China has announced a new policy to integrate foreigner's work permits with social security cards, effective Dec 1, 2024.

With this integration, the work permit information will be digitalized and blended into the social security cards, both physical and electronic.

Under the new system, foreigners arriving in China no longer need to apply for physical work permits. Applications, extensions, modifications and cancellations of work permits are processed entirely online. Existing physical work permits will remain valid until renewal or modification, at which point the cardholders will shift to the integrated new system.

Foreign nationals can apply for a work visa (Z visa) to work in China using the Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit.

After arriving in China, foreign nationals can download the Social Security Card (电子社保卡) app to register and log in using their name, work permit number, or social security number.

Once verified, they can access an electronic social security card embedded with work permit information. The integrated card will serve multiple functions.

With a Z visa (work visa), foreigner nationals can apply for residence permits at the local exit-entry administration using either the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit or the electronic social security card embedded with work permit information.

Immigration authorities can verify work permit information via the centralized system, and access foreign nationals' work permit details by checking the electronic social security card or scanning the work permit's QR code.

The integration also offers enhanced social security services for foreign nationals.

Employers of expats or expats themselves can use the Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit or the electronic social security card to register for social insurance online or at offline offices. After verifying work permit information, social security authorities should assign a social security number to eligible foreigners and issue them a physical social security card.

The electronic social security card will offer features such as work permit information inquiries and downloads, QR code verification, and relevant notifications.

Local human resources and social security authorities are instructed to provide more employment-related services, such as information inquiries and subsidy collections, through both digital and physical social security cards. Where conditions permit, the social security card may be expanded into an all-in-one service card.

Source: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People's Republic of China