Overseas candidates with management experience at leading multinationals and top specialists in education and science are eligible to apply for a talent visa in China, according to draft legislation.

A draft soliciting the opinions of government insiders and experts suggests the country has outlined the key points in evaluating whether a foreign professional is "urgently needed", an issue widely discussed since the Exit-Entry Administration Law was passed in June last year.

"Urgently needed" professionals, as stated in the law, will be able to apply for the new talent visa, which grants residency for up to five years, or multiple entries for up to 180 days at a time.

According to the draft given to China Daily by an insider who asked to remain anonymous, five major kinds of professionals may be categorized under the talent pool:

• senior management professionals at globally renowned enterprises, financial institutions, accounting firms and architecture offices, with profound knowledge in the field and its international rules;

• senior specialists at globally renowned enterprises, financial institutions and accounting firms and architecture offices, with independent intellectual property rights and the core technology;

• senior science and education professionals at globally renowned universities and institutions, with ranks equal to professor who have made great contributions to the development of a particular field;

• renowned cultural, arts and sports figures being globally received, or winners of major international awards in their field;

• and other high-end international talent that China urgently needs.

However, the insider emphasized that the draft is still in its early stage and is subject to change after gauging feedback from government departments and experts.

The Exit-Entry Administration Law, which is to take effect on Monday, is seen as part of China's efforts to attract global talent by offering detailed and convenient stipulations on the entrance, stay and exit of foreign residents.

Wang Huiyao, director of the nonprofit Center for China and Globalization, said the talent visa provides convenience for top professionals from overseas interested in working in China.

"Talent exchanges globally are much more frequent than before, and a government providing favorable conditions for them to exit and enter can win over most intellectual support," the insider said.

He added that China's move complies with the global trend to ease visa requirements to attract overseas talent.