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About Port Visas and Other Related Issues

I. Do China’s port visas equal the commonly known “visas on arrival”? Which ports are authorized to issue port visas?

Answer: China’s port visas are similar to the “visas on arrival” of some other countries. The term refers to a “way” or “method” to apply for visas, rather than a specific type of visa like "business visa" or “tourist visa”. Regardless of the names, every country sets corresponding application conditions and processing procedures according to its laws for foreign nationals to apply for visas in this way.

According to the relevant Chinese laws and regulations, foreign nationals holding ordinary passports, who have urgent needs to enter China but do not have enough time to apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates abroad, can apply for port visas for entry. Foreign nationals applying for port visas can submit applications in advance to the port visa authorities by themselves or through inviting parties, or apply on site upon arrival at ports in China.

To facilitate the applications, avoiding situations where applicants are unable to obtain approval for entry due to legal reasons such as being legally ineligible for visa issuance or entry upon arrival at ports, which may affect travel arrangements and increase economic and time costs, it is recommended that foreign nationals submit their applications in advance to the port visa authorities in the intended destinations, obtain preliminary approval from the port visa authorities, and then go to the corresponding ports for applying for visas. For foreign tourist groups applying for port visas, the Chinese travel agencies responsible for the reception should apply for them in advance at the port visa authorities.

As of now, port visa services have been provided at 99 ports in 72 cities nationwide with a large number of international flights and a high volume of foreign nationals entering China. (For the details of the major port visa authorities in China and their contact information, please visit the official website of the National Immigration Administration.)

II. What are the “situations of urgent needs of entering China” that are eligible to apply for Chinese port visas?

Answer: Any foreign ordinary passport holder who has an urgent need to travel to China for business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives and handling private affairs, etc., or for humanitarian reasons such as attending funerals or visiting critically ill patients, and are unable to obtain a visa from Chinese embassies or consulates abroad in time, can apply for a port visa at a port visa authority in China.

III. What documents are required to apply for a port visa in China?

Answer: A foreign national who plans to apply for a port visa at a port visa authority is required to submit his/her valid passport or any other international travel document, along with relevant supporting documents that evidence the urgent reason(s) for his/her entry into China. Once the visa is issued, he/she may enter China from the port where the visa application is made. As for the supporting documents, a foreigner entering China for urgent business activities, for example, shall submit the inviting party’s invitation letter explaining the business purposes, details of emergency, and main itinerary arrangements, as well as relevant proof of the emergency. For more information, please contact the port visa authority at the intended port of entry.

IV. What types of visas can be extended, renewed, and re-issued for foreign nationals in China in their vicinity?

Answer: Foreign nationals coming to China for short-term non-diplomatic and non-official activities such as business cooperation, visit and exchange, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, tourism, or private matters, etc., and have legitimate reasons for extending their stays may submit applications to the nearest exit-entry administrations of the public security organs located in the places where they stay for the extension, renewal, and re-issuance of their business visas (M visas), visit visas (F visas), short-term private affair visas (S2 visas), and short-term family visit visas (Q2 visas), as well as for the extension and re-issuance of their tourist visas (L visas).

V. How to apply for group tourist port visas?

Answer: For foreign tourist groups consisting of two or more people applying for group tourist port visas, the Chinese travel agency responsible for organizing and receiving such groups must submit invitation letters, lists of personnel, and tourist reception plans to the relevant port visa authorities in advance. The above tourist groups can enter and exit from all open ports in China.

Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens)

Q1: Who can apply for the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese Citizens) (hereinafter referred to as the "Permit")? How can they submit the application?

A: Permanent residents in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao Special Administrative Region who are non-Chinese citizens (hereinafter referred to as non-Chinese Hong Kong and Macao permanent residents) and who wish to travel to the mainland of China for short-term purposes such as investment, visiting relatives, tourism, business, seminars, and exchanges may apply for the Permit through China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited and China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd., authorized by the Exit and Entry Administration of P.R. China. The Permit approved and issued by the exit-entry administration of the public security department is valid for five years. During its validity, the holder may travel to the mainland of China multiple times, with each stay not exceeding 90 days. To apply for the Permit for the first time, non-Chinese Hong Kong and Macao permanent residents shall submit their applications to China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited and China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd. To renew or replace the Permit, the holder may apply to China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited, China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd., or the exit-entry administration of the public security department at or above the municipal level in the mainland of China.

Q2: What documents are needed to apply for the Permit?

A: To apply for the Permit, the originals and copies of the following documents are required: (I) Application Form for Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens) filled in completely and accurately, with the applicant's recent photo pasted; (II) Valid Hong Kong or Macao permanent identity card. A non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent resident under the age of 11 who has not obtained a Hong Kong permanent identity card may provide the Notice of Application for Access to Information issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department, which states that he/she is a Hong Kong permanent resident. Guardians accompany an applicant under the age of 18 shall present the original identity certificates, such as passports and proof of guardianship; (III) A valid ordinary passport (excluding passports not recognized by the government of China), with a validity period of no less than 6 months; (IV) Nationality certificates, including the Notice of Application for Access to Information issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department and the Certificate of Personal Data issued by the Macao Identification Services Bureau. The nationality certificate must be issued within 6 months prior to the date of application; (V) Other necessary application documents. The processing authority shall protect the personal information submitted by the applicant in accordance with the law.

Q3: What are the requirements for applying for the Permit?

A: (I) Applicants shall go to the processing authority in person to apply for the Permit. Applicants under the age of 18 shall be accompanied by their guardians for application. (II) The holder shall not work, study, or engage in news coverage activities in the mainland of China with the Permit. Those who intend to carry out the above-mentioned activities in the mainland of China shall apply for a visa, stay permit, or residence permit from the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or the Macao Special Administrative Region, or from the exit-entry administration of the public security department at or above the municipal level in the mainland of China in accordance with laws and regulations. (III) Those who apply for renewal or replacement of the Permit in the mainland of China may stay legally in the Mainland with the original Application Receipt of Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese Citizens), or they can apply for a one-time exit travel document to leave the Mainland and then submit an application for renewal and replacement to China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited or China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd. authorized by the Exit and Entry Administration of P.R. China.

Q4: How long does it take to apply for the Permit? How much does it cost, and how does the applicant collect the Permit?

A: (I) The Permit will be issued within 20 working days after the application officially accepted. (II) The Permit is valid for five years. The fee for first application in Hong Kong or Macao SAR is HKD 260, while that for renewal or replacement in the mainland of China is CNY 230. (III) Applicants shall collect the Permit at application offices by themselves with the Application Receipt of Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese Citizens). For applicants under the age of 18, their legal guardians can collect the Permit on their behalf. (IV) Applicants shall collect the Permit within 12 months from the scheduled date of collection. If they fail to collect it in time without justifiable reasons, they will be deemed to have voluntarily waived the collection, and the Permit will be canceled.

Q5: Can the Permit holders use the E-channel for immigration inspection when entering and exiting the mainland of China?

A: In accordance with the Announcement of the Ministry of Public Security on Retaining Fingerprints and Other Biological Information of Entry Foreigners in 2017, Permit holders can go through immigration clearance through E-channels after completing fingerprint collection procedures at ports of entry. In addition, Permit holders are not required to fill in the Arrival Card when entering the mainland of China with the Permit.

Q6: What are the matters needing attention during the stay in the mainland of China with the Permit?

A: (I) During their stay in the mainland of China, the Permit holders shall register with the police in accordance with laws. (II) For those who apply for renewal or replacement of the Permit in the mainland of China, their duration of stay will be calculated from the entry time with the original Permit. (III) To stay for more than 90 days in the mainland of China due to force majeure or other justifiable reasons, the Permit holders shall apply for an extension of stay up to 90 days to local exit-entry administration of the public security department at or above the municipal level in the mainland of China.

Q7: What should one do if his/her Permit is lost, stolen or damaged?

