What HSK is worth on a China work permit
No national rule says you need a particular HSK level to work in China. HSK counts as points on the work-permit points table — useful at the margin.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
The Chinese-language row of the points table
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Passed HSK Level 5 or above | 5 |
| Passed HSK Level 4 | 4 |
| Passed HSK Level 3 | 3 |
| Passed HSK Level 2 | 2 |
| Passed HSK Level 1 | 1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher taught in Chinese | 5 |
| Previously held Chinese nationality | 5 |
This item is capped at 5 points. From the points table (暂行版) attached to the foreigners' work classification standard, State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs.
How the categories work
- Category A (high-end talent): includes anyone with 85 points or more.
- Category B (professional talent): includes anyone with 60 points or more.
- Other items: salary (up to 20), education (up to 20), years of experience (up to 20), months worked per year (up to 15), age (up to 15), work location (up to 10), and more.
- Provinces can add up to 10 local points for talent in short supply.
What this means in practice
Going from no HSK to HSK 4 adds 4 points. If your total sits just under 60 or 85, those points can move you up a category. They do not replace the core requirements, such as a degree and two years' experience for most Category B routes.
HSK 2.0 vs 3.0 on the table
The table simply says “HSK Level 1–5”. As of 2026-11-13 we found no official note on how HSK 3.0 levels are counted. Ask the local foreign-expert office if you hold a 3.0 result.
This is a summary for HSK learners, not immigration advice. Rules and local practice change; check with your employer and the local authority.
Frequently asked
What HSK level do I need to work in China?
There is no national HSK minimum. On the work-permit points table HSK earns 1–5 points (Level 1 to Level 5+). Employers may set their own requirement.
Does HSK 6 score more than HSK 5?
No. HSK 5 or above gives 5 points, the cap for this item.
Our HSK 4 papers are original and follow the HSK 3.0 Level 4 written structure (70 items). Instant mock score, section drills, a mistake bank and an 8-item daily set. Not past papers, never recalled papers.
Keep reading
Official sources
- State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs: foreigners' work classification standard and points table, PDF
- Shanghai Municipal Government: the points-based system for the foreigner's work permit (English FAQ)
Checked 2026-11-13. HSK Sprint is an independent study service, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC / 语合中心), Chinese Testing International or the official HSK. All papers and audio are original. Always confirm details with chinesetest.cn and your test centre.