New Chinese Green Card Policy:For Expats with a Doctor Degree

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Expats with a doctoral degree working in Shanghai now have the opportunity to directly apply for Chinese permanent residence, commonly known as the Chinese green card, according to the official website “Online platform for Government Affairs of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of Shanghai Public Security Bureau.”

In this way, neither the length of work experience nor a minimum salary standard is required.This recent policy change is a significant development as it removes the previous restriction that limited eligibility only to overseas Chinese.

Terms for Application：

Those expatriates with Ph. degrees and currently work in Shanghai, and abide by Chinese laws, have good health, and have no criminal records can apply for permanent residence in China.

The foreign spouse and their unmarried children under 18 years old of the above foreign applicants and abide by Chinese laws, have good health, and have no criminal records can apply for permanent residence together.

Documents Required：

  1. Complete Application Form and provide recent photos.
  2. Valid passport and employment typed residence permits.
  3. Ph. Degree diploma and the Authentication Certificate.
  4. Valid Working Permit.
  5. Employment certificate issued by the employer.
  6. Employer’s Business License or relevant registration certificate, its online annual report for recent year.
  7. A Health check certificate which was issued by a domestic entry-exit inspection and quarantine agency.
  8. A Criminal Record/ Background check which shows no trace or history of any kind must be verified by the Embassy / Consulate General of China.
  9. Certificate of No Criminal Record in China.

The new policy allowing expatriates with Ph.D. degrees to directly obtain Chinese permanent residence in Shanghai represents a significant shift in immigration regulations. Foreign professionals with a Ph.D. degree can now enjoy the benefits and stability of permanent residence in Shanghai, fostering a diverse and inclusive community of skilled individuals contributing to the city’s growth and prosperity.