as well as highly skilled talents working in frontline operations. It also promotes the setting up of a pool of high-level professional talents in Shenzhen, and has achieved remarkable results.

The government will select no more than 60 recipients of the special allowance granted by the municipal government every two years. A one-time allowance of 50,000 yuan will be provided.

Who can apply for the special allowance?

Applicants who meet certain key requirements can apply for the special allowance.

Learn more: “Talent Policies”

What are the application procedures for the special allowance?

① Online: The applicant must log in to the “Guangdong Government Affairs Service Network” and search for ““the selection of recipients of the special allowance of the municipal government.”

② Offline: At the Shenzhen Talent Park Service Hall or Shenzhen Municipal Administrative Service Hall

What are the standards to qualify as high-end and urgently needed foreign talents?

Foreigners who meet one of the following conditions can be identified as high-end and urgently needed foreign talents in Shenzhen.

① Those who entered national talent introduction programs;

② Those who conform to internationally recognized standards for professional achievements;

③ Those who conform to the needs of market-favored posts;

④ Innovative and entrepreneurial talents;

⑤ Outstanding young talents;

⑥ Those who scored above 85 points in terms of talent identification;

⑦ Those recommended by relevant municipal departments.

What is the allowance for individuals participating in the “GBA Youth Employment Scheme”?

People who participate in the “GBA Youth Employment Scheme” organized by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and who work in Shenzhen can apply for the allowance from the public employment service agency in the district or subdistrict where the employer is registered. The allowance is 1,000 yuan per person per month.

What is the application procedure for the allowance for individuals participating in the “GBA Youth Employment Scheme”?

The applicant can log into the “Guangdong Government Affairs Service Network,” search for “GBA Youth Employment Scheme Allowance,” fill in the form, and submit the necessary materials.

What is the status of the “GBA Youth Employment Scheme?”

In Shenzhen, there are more and more youths from Hong Kong and Macao pursuing their dreams. As of the first quarter of 2022, Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub has incubated 578 entrepreneurial teams, with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and international teams accounting for more than half of the total. Meanwhile, the total amount of financing has exceeded 2.9 billion yuan. So far, 689 Hong Kong youths have found jobs in Shenzhen by participating in the “GBA Youth Employment Scheme” organized by the government of the Hong Kong SAR.

What are the subsidies provided for employers who participate in the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Youth Internship Program?

Employers who participate in various Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan youth internship programs organized by the Shenzhen Municipal Government and who receive young interns from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan can receive 1,000 yuan per person per month.

Employers must participate in various Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan youth internship programs organized by Shenzhen government departments and accept young interns from these three provinces and regions. Young people from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who serve an uninterrupted internship of at least one month can also apply.

How can employers participating in the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Youth Internship Program apply for the fund?

Ways to apply:

Applicants can log in to the ““Guangdong Government Affairs Service Network”“ and search for ““Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Youth Internship Subsidy,”“ then fill in the required forms, and submit their materials.

Learn more: “Talent Policies”

What is the subsidy for grassroots employment?

Shenzhen provides a 3,000-yuan grassroots employment subsidy as a lump sum for college graduates who work in small, medium-sized and micro enterprises, as well as some other entities. Outsourced employees can also apply as long as they meet all of the requirements.

Who can apply for the subsidy for grassroots employment?

Key requirements:

1. College graduates who work in small and medium-sized enterprises, self-employed businesses, social organizations, and similar entities, or in social management and public service posts in subdistricts and communities, and who have signed labor contracts for more than one year. At the time of their employment, they must graduated from college within the past two years;

2. Graduates must have paid social insurance premiums for more than six months at the same company/entity;

3. If the subsidy recipient is an outsourced employee, the social security paying entity and the company or entity where he or she works must meet the grassroots employment conditions at that time.

What is the procedure for applying for the subsidy for grassroots employment?

Applicants can log in to the “Guangdong Government Affairs Service Network” and search for “grassroots employment subsidies.

What subsidies can returning overseas students apply for to start businesses in Shenzhen?

