Integration of Foreigners' Working Permits and Social Security Cards

Optimize work procedures

Apply for Work Permit in China

• Work permits’ applications, extensions, changes, and cancellations are all processed online through the Foreigners Working in China Management Service System.
• Foreigners no longer need to apply for a physical work permit upon entering China.
• Foreigners who have already obtained a physical work permit shall follow the new procedures when applying for an extension or change of the existing work permit.

Apply for a work visa

• Foreigners can apply for a Z visa for working in China with the Notification of Foreigner Work Permit.

 Obtain an electronic social security card

Foreigners can obtain an electronic social security card with their work permit information via the procedures below:

• Download the E-social security card APP.
• Register with their name, work permit card number, etc.
• Real-name authentication.

Apply for residence permit

After entering China with a Z visa, foreigners can visit the local public security organ to apply for relevant residence permits with one of the document below:

• The Notification of Foreigner Work Permit, or
• The E-social security card with their work permit information.

Provide facilitation services

Participate in social insurance

• A foreigner's employer or the foreigner himself or herself with a "Notification of Foreigner Work Permit" or an E-social security card can register for social insurance.
• The social security center will establish a social security number for foreigners who meet the insurance conditions after verifying their work permit information.
• A physical social security card will be issued to the foreigners who register for social insurance.

Services in relation to work permits

Relying on the electronic social security card, the following services can be achieved:

• Work permit information retrieval and download.
• QR code verification.
• Notification of relevant news.

We will keep you posted if any further details are available.

We remain available should you have any questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your Forvis Mazars point of contact.