Residents of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau no longer need a work permit to work in mainland China. The PRC Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security earlier this month issued this notice that will obviously make it easier for residents from these three regions to work in mainland China. This means Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau citizens will — for employment purposes — be treated (almost) the same as mainland residents.

A few quick highlights:

Residents from these three regions can use their Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macau residence cards and mainland travel permits to seek or take up employment in the PRC. The following will now be deemed to constitute proof of employment in the PRC: a business license, an employment contract, a wage payment voucher and/or a social insurance payment record. Residents from Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macau can now register for and receive unemployment benefits in mainland China. Improvements will be made to public employment services, such as policy advising, information on job opportunities, and business incubation in an effort to help Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macau residents who wish to work in mainland China better navigate China’s employment system and gain access to more job-related services. Local governments are expected to offer more support to local employers and to Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macau residents and to protect the employment rights and interest of these residents so as to create a suitable environment for such residents working in China. Effective July 28, 2018, residents from these regions no longer need a work permit to work in mainland China. Starting August 23, 2018, applications for such a work permit will not be accepted and if an employer has submitted an application but no permit has yet issued, the relevant authorities will inform the employer that it need no longer pursue its application. Up until December 31, 2018, still valid work permits still within the validity period can still be used as evidence of employment.

One thing that has not and will not change is that regardless of where you are from, if you are looking to work in China, you should have your employment contracts thoroughly reviewed before you signing them.