Returned overseas students can get up to 1 million yuan of subsidy for starting their businesses in Shenzhen.There are three levels of entrepreneurship funding: the first level is 1 million yuan, with no more than 10 recipients annually. The second level is 500,000 yuan, with no more than 15 recipients annually. The third-level subsidy is 300,000 yuan, with no more than 30 recipients annually.

What are the qualifications for returning overseas students to apply for entrepreneurship funding?

“The key requirements are:

The applicant for entrepreneurship subsidy should be an enterprise established by overseas returnees, and the applicant can designate one returnee to apply. Returnees’ startups and the returnees designated to apply for the subsidy shall meet the following requirements:

1. Applicants should have studied or worked overseas for more than 3 years;

2. The shares held by the applicant in a startup shall not be valued less than 300,000 yuan;

3. The applying enterprise is in a key industry supported by the city. The list of supported industries is adjusted from time to time according to the city’s latest industrial planning;

4. The applying enterprise should have strong scientific research and innovation capabilities, talent resources, office space, R&D facilities, and operates normally.”

Who can be certified as a skilled elite of Shenzhen?

“Skilled elite” refers to young and highly skilled talent with international vision, creative thinking and the ability of sustainable innovation and development in strategic emerging industries, future industries, modern service industries, advantageous traditional industries and other fields in Shenzhen. “Skill elites” are selected every two years.

What are the qualifications for being certified as a skilled elite of Shenzhen?

Those who have worked for more than two years in the city’s frontline technical posts or vocational education teaching posts, are under the age of 35, and have achieved one of the following achievements in the past five years can participate in the selection of “skilled elites”:

(1) Won honorary titles issued by the provincial or higher-level human resources security department;

(2) Won one of the titles of “Shenzhen Craftsman Star,” “Shenzhen Skilled Model,” or “Shenzhen Technical Expert;”

(3) Selected to the provincial delegation to participate in the national-level WorldSkills Competition;

(4) Won a top-five award in a provincial- or higher-level skill competition, or a top three award at a municipal-level skill competition;

(5) Won the municipal science and technology award or obtained more than one invention patent, resulting in great economic or social benefits;

(6) Made significant contributions to the development of technical innovation, technical transformation and technical promotional activities, which have produced great economic and social benefits.

What is the procedure for skilled elites to apply for the subsidies?

What is the Pengcheng Craftsman Program?

To cultivate a group of highly skilled talents with the spirit of craftsmanship, and boost the economic transformation and industrial upgrading of Shenzhen, the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security has formulated “Shenzhen Pengcheng Craftsman Selection Method.” Shenzhen has defined “Pengcheng Craftsmen” as outstanding and highly skilled talents with a spirit of craftsmanship in the city’s strategic emerging industries, future industries, modern service industries, advantageous traditional industries, and other fields.

“Pengcheng Craftsman” is the highest honor awarded to skilled talents in Shenzhen. Ten people are selected every year, and each of them will be awarded a prize of 500,000 yuan. This demonstrates the city authorities’ talent concept of ““respecting labor and skills,”“ while further incentivizing workers to build their careers or start their own businesses.

Who can apply for Pengcheng Craftsman subsidies?

Those who have worked in a frontline technical post of production and service in Shenzhen for more than five years, have good professional ethics and a strong sense of dedication, possess the professional qualification of a senior technician or equivalent technical skills, and who have gained one of those recognized achievements in the past five years can participate in the selection of “Pengcheng Craftsman.”

What are the procedures for applying for Pengcheng Craftsman subsidies?

Application procedures:

The applicant must log in to the “Guangdong Government Affairs Service Network,” search for “Pengcheng Craftsman,” and click on “Online Processing.”

What laws and regulations does Shenzhen have regarding intellectual property rights protection?

Yes, related regulation was updated in 2020.

Learn more: “Regulations of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone on Protection of Intellectual Property Rights”

How does the local law on intellectual property rights protection calculate the revenue gained from illegal businesses that involve intellectual property rights infringement?

