The MPS official said that local governments would use the Permanent Residence Certificate reform as a starting point for the introduction of other policies for foreigners.

China has made progress in easing its residence and entry policies for foreigners since September 2015, which helped attract more talent from overseas as well as boost international exchanges and the economy.  

What's the difference between 

the new and the old version?

The Foreigner's Permanent Residence Card, known as the Chinnese "Green Card", will be renamed as "Foreigner's Permanent Residence Identity Card," highlighting its function as identity authentication.

A chip with identity information will be embedded in the card, making it machine-readable, same as the Chinese residents' identification cards.

It aims to provide foreigners easier access to public services in China, and the work is expected to be finished before June.

According to the official, local governments will allocate funds to upgrade facilities and train staff in railway stations, airports, banks, hotels as well as other related units to make sure the reform will be completed by the second quarter of this year.

The Permanent Residence Certificate is a legal identification document for foreigners in China, but not many foreigners have it and the society has a low awareness of it, an official from the MPS was quoted as saying.

China issued a total of 1,576 Permanent Residence Certificates to foreigners in 2016, an increase of 163% over the previous year.

Current certificate cannot be read by machines in the same way as the identity cards of Chinese residents, bringing inconvenience to holders in the use of the card, the official said.

"The acceptance of the 'green cards' will be largely expanded if the reform is successfully implemented," 

Noyan Rona, chief representative of Turkish Garantibank Shanghai, who received his permanent residence card in Shanghai in 2012.

According to Rona, the existing certificate is incompatible with many systems such as the train ticket purchase and online payment systems because it lacks a 13-digit number as the Chinese identification cards have.

"Some people think that the 'green card' should only guarantee foreigners' right to live in China, but our access to public service should also be included," Rona said.

Registration Form of Temporary Residence For Visitors

It’s a proof of residence for individuals who don't have a mainland Chinese ID Card and live in China. It's stipulated that foreigners should register their residence with the local authority within 24 hours after they enter China every time. 

How to register your residence? 

Check it.   

Passport

As an identity in a foreign country, passport is a VERY IMPORTANT document. You need to have a valid visa in it. 

Do you know all types of Chinese visa? 

Check it.

Driving License

Currently, International Driving License(IDD) isn’t valid in China. So if you want to drive in China, Chinese Driving License is a must-have document. 

How to apply for the driving license? 

Check it.

Foreigner’s Work Permit

If you want to work in China legally, please get the Foreigner’s Work Permit first or you will face large penalty and be recorded in visa blacklist.

How to apply for the Foreigner’s Work Permit? 

Check it.

Source: xinhuanews