Immigration Update: China | Foreign talent work and residence permit

Top ‘foreign talent’ can now apply for a work permit and residence permit at the same time – for Shanghai only

Effective from 2 Dec 2019, Shanghai Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs and Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau launched a new “single window for foreigners’ which allows top foreign talent who work in Shanghai to apply for a work permit and a residence permit at the same time.

Who will be affected?

Currently, the new service applies to only Category-A foreign talent, or “high-end foreign talent,” which include those working in science and technology, international entrepreneurs and others who are urgently needed in China.

Impact:

Previously foreigners had to apply for a work permit from the Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs and then apply for a residence permit at the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau with their approved work permit.

Whereas this process took at least 17 working days previously, the new procedure takes at maximum 7 working days, according to exit-entry administrators.

The new “single window for foreigners’ work and residence permits” is located on the third floor of Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau on 1500 Minsheng Road.

Considering that the foreign experts usually enter China with a 30 days Z visa, the reduction of time at applying for both permits could ensure that they have enough time for both work and residence permits application within the Z visa validity period.

For successful applicants, the two permits will be issued at the same time and sent to them via express mail.

Santa Fe Analysis:

Currently this new service only applies to companies who register at Shanghai Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs. Similar windows will gradually be introduced to all Shanghai districts. The administration currently has 20 offices around Shanghai. Shanghai Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs and Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau have enabled the new service by streamlining their procedures and more efficiently exchanging information.

Should you have any questions, please contact the following:

Maggie Hu
​Immigration Manager – China
​Santa Fe Relocation
China
D: (86-21) 6233 9700 ext. 134
M: +13917317947
​E: maggie.hu@santaferelo.com

Hallie Toh
Regional Immigration Lead – Asia
Santa Fe Relocation
Singapore
D: +65 6398 3015 (5615)
E: hallie.toh@santaferelo.com

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