In the past, working in mainland China for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan (HMT) residents required a work permit, creating significant administrative burdens for both employers and employees. Employers hiring HMT residents were required to submit extensive documentation, including business licenses, personal certificates, and immigration records.

This changed following the State Council’s announcement on August 3, 2018, which abolished the work permit requirement for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents working in mainland China. This policy shift remains fully in effect in 2026 and continues to form the legal basis for the employment of HMT residents without a work permit.

What has Changed?

Although the work permit application process for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents had already been shorter than that for other foreign nationals, it was formally eliminated under the State Council’s reform. As of 2026, HMT residents are treated similarly to mainland Chinese residents for employment access purposes, without any requirement to apply for, renew, or transfer work permits.

Previously, employers hiring HMT residents were required to submit documentation such as company business licenses, employee health certificates, and travel documents. Since the reform took effect, HMT residents no longer need to reapply for work permits upon expiration of prior permits or when changing employers. This continues to significantly reduce administrative friction for employers and employees in 2026.

Employment Rules for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Residents: Before vs After 2018 Reform

Area	Before August 2018	After August 2018
Work permit requirement	Mandatory work permit	No work permit required
Employer paperwork	Extensive filing required	Work permit filing abolished
Permit validity	Two-year term	Not applicable
Change of employer	New work permit required	No re-application required
Legal treatment	Separate from mainland workers	Closer alignment with mainland residents
Residence documentation	Limited options	Residence permit available after six months

Other Developments

Following the initial announcement, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security introduced supporting measures to facilitate the employment of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents in mainland China. These measures remain in place in 2026 and are integrated into broader employment and social administration systems.

Since September 1, 2018, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents who have lived in mainland China for more than six months have been eligible to apply for residence permits. As of 2026, these residence permits are widely used in practice and grant access to basic public services, including social insurance enrollment, housing registration, education, and transportation services.

China reduced work permit red tape for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents by accepting local ID credentials in lieu of passports and streamlining visa processing through provincial bureaus—a move signaling increased labor mobility within the greater China region. For companies hiring talent from these jurisdictions, processing is now faster and more predictable. MSA Asia advises on cross-border talent recruitment. Reach out for China work visa application.