High Lights:
• As no physical Work Permit to be issued, you need to use Social Security Cards which embed work permit information to prove you are working legally in China.
• You have to get physical Social Security Cards first to use the electronic social security cards.
• Foreigners themselves may use the “Notification of Foreigner’s Work Permit” or an electronic social security card to register for social insurance. To: Human Resources and Social Security Departments (Bureaus) of all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, as well as departments responsible for the management of foreign experts:
In order to implement the decisions of the Party Central Committee and the State Council to enhance the convenience of foreign nationals working in China, it has been decided, following research, to integrate work permits for foreigners with social security cards (hereinafter referred to as “integration of cards”) starting from December 1, 2024. This integration will embed work permit information into the social security card, leveraging both physical and electronic social security cards to facilitate work and life for foreigners in China. The following measures are outlined to ensure smooth implementation: Optimized Procedures
Application for Work Permits
Applications for obtaining, renewing, modifying, or canceling work permits are to be processed entirely online via the Foreigner Work Management Service System (hereinafter referred to as the Work System). Foreign nationals are not required to obtain a physical work permit after entering China. For those who have already been issued a physical work permit, the "no change, no replacement" principle applies. When applying for a renewal or modification, the new procedures for card integration will be followed.
Application for Work Visas
Foreigners may apply for a Z visa to work in China using the “Notification of Foreigner’s Work Permit.”
Obtaining an Electronic Social Security Card
After entering China, foreigners can download the electronic social security card app 电子社保卡on their mobile devices and register/log in using their name, work permit number, or social security number. Upon verification of identity, they will receive an electronic social security card loaded with their work permit information. After obtaining a physical social security card, foreigners can access standard services via the electronic card.
Residence Permit Application
Foreigners entering China with a Z visa may apply for relevant residence permits at the local public security entry and exit offices. They can present the “Notification of Foreigner’s Work Permit” or an electronic social security card with embedded work permit information. The relevant departments can verify work permit information directly via information systems or by scanning the QR code on the electronic social security card.
Facilitation Services
Enrollment in Social Insurance
Employers of foreign nationals or the foreigners themselves may use the “Notification of Foreigner’s Work Permit” or an electronic social security card to register for social insurance via online portals or at social insurance service offices. Verification of work permit information will be conducted via the Work System. Eligible foreigners will be issued a social security number, and the card management service departments will issue a physical social security card.
Work Permit-Related Services
Work permit information queries, downloads, QR code verifications, and related notifications can be accessed through the electronic social security card.
"One Card" Services
Human resources and social security departments at all levels will provide foreign nationals with access to information queries, benefit withdrawals, and other human resource services via physical and electronic social security cards. Regions with the necessary conditions may expand these “one card” services to additional areas.
Implementation Measures
Effective Implementation
Local authorities must take effective measures to ensure the integration of cards is implemented smoothly. Efforts should continue to expand the application scenarios of social security cards to provide foreigners with greater access to "one card" services, facilitating their work and life in China.
Technical Preparations
All regions must prepare for the technical requirements of card integration. Once the Ministry issues the relevant interface specifications, local authorities should promptly initiate modifications to their business systems and equipment to ensure seamless integration with the Work System and verification of work permit information.
Training and Awareness
Local authorities must organize training sessions to familiarize staff with business processes and regulations. Policies should be effectively communicated, public concerns addressed, and awareness gradually raised to ensure that the benefits of card integration are realized and widely recognized.
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