To accelerate the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China has released the Action Plan for Attracting One Million Elite Talents to Develop Hainan (2026-35) (hereinafter referred to as the Action Plan).

The Action Plan sets out ambitious targets: by 2030, Hainan aims to make significant progress in integrating education, science and technology, and talent development, attract more than 700,000 talents of various kinds, expand its total talent pool to over 3 million, and recruit an additional 60,000 high-level professionals. By 2035, Hainan aims to establish a talent system with global competitiveness, attract a total of 1.5 million people, and recruit an additional 120,000 high-level professionals.

To achieve these goals, the Action Plan calls for a range of measures, including more targeted talent recruitment, more systematic talent development, a more open approach to attracting international talent, more flexible and efficient mechanisms for talent deployment, initiatives to drive high-quality development through talent, and efforts to build a world-class environment for talent development tailored to the Hainan FTP.

Support for international talent covers six key areas, including recruitment, professional practice, and residence services:

Attract international talent

To meet the needs of Hainan FTP development and key industries, Hainan will compile and formulate industry maps, talent demand maps, and talent distribution maps, while strengthening coordination among regions and government departments to help employers recruit outstanding international professionals. Hainan will make the most of platforms such as the Wanquan talent station and the Qidian Conference to promote international talent exchanges and cooperation, with a focus on bringing together high-level international talent.

Make it easier for international talent to work and start businesses

Hainan will regularly update its guidance catalog for foreign nationals working in Hainan and gradually introduce a negative-list approach to foreign work permit management. It will expand the list of overseas professional qualifications recognized in Hainan, as well as the list of overseas qualifications comparable to China's professional title system, and extend the scope of recognition of foreign work permits across regions. Employers hiring foreign nationals will be subject to a credit-based classification system. Eligible international students with outstanding qualifications will also be supported in pursuing innovation and entrepreneurship in the Hainan FTP.

Streamline entry, exit, and residence procedures

Hainan will introduce a one-stop service model for accepting and processing, in parallel, applications for foreign work permits, residence permits, and related matters. More convenient entry-exit management policies will be implemented. Eligible foreign professionals will be permitted to open EFF accounts (multifunctional free trade accounts for overseas individuals). Foreign professionals and their team members engaged in innovation and entrepreneurship in key industrial parks will be able to apply for work permits in accordance with relevant regulations.

Improve qualification recognition, incentives, and support for international talent

Hainan will establish qualification criteria for recognizing high-level foreign talent. Foreign professionals in Hainan will be eligible to apply for social science awards. Hainan will implement provincial-level foreign expert programs and present the Coconut Island Friendship Award (Hainan Provincial Government Friendship Award). Measures will also be taken to support the education of the children of international talent. Hainan will strengthen its capacity to provide international medical services and work to include more hospitals in international health insurance settlement networks.

Promote international talent exchange and collaboration

Hainan will launch the Hainan FTP talent internationalization development program, and select outstanding professionals for overseas training, study, and academic visits. International talent exchange activities will also be incorporated into platforms such as the Boao Forum for Asia. Renowned academic organizations and other institutions from China and abroad will be encouraged to hold exchange events in Hainan. Financial assistance will be available for activities aligned with key development priorities, with funding support provided for initiatives that establish a permanent presence in Hainan.

Optimize living environment for international talent

Hainan will develop international communities in areas such as the Haikou Jiangdong New Area and the Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City High-Tech Zone, making international social services, cultural activities, and networking opportunities more accessible locally. Hainan will improve its one-stop service platform for international talent, standardize foreign-language signage in public places, and ensure its ongoing management and updating. Regular activities, such as international cultural gatherings and networking salons for international professionals, will also be organized.

As the Hainan FTP continues to develop, Hainan will further improve its mechanisms for attracting and supporting international talent, making it easier for professionals from around the world to work, start businesses, live, and build their careers in the province. Hainan welcomes talent from across the globe to pursue new opportunities, innovate, start businesses, and make the province their home.