Notice on the Integration of Work Permit & Social Security Card

Notice of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on the integration of foreigners' work permits and social security cards

In order to implement the decision-making arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on improving the convenience of foreigners working in China, after research, it is decided that from December 1, 2024, the foreigner work permit will be integrated with the social security card (hereinafter referred to as the social security card) (hereinafter referred to as the card integration). By loading the information of the foreigner's work permit in China (hereinafter referred to as the work permit) into the social security card, relying on the physical social security card and the electronic social security card, it will provide convenience for foreigners to work and live in China. The relevant work is hereby notified as follows:

1. Optimize work procedures

(I) Applying for a work permit

, change and cancellation of work permits are all handled online in the Foreigners Working in China Management Service System (hereinafter referred to as the Working in China System). Foreigners do not need to apply for a physical foreigner work permit after entering the country. For those who have obtained a physical foreigner work permit, in accordance with the principle of "no change, no replacement", when applying for an extension or change of the existing work permit, follow the new procedures for the integration of the card and the card.    

(II) Applying for a work visa

Foreigners can apply for a Z visa to work in China by holding the "Foreigners Work Permit Notice".

(III) Obtaining an electronic social security card

After entering the country, foreigners download the electronic social security card APP through their mobile phones, register and log in using their name, work permit number or social security number and other information, and after real-name and real-person verification, they receive the electronic social security card loaded with work permit information. After foreigners apply for a physical social security card, the electronic social security card provides standard services to foreigners.

(IV) Applying for a residence permit

with a Z visa, foreigners should go to the public security entry and exit department at the place of work with the "Foreigner Work Permit Notice" or the electronic social security card loaded with work permit information to apply for relevant residence documents. The relevant departments can directly verify through the information system, and can also query and obtain foreigners' work permit information by checking the electronic social security card, scanning the work permit QR code, etc.    

2. Providing Convenience Services

(I) Participation in social insurance

The employer of a foreigner or the foreigner himself can register for insurance for the foreigner through the social security online service hall or social security agency with the "Foreigner Work Permit Notice" or electronic social security card. The social security agency should verify the foreigner's work permit information through the work system in China, establish a social security number for the foreigner who meets the insurance conditions, and the social security card management service department should issue a physical social security card to him.

(II) Work permit related services

Relying on the electronic social security card, service functions such as work permit information query and download, QR code verification, and relevant message notification are realized.

(III) Enjoy the "One Card" service

Based on actual conditions, local human resources and social security departments provide human resources and social security services such as business information inquiry and benefit subsidy collection to foreigners through physical social security cards and electronic social security cards, and expand to more "one-card " services in areas with conditions.

3. Strengthening Organization and Implementation

(I) All localities should take effective measures to conscientiously implement the requirements for the integration of certificates and cards. We should continue to expand the application scenarios of social security cards, support foreigners to enjoy "one-card" services in more fields, and provide convenience for foreigners to work and live in China.    

(II) All localities should make full preparations for the technology of integrating the application of certificates and cards. After the relevant interface specifications of our ministry are released, they should promptly carry out the transformation of business information systems and equipment terminals in accordance with the requirements of the specifications, connect to our ministry's work system in China, and verify work permit information.

(III) All localities should carry out business training in a timely manner to ensure that their staff are familiar with business processes and regulations. At the same time, they should provide policy support and implementation interpretation , respond to social concerns in a timely manner, gradually expand social awareness, and implement the convenient services provided to foreigners through the integration of certificates and cards.

Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security October 27, 2024

              

Comments