Shanghai recently issued its first five-year work and residence permits for foreign legal professionals, including legal consultants, at the Hongqiao One-Stop Service Center for Overseas Talents in Changning district.
Benjamin Bai, a Chinese-American legal expert hired by King & Wood Mallesons' Shanghai branch, was thrilled to receive the new permit. "Extending the employment permit from one year to five years provides real benefits to law firms and foreign consultants," Bai said.
Benjamin Bai receives his five-year work permit at the Hongqiao One-Stop Service Center for Overseas Talents. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-drc]
This initiative is part of Changning district's efforts to improve its business environment by streamlining the process of hiring foreign talent. It offers practical advantages to law firms aiming to expand internationally.
The reform represents a breakthrough in the city's policies for hiring foreign legal staff. Key changes include a new system where judicial bodies provide recommendation letters, allowing for coordinated online pre-approval and processing with talent and public security departments.
The extension of permit durations to a maximum of five years reduces the need for frequent renewals. For law firms with permits over one year, the reform allows for extensions through additional documentation, lowering operational costs and balancing flexibility with regulatory oversight.
Changning district initiated the reform after recognizing the increasing demand for international talent among law firms. In collaboration with the city's justice bureau and other departments, they addressed key challenges to find effective solutions.
Looking ahead, the district plans to further streamline processes by exploring a "white list" system for law firms and facilitating multiple business trips to Hong Kong and Macao. These efforts aim to enhance the legal services industry's growth and international reach, creating a more favorable business environment in Shanghai.