A: If the Permit is lost or stolen, or if the information on the Permit is incomplete or the integrated chip cannot be read due to damage, the holder shall submit an application for replacement of the Permit to China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited or China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd. authorized by the Exit and Entry Administration of P.R. China, or the exit-entry administration of the public security department at or above the municipal level in the mainland of China. To apply for replacement due to lost or stolen, the applicant shall sign a statement of loss. For those who apply for renewal or replacement in the mainland of China, can stay legally with the original Application Receipt of Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese Citizens) before collecting a new Permit.

Q8: What should one do if his/her Permit is about to expire or has already expired?

A: If the validity period of the Permit is less than 6 months, the holder may submit an application for renewal to China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited or China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd. authorized by the Exit and Entry Administration of P.R. China, or the exit-entry administration of the public security department at or above the municipal level in the mainland of China. If the validity period of the Permit is less than 20 working days or has expired, the holder may apply for the renewal of the Permit to China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited or China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd. The current Permit shall be submitted when applying for renewal.

Q9: What should the holder do if his/her personal particulars or other information have changed?

A: If the holder's name, gender, date of birth, nationality or any other personal particulars changes, the holder shall submit an application for renewal of the Permit to China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited or China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd. authorized by the Exit and Entry Administration of P.R. China, or the exit-entry administration of the public security department at or above the municipal level in the mainland of China. The applicant shall present the updated Hong Kong or Macao permanent identity card, passport, necessary documents and current Permit at the time of application. In case of any change in passport number, contact information, emergency contact person, or other information, the applicant shall report such change to China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited or China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd. authorized by the Exit and Entry Administration of P.R. China, or the exit-entry administration of the public security department at or above the municipal level in the mainland of China within 30 days.

Q10: What should one do to learn more about the specific policies for the application and use of the Permit?

A: For more information about the Permit, please call 12367 (official service platform of the Exit and Entry Administration of P.R. China); or consult China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited (website: www.ctshk.com/mep/zh, Tel: (+852) 34603297, (+852) 34603176, (+852) 34603267) in Hong Kong and China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd. in Macao (website: www.cts.com.mo, Tel: (+853) 28700888).

Visa-Free Entry into China Under Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements

Question 1: According to China's mutual visa exemption agreements with relevant countries, an eligible foreign citizen may "stay for no more than 30 days, with the cumulative stay period not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period." How should these periods be calculated?

Answer: The calculation rules are as follows.

The "180-day period" is calculated separately for each traveler's visa-free stay period in China, counting backward 180 days from any given day since entry. The "90 days" do not include the time spent in China with a visa, residence permit or any other exit-entry document, or an APEC Business Travel Card. If the cumulative visa-free stay period within the 180-day period prior to entry has already reached 90 days, visa-free entry will not be granted; if the cumulative stay period is less than 90 days but the remaining visa-free stay period is less than 30 days, the foreigner concerned cannot overstay the remaining period.

Question 2: If a foreign national has successfully entered China under a mutual visa exemption agreement but subsequently lost his/her passport verified and stamped by a border inspection authority, can he/she leave China with an emergency travel document issued by the embassy of his/her home country in China?

Answer: For a foreigner who has entered China without a visa and needs to exit with a new passport, emergency passport or travel document due to the loss or damage of his/her original identity document, the immigration inspection authority in charge will verify his/her identity, entry record or loss report, and supporting documents from the embassy/consulate of his/her home country. If the aforementioned documents are confirmed to be valid and the foreigner in question has not overstayed, stayed outside the permitted areas or committed any other illegal act, he/she may be allowed to exit according to laws. If he/she has overstayed, stayed outside the permitted areas or committed any other illegal act under the jurisdiction of the immigration inspection authority in charge, the immigration inspection authority will handle the case according to laws and regulations. For other violations beyond the jurisdiction of immigration inspection authorities, the individual must first resolve the matters with the exit-entry administration department of a public security organ or other relevant competent authorities before exiting with necessary documentation through the immigration inspection authority.

Question 3: After a foreign national has entered China under a mutual visa exemption agreement, what should he/she do if he/she needs to extend his/her stay in China beyond the visa-free stay period?

