Shanghai expands intl professional qualifications list to attract more global talent

Shanghai has recently released its second version of international professional qualification recognition list as part of the city's effort to recognize international professional qualifications and align them with domestic titles to create a more inclusive and dynamic environment for global talent.

Globally, many countries and regions have established comprehensive professional qualification systems, recognized by industry associations, academic societies and government bodies, with various methods of attainment. Assistant researcher Li Manli from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences pointed out that as overseas talent returns to China and foreign enterprises frequently collaborate with domestic entities, the demand for converting international professional qualifications into domestic titles is increasing.

Shanghai has bridged this gap through its recognition list system for international professional qualifications and the establishment of a mechanism to align these qualifications with domestic professional titles.

The first version of the recognition list, released last year, included three categories: A, B and C. The A-list comprised 48 qualifications, offering talent introduction, work permits and housing support policies for certificate holders. The B-list had 15 qualifications, providing more comprehensive support measures. The C-list included 22 qualifications, allowing legally working certificate holders in Shanghai to directly apply for corresponding professional titles, up to the level of Senior Engineer.

To date, the Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau has completed two batches of international qualification recognitions. A total of 118 professionals from foreign-invested, private and State-owned enterprises have obtained senior titles, including 27 Senior Engineers, 17 Senior Economists and 74 Senior Accountants.

This year, in response to the development needs of key industrial sectors, the bureau released the second version of the recognition list. The new list expands the recognition scope, with the A-list now covering 111 qualifications. Out of these, 22 qualifications are included in the B-list of urgently needed skills and 33 qualifications are part of the C-list for professional title alignment.

In addition to attracting overseas talent, Shanghai is also supporting local enterprises in their global ventures. The new D-list, introduced this year, facilitates mutual recognition of qualifications in fields such as construction engineering, finance and human resources, through various forms, including direct application for qualifications, course exemptions and exam reductions.

Li Junfeng contributed to this story.