The revenue gained from illegal businesses that involve intellectual property rights infringement shall be calculated as follows:

(1) where all the infringing products have been sold, the value shall be calculated on the basis of the actual selling price;

(2) where the infringing products have been partially sold (including those in manufacturing, storage and transportation), the value of the infringing products that have been sold shall be calculated based on the actual selling price, and those products that have not been sold shall be calculated based on the average of the actual selling prices of the infringing products sold;

(3) where no infringing products have been sold (including any in manufacturing, storage and transportation), the value shall be calculated based on the marked price. Where there is no marked price or the marked price is obviously inconsistent with the value of the products, the median market price of the infringed product shall apply;

(4) where the actual selling price of the infringing product is not available or cannot be ascertained, the calculation shall be based on the median market price of the infringed product.

Learn more: “Regulations of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone on Protection of Intellectual Property Rights”

As a foreign investor, can I conduct business in Shenzhen the same way that a Chinese citizen can?

A negative list system for market access shall be implemented. Any natural person, legal person, or unincorporated organization may enjoy equal access to areas beyond the negative list in accordance with law.

The municipal and district people’s governments and their relevant departments may not formulate any negative list for market access without authorization.

The administration system for foreign investment based on pre-establishment national treatment and negative list shall be implemented. Areas beyond the negative list on foreign investment shall be managed in accordance with the principle of equal treatment to domestic and foreign investment.

Learn more: “Regulations of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone on Improving Business Environment”

Can a foreign tax agent or financial planner practice in Shenzhen?

Overseas professional institutions and individuals with internationally accepted qualifications in finance, taxation, construction, planning and other fields shall be allowed to provide professional services in Shenzhen pursuant to relevant rules.

Restrictions on the participation of overseas individuals in various vocational qualification examinations shall be relaxed.

Learn more: “Regulations of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone on Improving Business Environment”

How can overseas Chinese, Hong Kongers, Macao residents and Taiwanese make contributions to the local education sector?

“Overseas Chinese, compatriots of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan shall be welcome to make contributions to promotion of education in the following ways:

(1) providing funds to set up schools;

(2) making donations to build up schools;

(3) donating teaching appliances and equipment and books;

(4) making contributions to setting up scholarships for teachers and students.

Learn more: “Several Rules of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone on the Encouragement of Overseas Chinese, Compatriots of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan to Make Contributions to Promotion of Education”

Can the school I donated to be named after me?

The schoolhouses (including buildings) constructed by contributions and the scholarships for teachers and students set up by contributions may be named according to contributors’ wishes.

If I donate money to build a school in Shenzhen can I be given the honor of”Honorary Resident of Shenzhen City?”

Any person whose contribution is more than 2 million RMB (including 2 million RMB) shall be awarded a title of “Honorary Resident of Shenzhen City” and presented a gold medal.

Can I freely write any plugin for an Internet game in Shenzhen?

Without the permission of the copyright owner, no one may write any plugin for an Internet game, nor allow others to operate the game unless the laws or regulations provide otherwise.

Learn more: “Provisions of Shenzhen Municipality on Intellectual Property Protection of Internet Software”

What are Shenzhen’s laws and regulations that protect intellectual property rights of Internet software?

Learn more: “Provisions of Shenzhen Municipality on Intellectual Property Protection of Internet Software”

What are Shenzhen’s laws and regulations for improvement of elderly care services?

Related regulations were released in 2020.

Learn more: “Regulations of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone on the Elderly Care Service”

As an owner of a local elderly care center, can I change the use of elderly care service facilities invested or funded by the government?

Where any entity changes the use of elderly care service facilities invested or funded by the government without authorization, the entity shall be ordered by the district civil affairs department to make corrections within a specified time limit, and surrender the illegal gains, if any; if no correction is made within the time limit, such entity shall be imposed to a fine of not less than 100,000 yuan but not more than 300,000 yuan; if the circumstance is severe, the entity shall be imposed to a fine of not less than 300,000 yuan but not more than 600,000 yuan and shall be disqualified from bidding, with a relevant announcement to be made.

