On June 11, 2021, the China National Intellectual Property Administration issued the Notice of Access for Foreigners to the Patent Bar Examination in Pilot Areas for Opening-up of Patent Agency, allowing qualified foreigners to participate in the patent bar examination in China.

Foreigners taking the patent bar examination shall be qualified in the following aspects: 

(1) Full capacity for civil conduct; 

(2) Permanent residence permit for foreigners issued by the Chinese government; 

(3) Qualification as patent attorney in other countries or regions; 

(4) Ability to take the patent bar examination in Chinese language. 

Currently the pilot areas include Beijing, Suzhou, Nanjing and Guangzhou.