• How do I update my residence permit if my address has changed?

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    If your residence address has changed, the first step is to report the temporary residence registration of overseas personnel to the local police station within 24 hours. You can log in to the "Self-help Declaration System for Overseas Personnel's Accommodation Registration" (https://gaj.sh.gov.cn/crj/24hr) to complete the online self-declaration, or visit the police station in person.

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  • How do I apply for the change of residence permit when employer has changed?

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    Foreigners employed in Shanghai, if their employer changes, shall, within 10 days from the date of the change, go through the formalities for the change of residence permit with the exit and entry administration of the Shanghai public security authorities.

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  • What are the public service numbers in Shanghai?

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  • How much individual income tax should I pay?

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    If you have a domicile in China or have no domicile but have resided in China for a cumulative period of 183 days within a tax year, you will be identified as a Chinese tax resident and need to pay individual income tax on income earned from within and outside the territory of the PRC.

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  • I want to learn about Shanghai's investment policy. Where do I start?

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    Key takeaways of Shanghai's FDI promotion policies.

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  • How can I find job opportunities in Shanghai?

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    Chinajob is a website for expats to find jobs in Shanghai. Chinajob (www.chinajob.com), founded in 1995, is a large-scale professional website sponsored by the Foreign Talent Research Center of the Ministry of Science and Technology. It is the first and the most authoritative international talent website established in China.

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  • Can I transfer money to my home country? Is there a cap?

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    Yes, and there is a cap. You may transfer a maximum of $500 per day with just your passport and valid visa.

    To transfer more than $500 at one time, you will need to provide some documents and information to the Chinese bank you are transferring money from.

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  • What documents do I need to open a bank account?

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    A passport or permanent residence permit. If it is difficult to accurately determine the identity of the applicant opening the account with valid identification, the bank may request the applicant to provide supporting documents.

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  • How do I get a work permit?

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    Work permits are issued by Chinese government to allow foreign nationals to work in the country. Here is a guide to obtaining a foreigner’s work permit. Foreigners employed in Shanghai must obtain a work permit regardless of their nationality, visa type, or the length of their employment.

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  • Is Shanghai a safe place?

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    Shanghai is one of the safest cities in the world. People in the city seldom worry about being robbed when they walk on the streets.

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  • Is tipping necessary when dining in Shanghai?

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    Consumer taxes are included in price tags on goods. Cafeterias and bars in all hotels and some restaurants and bars outside hotels may include a service charge of 10 percent to 15 percent. Tipping is not expected in most restaurants and hotels. But, tipping can be a way to show your satisfaction with the services.

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  • How to take metro in Shanghai

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    Among Shanghai's many transportation options, metro stands out as a convenient way to travel in the city.

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  • Can employers pass the handling of the foreigner's work permit to an agent?

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    Employers may pass the handing of the Foreigner's Work Permit to an agent that has registered in the Service System for Foreigners Working in China. Please provide the Letter of Authorization of the employer and specify the authorized entity and the matter(s) authorized.

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  • If I have a permanent residence permit, do I need to apply for the foreigner's work permit?

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    No. But if you want to enjoy greater convenience in Shanghai, you may apply for the Foreigner's Work Permit.

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  • How do I work legally in Shanghai?

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    Foreign nationals entering China with a Z visa must obtain both a Foreigner's Work Permit and a residence permit before commencing employment. Those without residence certificates (holders of F, L, C, and G visas), foreign students, interns, or accompanying family members of work visa holders are not authorized to work in China.

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  • How do I get individual income tax records?

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    As a foreign employee, you can get your individual income tax document on the website of Shanghai Municipal Tax Service or the Individual Income Tax app.

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  • What is the Points-based System for the Foreigner's Work Permit?

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    The Points-based System is a comprehensive approach to classifying foreign talent. It assigns points to individuals based on specific criteria, such as salary, educational qualifications, work experience, annual working hours, and Chinese language proficiency. This point-based approach categorizes foreign talent into three tiers, each with its own set of requirements and benefits.

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  • What should I prepare for studying in Shanghai?

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    From admission confirmation to preparing daily necessities for studying in Shanghai, from currency exchange to buying insurance, here is a comprehensive guide to preparing to study in Shanghai.

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  • What is the validity period of the Foreigner's Work Permit?

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    The initial validity is one year for foreign graduates working in Shanghai. Extensions are possible based on the specific employment situation, but the total period generally doesn't exceed five years.

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  • FAQs: Applying for Foreigner's Work Permit Notice and Work Permit for Foreign Graduates from Overseas Universities (Category C)

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    This guide covers two categories of foreign graduates: Foreign students who have graduated from universities in Shanghai and overseas graduates from high-level universities.

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