Learn more: “Regulations of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone on the Elderly Care Service”

What are Shenzhen’s laws and regulations for the development of health industry?

The regulation was released in 2020.

Learn more: “Regulations of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone on Health”

What should health education include according to the law?

Health education shall include the following:

(1) Health concepts and healthy lifestyles;

(2) Knowledge about disease prevention, injury prevention and response to public health emergencies;

(3) Health management knowledge;

(4) Knowledge related to scientific diagnosis and treatment and rational use of drugs;

(5) Knowledge and skills about first aid and rehabilitation;

(6) Knowledge related to psychological health, nutritional health, and exercise health;

(7) Knowledge and skills related to social adaptation;

(8) Knowledge about ecological environment and health literacy;

(9) Other health-related knowledge and skills that need to be promoted and popularized.

Learn more: “Regulations of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone on Health”

What laws and regulations does Shenzhen have for attracting talent?

The regulation was updated in 2019.

Learn more: “Regulations on Talent Work of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone”

What rights are provided for those who obtain a Permanent Residence Permit for Foreigners?

Foreign high-level talents who hold the Permanent Residence Permit for Foreigners and work in Shenzhen, their accompanying spouses and unmarried children under the age of 18 can enjoy Shenzhen citizen treatment in aspects of education, employment, social security, medical treatment and housing purchase.

Learn more: “Regulations on Talent Work of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone”

How many hours of outdoor activity are required for preschool education?

Preschool educational institutions shall, follow the principle that activity and learning shall be associated, make arrangements of children’s daily life in a reasonable manner and strictly implement them. Physical activities in line with the characteristics of children’s physical and mental development shall be carried out, with outdoor activities not less than two hours a day and with physical activities therein not less than one hour.

Learn more: “Interim Measures of Shenzhen Municipality on the Administration of Preschool Education”

Can my preschool institution open paid interest classes or organize children to participate in commercial activities?

Preschool educational institutions shall not replace normal education and teaching activities with interest classes. The paid interest classes shall not be held from Monday to Friday during the school hours. Preschool educational institutions shall not organize children to participate in commercial activities.

Learn more: “Interim Measures of Shenzhen Municipality on the Administration of Preschool Education”

What are the categories of Shenzhen’s domestic waste?

The domestic waste of this municipality shall be classified into three categories:

(1) recyclables, which refer to the waste paper, waste plastics, waste glass, waste metal, waste fabric, waste electronic products and so on that can be recycled and utilized;

(2) hazardous waste, which refers to the waste battery, waste lamp tube, deserted drugs, waste pesticide, waste paint, waste daily chemicals, waste silver product and so on that are directly or potentially harmful to human health or natural environment and shall be specially disposed;

(3) other waste, which refers to other waste except recyclables and hazardous waste.

Learn more: “Measures of Shenzhen Municipality on the Classification and Reduction of Domestic Garbage”

What are the punishments for individuals who violate the regulations on domestic garbage classification and reduction?

If any unit or individual violates the provisions of Article 14 or Article 15 of these measures, failing to dump domestic garbage as classified or according to provisions, the competent department shall order correction within a prescribed time limit. If the correction is refused, the individual shall be imposed a fine of 50 yuan or a fine of 100 yuan if the circumstance is serious, and the unit shall be imposed a fine of 1,000 yuan.

Learn more: “Measures of Shenzhen Municipality on the Classification and Reduction of Domestic Garbage”

When shall I report my plan to hold an economic or commercial exhibition in Shenzhen?

The plan of holding an exhibition abroad shall be reported before the first ten days of January of every year; the plan of holding an exhibition at Shenzhen shall be handled at least half year in advance and shall be reported before the first ten days of January or July of every year (if there are special circumstances, it shall be handled respectively depending on the circumstances).

Learn more: “Provisional Rules on Holding Economic and Commercial Exhibition of Shenzhen Economic Special Zone”

What are the requirements for organizing an economic or commercial exhibition in Shenzhen?

