On 29th May,2025, according to the latest announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China: To further facilitate the convenient movement of people between China and foreign countries, the Chinese government decided to expand the scope of visa-free countries. From 9th June,2025 to 8thJune,2026, a 30-day visa-free entry policy will be implemented for ordinary passport holders of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Application for permanent residence of foreigners in China (all known as China “Green Card”) currently can be divided into four categories, that is, work and employment, investment, special contributions, and family reunion. Different areas or cities may have different rules for foreigners to apply for permanent residence in China.

Foreign Permanent Residence Permit is a legal identity certificate for foreigners who have obtained permanent residence in China to stay in China. The permanent residence of foreigners in China means that the period of foreigners’ residence in China is not restricted. Foreigners who have obtained permanent residence in China can enter and leave China with a valid passport and the Foreign Permanent Residence Permit.

Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents who have lived in the inland (mainland) China for more than six months with a legitimate and stable job, a legitimate and stable residence or continuous school attendance are eligible to apply for a residence permit in accordance with the relevant regulations according to their wishes.

Foreign nationals who change jobs in China often go through the process of changing their visas. Expatriates may have some difficulties in changing their visa due to some documentation issues. When a foreigner leaves their current job for some reason, they must apply for cancellation of their work permit within 10 working days from the last day of employment. Otherwise, they may have problems applying for a work permit again in China.

Application for permanent residence of foreigners in China currently can be divided into four categories, that is, family reunion, work and employment, investment, and special contributions. Different areas or cities may have different rules for foreigners to apply for permanent residence in China. Applicants should consult with their local public security departments for the specific application conditions and requirements.

The international Expats in Shanghai could reunion with their families in Shanghai by applying S1, S2, residence permits for reunions and residence permits for personal matters. The family member generally refers to spouse, parents, parents in law, child, child in law, grandparents, grandparents in law, grandchild, grandchild in law, siblings.

Residence permit is a valid legal certificate issued by Chinese government in accordance with PRC laws and regulations for foreigners applying to reside in China. Foreigners holding visas that indicate the need to apply for residence permits after entry shall apply for residence permits for foreigners within 30 days from the date of entry to the public security exit and entry administration authorities of the local people's government at or above the county level in the intended place of residence.

To facilitate foreigners to carry out business or trade activities, work and study in China, the Ministry of Public Security of the PRC recently released some measures as follows: Issuance of Port Visa and Multiple-Entry Business Visa; Retention of Passport During Residence Permit Application

Experiencing the pandemic of Covid -19, many foreigners who work in Shanghai have consulted as about the relevant policies for Chinese “Green Card”, the permanent residency. Now, the following foreigners could apply the permanent residency for foreign staff working in China (Shanghai) pilot free trade zone Lin-Gang Special Area, the core member of a research team, special talents, couple reunion, senior/professional staff