Answer: All foreign citizens having entered China under mutual visa exemption agreements must depart before the end of their visa-free stay periods. For anyone who needs to extend his/her stay period due to emergencies or force majeure, he/she must apply for a stay permit at the exit-entry administration department of the local public security organ before the visa-free period ends.

Question 4: Do foreign citizens from visa-exempt countries need to complete accommodation registration after entering China?

Answer: Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China stipulates that:

"For foreigners who stay in hotels in China, the hotels shall register their accommodation in accordance with the regulations on the public security administration of the hotel industry, and submit foreigners' accommodation registration information to the public security organs in the places where the hotels are located. For foreigners who reside or stay in domiciles other than hotels, they or the persons who accommodate them shall, within 24 hours after the foreigners' arrivals, go through the registration formalities at the public security organs in the places of residence."

Therefore, foreign citizens who have entered China under mutual visa exemption agreements must complete accommodation registration as required by this law.

It should be noted that the "Arrival Card" which needs to be filled out upon entry clearly states these requirements in both Chinese and English under "Important Note". Please complete accommodation registration according to these instructions.

How to use mobile payment

(I) Foreigners can download and install WeChat, Alipay or UnionPay apps on your mobile phone, input foreign or Chinese mobile phone numbers and other information for account registration according to the instructions, and follow the prompts on the page to complete bank card binding.

(II) You can bind a bank card with the logos of Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, American Express, JCB, Diners Club and Discover. You can also apply for an E-Money Card on the UnionPay app and top it up to make payments in daily consumption scenarios.

(III) Foreigners can scan the collection QR code or show the payment QR code when making payments.

Notes for binding bank cards issued overseas:

1. To bind a bank card to a payment product, it needs to be verified by the issuer. In case of a failure, please consult customer service staff of the payment products or the issuing bank.

2. The scope of bank card brands, payment limits and charging standards may vary with different payment products. Please refer to the promptson the payment product page and the service agreement for details.

(IV) Users of Ali pay HK and WeChatpay HK (HKSAR of China), mPay (Macao SAR of China), Kakao Pay(Republic of Korea), Touch'n Go eWallet(Malaysia), HiPay (Mongolia), Changi Pay(Singapore), OCBC (Singapore), Naver Pay(Republic of Korea), Toss Pay (Republicof Korea), TrueMoney (Thailand), GCash(the Philippines), Kaspi (Kazakhstan),and NayaPay (Pakistan) can use these Daily Life Services e-wallets to pay directly by scanning a QR code in China.

China's Visa-free Policies

China's visa-exemption policies have boosted inbound travel. Since the start of this year, "China Travel" has kept trending. On Wednesday, the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China released a list of frequently asked questions about these policies.

Q: Who does the visa waiver apply to?

A: Nationals of 43 countries including Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Holland, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, the Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay take effect from June 1, 2025) holding valid ordinary passports can be exempted from visa requirement if entering China for the purpose of business, tourism, family or friend visits, exchange and transit. They can stay in China for no more than 30 days without visa.

Q: Do foreign nationals eligible for a visa waiver need to make declarations to Chinese embassies and consulates in advance?

A: Foreign nationals eligible for a visa waiver do not need to declare in advance to Chinese embassies and consulates before entering China without a visa.

Q: Will the purpose of intended stay in China be examined by Chinese border inspection authorities when entering China? How will it be done? Are other documents needed for entering China in addition to a passport?

A: Foreign nationals traveling for purposes of business, tourism, family or friend visits, exchange and transit that meet the visa waiver requirements, can be allowed to enter China without a visa upon examination and approval in accordance with the law by border inspection authorities. Entry into China shall be denied by border inspection authorities in accordance with the law to foreign nationals who travel for purposes that do not meet the visa waiver requirements or who are not allowed to enter China in accordance with laws and regulations. It is recommended to take documents such as invitation letters, air tickets and reservations of accommodation as proof corresponding to the purposes of entry into China. Visa waiver does not apply to those who come to China for work, study, journalistic or similar purposes.

Q: Is there any additional requirement for minors eligible for a visa waiver?

A: Visa waiver requirements for minors are the same as for adults.

