If you plan to settle in Shanghai, you can apply for permanent residence through the local immigration authorities, provided that you meet specific requirements.

Review the following list to see the requirements for each category of applicants.

Benefits of becoming a permanent resident

In principle, except for specific rights and obligations that are not permitted by political rights and legal regulations, foreign nationals holding a Chinese Foreigner's Permanent Residence Permit enjoy the same rights and bear the same responsibilities as Chinese citizens.

How to make an appointment for application

You can make an appointment for your application via the "出入境专栏 (Exit-entry Services)" of Government Online-Offline Shanghai. Select "Appointment for Foreigner Permanent Resident ID Card Application".  

After logging in, select the type of permanent residence. 

Then select the district (or city) where you want to submit the application.

Fill in your basic information, including your name, mobile number, and passport number. And choose the service center where you want to submit the application and the date and time slot for the appointment. Confirm and submit the information.

You will receive a notification about your appointment. You will need to go to the service center to submit your application at the scheduled time.

Where to apply

Immigration Service Center of the Exit-Entry Administration Corps of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau (Building No 8-9, Ally 36 Xuelin Road, Pudong New Area)

Business hours: 9 am – 11:30 am; 1:30 pm – 5 pm, Monday to Friday (except holidays and festivals)

Click to view office hours and locations for the Exit-Entry Administration Corps of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau and its district-level branches.

Service hotline: 021-12367

Updated Oct 23, 2026

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