The units shall, in advance, report the plan of an exhibition held abroad or held by people of other countries or areas to the department in charge of the economic and commercial exhibition for approval according to relevant provisions of the State, if they want to hold an economic and commercial exhibition abroad or to take in foreigners to hold an economic and commercial exhibition at Shenzhen.

Learn more: “Provisional Rules on Holding Economic and Commercial Exhibition of Shenzhen Economic Special Zone”

Does Shenzhen have laws or regulations for using renewable resources?

Yes.

Learn more: “Measures of Shenzhen Municipality on Administration of Renewable Resources Recovery”

Does Shenzhen have laws or regulations on standard lighting use?

Yes.

Learn more: “The Management Measures of Shenzhen Municipality on Urban Lighting”

Can I add graffiti to urban lighting facilities?

It is forbidden for organizations or individuals to engage in acts that impede or damage urban lighting facilities.

Learn more: “The Management Measures of Shenzhen Municipality on Urban Lighting”

If the persons who cause accidents leading to serious injury or death run away, can the victim or his relatives apply for social assistance?

Yes. If the persons who cause accidents leading to serious injury or death run away, and victims and their family members have no labor capacity, no income, and have difficulties to maintain a normal life, the victims or their close relatives may apply to the municipal traffic control division according to these measures for one-time assistance in dealing with difficulties.

Learn more: “Provisional Measures of the Shenzhen Municipality on the Social Assistance”

How can a victim apply for assistance from the assistance fund?

When victims apply for assistance from the assistance fund according to the first section of Article 12 of these measures, the victims or their close relatives (hereinafter referred to by a joint name as the applicants) shall file applications to the municipal traffic control division.

Learn more: “Provisional Measures of the Shenzhen Municipality on the Social Assistance”

How can I apply for new changes of my foreign-invested limited liability company?

Learn more: “Registration of alteration of foreign-invested limited liability company”

How can I register a foreign-invested limited liability company?

A foreign-invested limited liability company may be incorporated when all required conditions are met.

Learn more: “Registration of incorporation of a foreign-invested limited liability company”

How can I change a foreign-invested enterprise into a domestic enterprise?

Learn more: “Alteration of foreign-invested enterprise to domestic enterprise”

How can I register a foreign-invested partnership enterprise?

A foreign-invested partnership enterprise may be registered if: two or more partners are in place; the partners are natural persons with full capacity for civil conduct; a partnership agreement in writing is in place; the capital subscribed for or paid in by each and every partner is in place; a name for the partnership enterprise is in place; and operating premises and other conditions necessary for carrying out partnership business are satisfied.

Learn more：”Registration of foreign-invested partnership enterprise”

How can I set up a branch of a foreign-invested partnership enterprise?

A branch of a foreign-invested partnership enterprise may be registered if: a name for the branch pursuant to relevant regulations is in place; the branch’s operating premises are located beyond that of the partnership enterprise; its scope of business does not exceed that of the partnership enterprise; approval from relevant authorities, if required by applicable laws and administrative regulations, has been obtained; and a corresponding management body and a responsible person are in place.

Learn more: “Registration of branch of foreign-invested partnership enterprise”

How can I change the status or type of my foreign-invested partnership enterprise?

The alteration of a branch of a foreign-invested partnership enterprise may be registered if: a name for the branch pursuant to relevant regulations is in place; a partnership agreement in writing is in place; the capital subscribed for or paid in by each and every partner is in place; a name for the partnership enterprise is in place; and operating premises and other conditions necessary for carrying out partnership business are satisfied.

Learn more: “Registration of alteration of foreign-invested partnership enterprise”

How can I set up a branch of a foreign-invested company?

A branch of a foreign-invested enterprise may be registered if: a name for the branch pursuant to relevant regulations is in place; operating premises and facilities compliant with relevant regulations are in place; a corresponding management body and a responsible person are in place; the capital and personnel required for its operations are in place; its scope of business complies with relevant regulations; a corresponding financial accounting system is in place; a jointly signed agreement is in place, if it is a joint venture not satisfying conditions as an enterprise legal person; non-independent accounting should be in place, if it is a branch established by a foreign-invested enterprise carrying out operating activities.