Q: Are there any requirements regarding the type and validity of entry documents?

A: For foreign nationals, an ordinary passport valid for at least the duration of the intended stay in China is needed. Holders of travel documents or temporary or emergency documents other than ordinary passports are not allowed to enter China without a visa.

Q: How to calculate the duration of stay of 30 days?

A: The duration of stay without visa is calculated from the day after entry and lasts continuously for 30 calendar days.

Q: Does the visa waiver apply to foreign nationals who travel from a third country?

A: Eligible foreign nationals can depart for China from any country or region.

Q: Does the visa waiver apply to foreign nationals who travel via modes of transport other than aviation?

A: The visa waiver applies to all travelers coming to China through any sea, road and airport open to foreign nationals -- except where laws, regulations or bilateral arrangements specify otherwise. For arrivals in China by way of private transport, certain procedures for entry and exit of means of transport shall be processed in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China.

Q: Does the visa waiver apply to tour groups?

A: The visa waiver applies to eligible foreign nationals either in tour groups or as individuals.

Q: If the length of intended stay exceeds 30 days, can the visa waiver be extended?

A: Foreign nationals planning to stay in China for over 30 days shall apply for visas corresponding to their purposes of stay in advance at Chinese embassies or consulates. If they have to stay longer than 30 days for appropriate and sufficient reasons after entering China without a visa, they shall apply for stay permits to the exit and entry administrations of public security authorities of China.

Q: Does the visa waiver allow multiple entries? Is there any requirement on the length of intervals between each entry, or any restriction on the number of entries without a visa or total days of stay?

A: Foreign nationals eligible for the visa waiver can enter China without a visa multiple times. Currently, there is no restriction on the number of entries or total days of stay, but those who enjoy visa-free travel to China shall not engage in activities inconsistent with their purpose of entry.

How to apply for a SIM card and activate mobile communication services in China

(I) Foreigners can bring your passports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards to the service offices of telecom operators such as China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom to apply for a SIM card and activate mobile communication services in China.

(II) The mobile communication service plans usually include call time and data. Different operators will provide different service plans according to customers' needs, and users can choose the appropriate one.

Note: The plans often offer a limited amount of data. You can disable internet access when not using internet services if the data offered is little. Or, you are suggested to consult the telecom operator for an appropriate data plan if you need to use a large amount of data.

How to book online ride-hailing services

Foreign travelers can use Alipay, We Chat or Didi-Greater China apps to book online ride-hailing services. You can also use Trip.com to make an appointment for airport shuttle service.

1. Foreign travelers can open Alipay, click on "Transport", select "Taxi", and enter both the pickup location and the destination to book a ride-hailing service.

2. Foreign travelers can open WeChat, click on "Me", select "Services", scroll down and click on "Mobility" or "Ride Hailing", and enter both the pickup location and the destination to book a ride-hailing service.

3. Download Didi-Greater China APP, which supports foreigners to use foreign mobile phone numbers and international credit cards to register, and book online ride-hailing services once registered. Open Didi-Greater China APP, confirm the pickup location and the destination, select the preferred services (Express, Taxi, Premier, Luxe), and book a ride- hailing service.

4. Open Trip.com, select "Airport Shuttle Service", enter the flight information to make an appointment, and pay directly with an international bank card.

How to rent a car?

Foreign travelers can rent cars at international airports and downtown service outlets. You can also use car leasing apps or search for "mini programs for car leasing" on Alipay or WeChat. Once registered, you can make a reservation for car leasing.

1. Foreign travelers who are going to rent cars need to bring your passports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards, valid Chinese driver's licenses, and international or domestic credit cards.

Note: Foreigners renting a car for the first time need to have your identity document information verified at least one working day in advance.

2. Foreign travelers applying for Chinese Provisional Driving Permits for compact cars must take your passports, overseas driver's licenses with a Chinese translation, recent one-inch half-length, bareheaded, full-faced color photos against a white background, and other necessary documents to public security traffic management service halls. Foreigners who enter China for a short-term stay can apply for Provisional Driving Permits with a validity period of 3 months. For those who intend to stay longer than 3 months, the validity period can be extended to a maximum of one year. The permits can be used whenever the holders reenter China during the validity period without the need for reapplication.

