The Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China has started to issue a new version of the foreign permanent resident ID card since June 16, 2017.

The new ID card is now similar to the ID card issued to Chinese citizens and embedded with a machine readable chip.

New permanent resident ID card application requirements and processing times will remain unchanged.

In effect from June 1, 2017, applicants who have been issued a foreigner permanent residence permit can choose to submit an application to exchange it for a new card at the Immigration Bureau.

The card will serve as an identity card for the holder whilst residing in China. It can be used as independent proof of identity for various services in China including finance, education, health care, traffic, accommodation, communication, job, tax revenue, social insurance, property registering and lawsuit.

With immediate effect, foreigners should apply for the new version of the permanent resident ID card. In the meantime, current green card holders can continue to use these cards until they expire.

The application for the exchange to a new permanent residence ID card will take 20 days to complete. The authorities will not retain the original passport and permanent residence permit during the period from application to the issue of the new ID card.

Source: english.ah.gov.cn