Learn more: “Registration of branch of foreign-invested company”

How can I change the status or type of my branch of foreign-invested company?

Learn more: “Registration of alteration of branch of foreign-invested company”

How can I change the status or type of my resident representative office of foreign (region) enterprise?

The applicant shall make an application on the website of Guangdong Government Services, where a procedure number will be generated. The handling personnel will make a decision of whether to accept the application within three working days. If the applicant is eligible for application, and the application materials are complete, compliant with the relevant formal requirements and in line with statutory forms, the application will be accepted.

Learn more: “Registration of alteration of resident representative office of foreign (region) enterprise”

How can I set up a production and business operation conducted by foreign (region) enterprise within the territory of China?

Learn more: “Registration of production and business operation conducted by foreign (region) enterprise within the territory of China”

How can I change the status or type of my production and business operation conducted by foreign (region) enterprise within the territory of China?

Learn more: “Registration of alteration of production and business operation conducted by foreign (region) enterprise within the territory of China”

How can I change my domestic enterprise into a foreign-invested enterprise?

A domestic enterprise may be changed to a foreign-invested enterprise if: the latter is established based on capital contributions by shareholders not exceeding 50. The applicant shall make an application on the website of Guangdong Government Services, where a procedure number will be generated. The handling personnel will make a decision of whether to accept the application within three working days. If the applicant is eligible for application, and the application materials are complete, compliant with the relevant formal requirements and in line with statutory forms, the application will be accepted.

Learn more: “Alteration of domestic enterprise to foreign-invested enterprise”

How can I register a noncorporate foreign-invested enterprise?

Learn more: “Registration of noncorporate foreign-invested enterprise”

How can I set up a branch of a noncorporate foreign-invested enterprise?

A branch of a noncorporate foreign-invested enterprise may be registered when required conditions are met.

Learn more: “Registration of branch of noncorporate foreign-invested enterprise”

How can I change the status or type of my branch of noncorporate foreign-invested enterprise?

The alteration of a branch of a noncorporate foreign-invested enterprise may be registered if: a name for the branch pursuant to relevant regulations is in place; the branch’s operating premises are located beyond that of the partnership enterprise; its scope of business does not exceed that of the partnership enterprise; and a corresponding management body and a responsible person are in place.

Learn more: “Registration of alteration of branch of noncorporate foreign-invested enterprise”

How can I set up a resident representative office of foreign (region) enterprise?

Learn more: “Registration of resident representative office of foreign (region) enterprise”

How can I change of the status or type of my noncorporate foreign-invested enterprise?

Learn more: “Registration of alteration of noncorporate foreign-invested enterprise”

What is the Shenzhen’s corporate income tax rate?

The tax rate is 15-25%.

What is Shenzhen’s business tax rate?

The tax rate is 3-20%.

What is Shenzhen’s personal income tax rate?

The tax rate is 5-45%.

What is Shenzhen’s value-added tax rate?

The tax rate is 13-17%.

What is Shenzhen’s consumption tax rate?

The tax rate is 1-56%.

Learn more: “Tax rates”

How do I apply for Chinese tax residency certificate?

An enterprise or individual (hereinafter referred to as “applicant”) may apply for a Chinese Tax Residency Certificate (hereinafter referred to as “Tax Residency Certificate”) from a competent tax authority for the purpose of claiming tax benefits under tax treaties entered into by the Chinese Government and other countries or regions. Taxpayers are responsible for the authenticity and legality of the materials submitted. The information filled in or provided by the applicant shall be submitted in Chinese. The submitted printed copies must state its consistency with the original copies and be stamped with the company’s official seal.

Learn more: “Application for Chinese Tax Residency Certificate”

What service channels are available for applying for a Chinese tax residency certificate?

