The city is simplifying work permits, recognising international qualifications and organising recruitment events to attract skilled workers from abroad.
Xiamen ranked among China’s top 10 most attractive cities for foreign talent in the 2025–2026 Charming China – Most Attractive Chinese Cities in the Eyes of Foreign Talent initiative.
The initiative, conducted by the Research Centre for Foreign Talent under China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, assessed 81 cities across mainland China.
The cities were assessed on three measures: job satisfaction, convenience of daily life and social inclusiveness.
Xiamen has featured among the recognised cities for six consecutive years since 2021. It has ranked in the top 10 for four consecutive years, from 2023 to 2026.
The city is introducing reforms to make it easier for foreign professionals to find jobs, complete administrative procedures and settle into local communities.
Under the reforms, four administrative procedures, including foreign work permit applications, work-related residence permits and tax registration, have been combined into one service package.
The number of documents required for applications has been cut from 42 to 21, a 50 per cent reduction. Online and mobile services are also available.
Applicants must still meet China’s immigration, employment and professional qualification requirements.
Xiamen is also expanding access to job information through its English-language Charming Xiamen channel on the International Talent Network.
Launched in October 2025, the platform provides information on jobs, government policies, education, healthcare and other essential services. It has reached users in more than 170 countries and regions.
The city also organises online and in-person recruitment events where local employers advertise jobs for foreign professionals and meet potential candidates.
These platforms provide information on vacancies, employers’ requirements and opportunities for international professionals.
However, opportunities depend on the jobs available and whether applicants have the required qualifications and experience.
QUALIFICATIONS RECOGNITION
Another feature of Xiamen’s talent drive is the recognition of international professional qualifications.
The city has issued two catalogues for 2026: the Catalogue of Recognised International Professional Qualifications in Xiamen and the Catalogue of International Professional Qualifications for Benchmark-Based Professional Title Recognition in Xiamen.
Under the catalogues, 85 international professional qualifications are directly recognised, while another 51 qualify for professional title recognition through comparison with local standards.
Professional titles granted through this process carry the same legal and professional standing as certificates issued through Xiamen’s own assessment system.
Applicants can check whether their qualifications appear in the catalogues before applying for jobs in the city.
However, not every foreign qualification is automatically recognised. Applicants must confirm whether their credentials are covered and whether they need additional licences or approvals.
SUPPORT FOREIGN RESIDENTS
Xiamen’s efforts extend beyond recruitment to helping foreign professionals settle into the city.
The city has established foreign talent service stations in areas where international residents commonly live and work.
The stations offer access to government services, employment and business guidance, cultural exchanges and other support.
Xiamen also organises cultural visits, festival experiences and other activities to bring Chinese residents and international communities together.
The initiatives are intended to help foreign professionals adjust to life in the city, build social connections and pursue their careers.
Kenyan companies can explore partnerships with businesses in Xiamen. Universities and training institutions can also seek exchanges to expose students and professionals to new technologies, business practices and specialised skills.
Such partnerships will require direct engagement with employers and institutions. Xiamen’s ranking does not guarantee jobs or business opportunities for foreign applicants.
The city’s approach combines recruitment with simpler administrative procedures, recognition of qualifications and services designed to support foreign residents.
Prospective applicants can explore Xiamen’s recruitment platforms, identify suitable vacancies and confirm whether their qualifications meet the requirements.
