Bringing a domestic worker to Shanghai can be a significant help for families, but the process of securing their residence permit can feel like navigating uncharted waters.

This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of the application process for a residence permit for domestic workers in Shanghai.

Who can apply

You can apply for a residence permit for private affairs (domestic service), if you are:

• A domestic worker hired by foreign talent who have obtained permanent residence in China, or hold a work-type residence permit;
• A domestic worker hired by foreign legal representatives, general managers, deputy general managers, and financial controllers of multinational corporations (including headquarters-type organizations).

What to prepare

• Original valid passport and visa;
• A Visa and Residence Permit Application Form. The applicant needs to visit in person at the city's exit-entry administration department to take a photo;
• Health certificate issued by China's entry-exit inspection and quarantine department within six months (exempted for those under 18 years old and over 70 years old);
• Employer's identification certificates:

    1) For foreign talents holding permanent residence ID cards, the originals and copies of their valid passports, permanent residence ID cards, and certificates of foreign talent identification;

    2) For foreign talents holding work-type residence permit, the original passport, work-type residence permit, and documents for foreign talent identification.

• Application letter and employment contract issued by the employer;
• Financial guarantee issued by the employer (a certificate of frozen domestic bank deposit of over 100,000 yuan);
• Proof of domestic personal accident insurance for the hired domestic helper.

How to apply online

You can go to the Government Online-Offline Shanghai website to make an appointment for application. 

Log in to the website.

Then fill in personal information to make a reservation for application.

Where to apply in person

The Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau

Open: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday to Saturday (except for statutory holidays)

Note:

• The person himself/herself is required to apply in person; if the original residence permit expires but is renewed within 3 months, he/she is exempted from submitting the health certificate;
• If the Exit-Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau deems it necessary to interview the applicant or request the submission of other supplementary materials, and the applicant fails to accept the interview — except for reasons of force majeure — or submit the materials required, the application will be rejected.

Source: Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau