Chinese green card lecture attracts expat crowd 蛇口外国人服务中心组织绿卡讲座

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A SEMINAR on China’s regulations governing green cards, or permanent residence ID cards for foreigners, organized by Shekou Management and Service Center For Expats (MSCE), attracted more than 60 foreign residents to the neighborhood in Nanshan District on Wednesday night.

A staffer with Shekou Management and Service Center For Expats (MSCE) introduces China’s regulations governing green cards to an expat yesterday. Photos by MSCE

The seminar unpacked 17 requirements for obtaining a green card, a talent visa (R visa) for highly skilled foreign nationals, and a long-term work permit/residence permit. Olivia Li, visa consultant from ZIX Consulting Co. Ltd., shared her expertise and extensive experience.

Expats who hold a Chinese green card will enjoy the same rights as a Chinese citizen. The major benefits include entering and leaving China freely without needing a visa and working freely without restrictions.

Li categorized current green card applicants into several groups, including expats seeking family reunification, returned overseas Chinese and expats who are employed, have made investments, own businesses, or are high-level talents. According to Li, marrying a Chinese spouse or getting a high-salary job are the most common situations among applicants.

She also gave a detailed explanation about the talent visa issued to foreign high-level personnel and much-needed highly talented people who stay and work in China. Usually they can get a multiple-entry talent visa that is valid for five or 10 years, and their spouse and minor children can obtain a relative visa with the same validity. The duration of each stay can be as long as 180 days.

“Big thanks to the organizer and very useful information was shared tonight,” Karla Angarita from Colombia said.

MSCE plans to hold more seminars on the topics that most concern expats. Information will be posted on the MSCE WeChat account later.

Getting China’s green card is considered one of the most difficult tasks in the world. However, the country has eased the process by streamlining procedures and lowering the threshold for applicants. According to the Ministry of Public Security, in 2016 alone 1,576 foreigners became permanent residents in China, up 163 percent year on year, China Daily reported.

The Chinese green card was first introduced in 2004. The number of foreigners holding the card had passed the 10,000 mark by 2016.

In order to qualify for a green card, you should meet at least one of the following requirements:

— Have direct investment in China with a good tax paying record, stable business.

— Be a high-level talent.

— Work in key industries or fields that receive State support.

— Make great contributions to China, or possess a skill especially needed in China.

— Come to China to be with family, such as a spouse, dependent minor or senior citizen.

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Writer/Han Ximin, Shen Xiaoqian

WeChat Editors/Holly, Jane