1. Tax Service Halls (Click to view the location, opening hours and contact information of the tax service halls)

“City-wide Universal Processing” services will be provided at all tax service halls except for the Second Tax Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality.

2. Self-service tax terminal access is currently unavailable.

3. Online service

E-tax bureau (e-tax bureau) service access is available.

Mobile terminal (tax bureau) and WeChat (tax bureau) service is currently unavailable.

Learn more: “Application for Chinese Tax Residency Certificate”

How much should I pay when applying for a Chinese tax residency certificate?

Free of charge.

How can I download the form to apply for a Chinese tax residency certificate?

The form can be downloaded from the “Tax Services” – “Download Center” – “Form Download” section of the Shenzhen Tax Service website, State Taxation Administration (specific download address) or collected from the tax service halls.

I’m not a local resident; what should I do to contract a project?

Domestic enterprises or individuals that outsource construction projects to or receive services from non-residents shall file relevant contracts or report relevant service projects to the competent tax authorities within 30 days of signature of relevant contracts. Materials shall be submitted.

Learn more: “Filing of Non-resident Contracting Projects”

How much should I pay for filing non-resident contracting projects?

Free of charge.

As a non-resident, how can I pay the tax when I choose to transfer my company equity?

Where special tax treatment is elected for equity transfer by a non-resident enterprise, filing shall be conducted within 30 days after the equity transfer contract or agreement takes effect and the industrial and commercial registration of change is completed.

Learn more: “Filing of Election of Special Tax Treatment on Equity Transfers by Non-resident Enterprises”

As a non-resident, what should I do to indirectly transfer assets?

When there is an indirect transfer of Chinese taxable assets, the seller, the buyer or the underlying Chinese resident enterprise may report such transfers to the tax authority in charge.

Learn more: “Reporting of Indirect Asset Transfers by Non-resident Enterprises”

Under what circumstances do foreign investors have to file tax records in China for a single re-investment?

For a single outbound payment exceeding an amount equivalent to US$ 50,000 by a domestic entity or individual with certain thresholds met, tax record filing shall be conducted with the competent tax authority at the place of such entity or individual.

For a single re-investment exceeding US$50,000 in China with the legitimate income obtained from direct investment in China by a foreign investor, tax record filing shall be conducted under this tax matter.

Learn more: “Tax Record Filing for Outbound Payments for Trade in Services and Other Items”

Should an overseas-registered Chinese-capital controlled enterprise (“OCCE”) file an application for ascertainment of resident status to the tax authority?

Yes.

Learn more: “Ascertainment of Resident Status of Overseas-registered Chinese-capital Controlled Enterprises”

Is there a way to avoid or eliminate double taxation caused by special tax adjustment matters?

In accordance with relevant provisions of applicable tax treaty between China and another state, the State Administration of Taxation (“SAT”) may request initiation of a mutual agreement procedure (“MAP”) based on the application by an enterprise or the request from the competent tax authority of the other contracting state, to launch consultation or negotiation with the competent tax authority of the other contracting state to avoid or eliminate double taxation caused by special tax adjustment matters.

Learn more: “Mutual Agreement Procedure for Special Tax Adjustments”

What should I do to apply for an extension of a general anti-avoidance investigation?

When an in-charge tax authority launches a General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR) investigation, the enterprise being investigated should provide the relevant documentation within 60 days upon receiving a Tax Investigation Notice if it does not consider its arrangement as a tax avoidance arrangement as prescribed in the Administrative Measures of General Anti-Avoidance Rules.

Learn more: “Application for an extension of provision of materials for a general anti-avoidance investigation”

What should an enterprise submit to apply for renewal of an advance pricing arrangement (APA)?

An advance pricing arrangement (APA) refers to an agreement reached by an enterprise and tax authorities, based on the application by the enterprise and upon consultation and confirmation in line with the arm’s length principle, on the transfer pricing principles and methodologies to be applied to such enterprise’s related party transactions in future years.

Learn more: “Advance Pricing Arrangements”