China Travel Forum

[Kelly]

A number of people may have been granted Chinese green cards as an honour. But this decision has actually established a system to bring convenience to foreign expats who want to become a bona fide Chinese resident.

In which cities foreigners could get green card?

[Jollet]

Can anyone explained the benefits of Chinese green card.

Thanks

[Aynur]

1.Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Changsha and Wuhan have all begun granting Chinese green cards to foreigners.

2.Benefits of the Chinese green card

Long validity

Foreigners without a Chinese green card need to renew their resident permit once a year. There are also limitations over the time duration and location they can stay within the PRC. In comparison, a Chinese green card for foreigners below 18 years of age is valid for five years and for those above 18, it is valid for 10 years. Because the Ministry of Public Security issues the card, it is valid throughout China.

Easy entry and exit

With a passport and Chinese green card one can go in and out of China freely. So a green card saves the time and expenses needed to get a visa and work on the passport each time you travel through customs. A Chinese green card can also be used separately as a legal certificate to stay in Beijing.

Employment

Foreign expats without resident permits and who come to study in schools are not allowed by law to work in China without approval. But there is no regulation limiting foreigners with Chinese green cards about employment. That means foreign expats with a Chinese green card should be allowed to work and treated according to all Chinese labour laws.

Children's education

Expats with a Chinese green card have the same rights and responsibilities (apart from the right to elect, be elected and serve military service) as Chinese citizens of the city they live in. So, if in Beijing, their children can go to kindergarten, primary and high schools without extra fees

Buying a home

With a green card, one can buy commercial housing or even economic-class houses in the city they reside in, if they meet the requirement.

Driver's licence

With a green card, one can apply for a driving licence, a temporary driving licence, or automobile registration.