Note: China has signed agreements for mutual recognition and exchange of driver's licenses with France, Serbia, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates. This allows individuals holding driver's licenses from the aforementioned countries to drive directly in China or obtain Chinses driver's licenses without taking a test.

Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates

I. Residence registration needs to be completed after entry into China as soon as possible

(I) For foreigners staying in a hotel, residence registration can be handled by the hotel. Foreigners can register residence by presenting a valid passport or other international travel documents at the hotel reception.

(II) Foreigners, who stay elsewhere, need to register residence at the local police station within 24 hours after arrival. Foreigners can register your residence at the local police station by presenting a valid passport or other international travel documents, along with the rental contract or immovable property rights certificate.

II. Matters requiring special attention when foreigners work and live in China

(I) Validity period of visa. Foreigners, who enter China with a visa and plan to work and live in China, need to apply for a residence permit within 30 days from the date of entry according to relevant requirements. If an extension of the duration of stay specified in the visa is required, the application should be submitted to the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ of the local people's government at or above the county level in the place of residence, at least 7 days before the expiration of the duration of stay specified in the visa, with the relevant materials relating to the purpose of the application.

(II) Validity period of residence permit. Foreigners, who need to stay in China after the expiration of residence permits, shall apply for an extension 30 days before the expiration. Foreigners, who hold a valid residence permit and have changed passport or had other items on the residence permit changed, shall apply to the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ for information change within 10 days from the date the changes occur.(III) Validity period of work permit.

1. Foreigners working within China should obtain a work permit. Those who work in China for no more than 90 days shall apply for a Z visa from the Chinese embassy (consulate) with the Notification Letter for Foreigner's Work Permit, and work in China within the time indicated on the visa. Those who work in China more than 90 days shall apply for a Z visa from the Chinese embassy (consulate) with the Notification Letter for Foreigner’s Work Permit, and apply to the administration department of foreigners working in China where the employer is located for a Foreigner's Work Permit within 30 days from the date of entry, and work in China within the validity period of the work permit.2. An application for extension shall be submitted to the administration

III. How to get help in case of emergencies in case of emergencies

In case of personal assault or property crimes, please call 110.

In case of fire, please call 119.

In case of first aid, please call 120.

In case of passport loss, please report it to the local police station immediately.

About Payment of Social Security and Provident Fund for Foreigners Working in China

1. Can foreigners contribute to the social security?

Foreigners recruited by enterprises, institutions, social organizations, private non-enterprise units, foundations, law firms, accounting firms and other organizations (hereinafter referred to as employing units) registered or enrolled in China, and foreigners dispatched to work in branches or representative offices (hereinafter referred to as domestic work units) registered or enrolled in China shall pay social security in accordance with the law, and the fees are charged jointly by the employer and the individual. Units recruiting foreigners should register for social security within 30 days from the date of applying for an employment permit.

2. How do foreign talents participate in social insurance?

Employees handle social security registration procedures at the local social security administration department by holding valid passports of the insured, work permits in China, Resident Foreign Journalist Certificate and other employment certificates (personnel who have obtained permanent residence qualification in China shall provide the Permanent Residence Certificate for Foreigners as well as labor contracts or dispatching contracts and other certificates. According to the Coding Rules of Social Insurance Number for Foreigners, the social security administration department establishes social security numbers and social security cards upon approval.

Documents required for foreigners to pay social security

(1) Your passport.

(2) Employment documents such as foreigner employment certificate, foreign expert certificate, foreign permanent journalist certificate, etc.

(3) Foreigner's residence permit or foreigner's permanent residence permit.

(4) Social security personal information form.

(5) Social security participant form.

(6) Your photograph (recent one-inch bareheaded photo with white background).

(7) other relevant supporting documents.

