Haikou streamlines services for returning overseas-educated talent

en.hainan.gov.cn

Updated: 2026-09-29

In June 2026, Haikou — capital of China's southernmost Hainan province — issued an important document, titled The Haikou Municipal Implementation Plan for the One-Stop Service for Returning Overseas-educated Talent.

By integrating 41 frequently used government services, the initiative aims to provide a more convenient and efficient public service environment for overseas-educated talent seeking to pursue innovation, entrepreneurship and career opportunities in Hainan.

The program is supported by the province's integrated government service platform.

Through streamlined procedures, simplified application materials and interdepartmental data sharing, a total of 41 services are being integrated, including talent recognition, personnel records, social insurance, housing provident fund, household registration and residence, entrepreneurship support, housing assistance and vehicle registration.

The reform replaces the traditional model in which different services were handled separately. A number of services of particular interest to returning overseas-educated talent have now been incorporated into the integrated service system.

These include applications for recognition as a full-time high-level talent in the Hainan Free Trade Port, residence registrations for overseas-educated returnees, housing subsidies for recruited talent, guaranteed loans for startups and free accommodation at youth talent stations.

Together, the integrated services form a comprehensive support system covering the entire process from returning to China and completing relevant procedures, to settling down and starting a business in Haikou.

Application channels
According to the implementation plan, the integrated one-stop services will be available citywide through both online and on-site channels. Applicants can choose the method that best suits their needs.

Online applications can be submitted through the "Efficient One-Stop Services" section of the Hainan Government Service website, or through the corresponding section on the Haiyiban app and its WeChat and Alipay mini programs.

Applications are accepted 24/7 and applicants generally don't need to visit a service center in person, except for foreign driver's license conversion.

For in-person applications, services are available at the Talent and Engineering Construction Comprehensive Service Counter in Zone B, on the first floor of the Haikou Municipal Government Service Center, No 1 Century Park Road, Haikou.

Service hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30-12:00 am and 14:00-17:30 pm (except weekends and national holidays).

The entire process is expected to be completed within 34 working days. Applicants can track their applications in real time through message notifications, the Haiyiban app or mini programs, and the user center of the Hainan Government Service website.

Government service centers at all levels also provide assistance with applications and agency services, helping ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for talent.

For inquiries, please call: 0898-66728609, 0898-68512859, 0898-66750650, 0898-68513067, 0898-68515790, or 0898-68593752.

Housing, entrepreneurship support
Haikou also provides a range of support measures for overseas-educated returnees — including housing subsidies, entrepreneurship assistance and temporary accommodation.

For housing, eligible applicants may receive monthly rental subsidies and annual home-purchase subsidies at different levels:
Category D talent: 5,000 yuan ($745.58) per month in rental subsidies or 60,000 yuan per year in home-purchase subsidies;
Category E talent: 3,000 yuan per month in rental subsidies or 36,000 yuan per year in home-purchase subsidies;
Master's degree graduates: 2,000 yuan per month in rental subsidies or 24,000 yuan per year in home-purchase subsidies;
Bachelor's degree graduates: 1,500 yuan per month in rental subsidies or 18,000 yuan per year in home-purchase subsidies.

For entrepreneurship, overseas-educated returnees who graduated in the last five years and established their first small business or individual business in Haikou may apply for a one-time startup subsidy of 10,000 yuan.

That's provided that the business has operated normally for more than one year from the date of registration and conducts its business within Haikou.

The legal representative of the company must be a returning overseas-educated individual. Eligible applicants may also apply for secured loans for startup.

In addition, Haikou provides up to seven days of free accommodation per year at youth talent stations. Returning overseas-educated talent can also access services related to housing subsidies for recruited talent and eligibility reviews for home purchases.

By bringing multiple government services together under a single integrated process, Haikou is making it easier for overseas-educated talent to settle, work and start businesses in the city.