The health certificate for expats issued by the Shanghai International Health Care Center in this city is valid for six months. Certificates issued by international health care centers in other provinces and cities in China are also acceptable.

If the applicant already holds a valid foreigner's residence permit and is applying for an extension, the submission of a health certificate is exempt. If the foreigner's residence permit has expired but is renewed within three months, the submission of a health certificate is also exempt. However, if the renewal lapses more than three months, a new health certificate must be provided.