If you plan to settle in Shanghai, you can apply for permanent residence through the local exit-entry administration bureau, provided that you meet specific requirements.

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

Working Staff	Senior/Professional Staff	Special Talent
Doctoral Degree Holders	Foreign Investors	Couples Reunion
Parent-Children Reunion	Kinship Support
Foreign Employees in Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone
Overseas Chinese Working in National Key Development Zones, Double Innovation Areas
Foreigners Holding Residence Permits for Work (Marked High Qualified Person)

 

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.

Click to view the benefits of holding a Foreigner's Permanent Residence Permit in China.

 

How to apply

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 permit and make an appointment. 

Alternatively, you can schedule your application via the "Suishenban" app (随申办).

Log in to the Suishenban app, switch to the "International" version on the homepage, then select the "Visa/stay permit/residence permit" section and find the "Appointment for Foreigner's Permanent Residence Application". 

Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders can also apply for renewal or reissuance if the card expires, is altered, damaged, or lost. 

Scan the QR code to download the Suishenban app.

Where to apply

Immigration Service Center of the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai 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)

Note: Generally, you may apply for a permanent residence permit at exit-entry administration detachment of branches of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau. However, exceptions may apply. For specific details, please refer to the official website of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau.

   

Service hotline: 12367

 

Updated July 20, 2026

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