On 1 July 2015 the Ministry of Public Security in Shanghai began implementing various changes to immigration procedures and rules. With the new policy, the Shanghai government will reduce the conditions necessary for expats to obtain permanent residency and simplify the application procedure for permanent residency.
Visa On Arrival / Post ArrivalQualifying foreign nationals who have an alien employment licence, may now apply for a Z (Work) Visa on arrival in Shanghai at the port of entry instead of at a consulate abroad, or convert to a Z Visa post-arrival instead of having to leave China first.Highly skilled foreign nationals (with either a talent certificate awarded by the national government or the Shanghai authorities, or an endorsement from a high-tech business on the “Shanghai Technological Innovation Occupation” list) who have an alien employment licence, may now apply for an R (Talent) Visa on arrival at the port of entry instead of at a consulate abroad, or convert to an R Visa post-arrival instead of having to leave China.Foreign investors with a verified business plan and evidence of funding can now obtain an S (Private Affairs) Visa on arrival at the port of entry.Relaxed Criteria for Residence and Permanent Residence PermitsAny foreign national who has applied for and obtained two consecutive work-type residence permits can henceforth apply for a new five-year work-type residence permit when they apply for a residence permit the third time.Foreign nationals who have worked in Shanghai in certain industries for four consecutive years and resided in China for at least six cumulative months every year during that period, can apply for the Green Card permanent residence permit if they are recommended by their employers.Previously, applicants had to have resided in China for three cumulative years within the four-year period. Applicants must receive an annual salary and pay income tax which at least match the average for the previous year in Shanghai. The current thresholds are 600,000RMB annual salary and 120,000RMB paid income tax.Foreign nationals holding an R visa can apply for a five-year talent-type residence permit if the assignment in Shanghai is for five years.A holder of a talent-type residence permit for at least three years can apply for the permanent residence permit (Green Card).Foreign students who have graduated from Chinese universities can now apply for a two-year Residence Permit which allows for starting an innovative business. If hired locally, they must apply for the work-type Residence Permit.Holders of permanent residence permits (Green Cards) and talent-type residence permits in Shanghai can now apply for residence permits for domestic staff.It’s really an excited news which would help the new applicants save huge time and costs to apply the working visa. With the new policy, applicants no need to go to Hong Kong or own country to apply the Z visa — Have everything done in Shanghai straightly! For the applicants who not in China, they can apply the Z visa from the China Embassy or apply the Z online directly from Shanghai border — The premise is: You need to get the Work Permit (Alien Employment License) first.