3. How can we confirm the payment base for foreign talents to participate in social insurance?

The payment base for foreign talents to participate in social insurance is declared according to the actual gross payroll. The social security administration department verifies the payment base according to regulations. If the monthly gross payroll of the foreign talent exceeds 300% of the average monthly salary of employees in the previous year in the whole province, the basic medical insurance fee is not paid by individuals for the extra part.

4. Where foreign talents have reached or exceeded the prescribed retirement age of our country when they work in China, do they still need to participate in social insurance?

Where foreign talents who have reached or exceeded our country's prescribed retirement age, they will no longer handle procedures for participating in social insurance.

5. What happens if foreign talents fail to pay old-age insurance fees for 15 years before retirement?

Where the insured foreigners who have obtained permanent residence right in China and fail to pay old-age insurance fees for 15 years before retirement, the payment period can be extended according to provisions of Several Regulations on Implementing Social Insurance Law of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as Several Regulations), and they can enjoy social insurance treatment after reaching the prescribed years. Foreigners who fail to obtain permanent residence right in China can collect a lump-sum pension of individual accounts.

6. How do foreign talents collect a lump-sum pension of individual accounts?

Foreign talents who participate in basic old-age insurance of employees, after reaching legal retirement age, can apply for terminating basic old-age insurance relation of employees in writing when the accumulated payment period falls short of 15 years. After the social security administration department receives applications, it shall notify the consequences for the termination of basic old-age insurance relations of employees in writing. Upon written confirmation, it terminates basic old-age insurance relations of employees and pays personal account deposit amount to the owners at one time.

7. Do foreigners need to change information at social security administration department for changes in passport number?

Yes. For changes in passport number, foreigners should apply for information changes at the local social security administration department in time.

8. What benefits are available to foreigners with social security?

（1）Pension insurance: Entitled to pension insurance benefits.

（2） Medical insurance: Entitled to medical insurance benefits, including access to basic medical services and coverage of drug costs.

（3）Work injury insurance: In case of work-related accidents or occupational diseases during work, you can receive appropriate medical assistance and financial compensation.

（4） Unemployment insurance: In case of unemployment, you can receive unemployment insurance benefits.

（5） Maternity insurance: In case of childbirth, you are entitled to maternity insurance benefits.

9. When foreigners are exempted from social security?

Employees with the nationality of a country that has concluded a bilateral or multilateral agreement with China on social security contributions, are exempted from paying contributions for the prescribed type of insurance for a specified period of time, by providing an insurance certificate issued by your country within three months of obtaining a permit for employment in China.

Up to now, China has signed bilateral social security agreements with 12 countries (Germany, South Korea, Denmark, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, Luxembourg, France, Serbia and Japan), so that if a foreign employee has purchased social security in one of these countries, there is no need to pay for social security during his/her work in China.

10．Questions on social security accounts of departed foreigners

If a foreign employee leaves China before the pensionable age, his/her account can be retained and the contribution years can be accumulated when he/she returns; or he/she can apply in writing for termination of the social security and receive the account balance in a lump sum; if a foreigner has died, the balance of his/her social security account can be inherited in accordance with the law.

A foreigner who receives monthly social security benefits out of China, is required to provide the social security office responsible for paying his or her benefits with a survival certificate issued by the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad at least once a year, or a survival certificate notarized and certified by the relevant institution in his or her country and certified by the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad. Foreigners who have arrived in China may prove their survival on their own at a social security office, and no longer have to provide the survival certificates mentioned above.

11.Can foreigners contribute to the provident fund?

The answer is yes, and the specific contributions are as follows:

(1) Unit contribution: Foreigners who are working in Changsha can contribute to the housing provident fund by their company.

(2) Flexible Employment Contribution: Foreigners contributing to the provident fund as a flexible employee are required to meet the following conditions:

Permanent Residence Identity Card for Foreigners as proof of identity, and a foreigner's passport is not acceptable for contributing to the housing provident fund.

Male 18-60 years old, and female 18-55 years old, with the ability of civil behavior.

Working in Changsha with legal income sources.

Voluntarily comply with the regulations of housing fund management and commit to fulfil the obligation of housing fund contribution.

Have not been in employment relationship with other companies.

About Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens)