Foreign nationals who have participated in Shanghai's basic pension insurance for employees may apply for a basic pension after reaching the State-prescribed age for claiming, completing the minimum contribution period required by the State, and having Shanghai confirmed as the place where they will claim their pension benefits.

Pension benefits are calculated in accordance with Shanghai's basic pension insurance rules for enterprise employees.

The minimum contribution period for receiving a monthly basic pension is currently 15 years. From Jan 1, 2030, this period will gradually increase from 15 to 20 years, by six months each year.

Those who reach the prescribed pension age without completing the minimum contribution period may either continue making contributions in accordance with applicable rules or terminate their basic pension insurance relationship.

For foreign nationals insured in Shanghai, the age for claiming a basic pension is subject to applicable State rules.

What happens to the account when foreign nationals leave China

If a foreign national leaves China before reaching the prescribed age for claiming a pension, they can retain their individual social insurance account.

If they return to work in China in the future, their contribution years will continue to be counted cumulatively.

Alternatively, they may submit a written application to terminate their social insurance relationship and receive the balance in their individual account as a lump sum.

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security