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, foreign investors, parent-children reunion, kinship support, working staff, oversea Chinese with Ph. Degrees, overseas Chinese working in national key development zones, “Double Innovation” Areas, foreigners holding residence permits for work (marked “High Qualified Person”), and Excellent graduates. We would also suggest the foreigner who interested in permanent residency could plan on the profile of “working staff”.

The permanent residency for working staff would need to qualify the following requirement:

1. Work in Shanghai for consecutive 4 years;
2. Stay in mainland China for no less than 6 months per year in these 4 years;
3. Annual salary should exceed RMB 600,000 (before tax) per year and the annual individual；
4. Income tax should exceed RMB 120,000 per year accordingly in these 4 years.

The family member (spouse and the children under 18 years old) of the eligible applicants could apply the permanent residency together with the applicants, residing in Shanghai for a long term with the applicant.

The permanent residency for working staff would also require company to provide the recommendation letter of the employees and other official documents, such as the business license and annual online report within 4 years for the background check of the applicant and the company.

For further detail of the documents and materials of permanent residency, foreigners who are interested could refer to the “Online platform for Government Affaires of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of Shanghai Public Security Bureau” or welcome to consult Kaizen.

Many foreign clients also have been stuck outside China during the pandemic, so they could not meet the requirement No.2. We have consulted with the immigration bureau in Shanghai. The foreigners would have to re-accumulate the time for period of stay in China. Therefore, we strongly recommend that foreigners who need to apply for permanent residency should soundly arrange their travel time within four years and extend their residence permit with compliance.

Foreigners also need to pay attention to the validity of their residence permits when applying for permanent residency. Continuous residence permits and entry and exit stamps are also valid proof of actual residence and working hours in China.