If you want to settle in Shanghai, you can apply for permanent residence through the local exit-entry department, granted that you meet specific requirements.
Please review the following list to determine the category that best applies to you.
| Working Staff | Senior/Professional Staff | Core Members of Research Teams |
| Special Talent | Expatriates with Ph.D Degrees | Foreign Investors |
| Couples Reunion | Parent-Children Reunion | Kinship Support |
| Expats Working in China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lin-gang Special Area | ||
| Overseas Chinese Working in national key development zones, Double Innovation Areas | ||
| Expats Holding Residence Permits for Work (Marked High Qualified Person) | ||
Benefits of becoming a permanent resident
Except for certain political rights and obligations restricted by legal regulations, you will enjoy the same rights and bear the same responsibilities as Chinese citizens after getting permanent residence.
How to apply
You can access https://www.shanghai.gov.cn/ to make an appointment for your application.
Check this video to learn how to schedule an appointment.
You could also apply for an appointment via the WeChat mini-program "随申办 (Suishenban)".
Search "随申办 (Suishenban)" at WeChat Mini Program, select the "Exit-Entry Affairs" and then the "Visa/stay permit/residence permit".
Select the "Appointment for Foreigner's Permanent Residence Application", you can make online appointments to process matters related to the Permanent Residence Permit, including "Permanent Residence for Working Staff" and "Renewal/Reissue of the Permanent Residence ID Card".
Where to apply
Immigration Service Center of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of Shanghai Public Security Bureau (No 8-9, Lane 36, Xuelin Road, the Pudong New Area)
Open: 9:00 am to 11:30 am; 1:30 pm to 5 pm, Monday to Friday (except holidays and festivals).
Exit-entry administration offices of each branches of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau:
Read the list of "Branch Offices Information" for detailed address and business hours.
Renewal or reissuance
The permit holder should apply for renewal or reissuance if the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card expires, is altered, damaged, or lost, and as long as they have not been disqualified for permanent residency in China. Click here for more details.
Sources: Government Online-Offline Shanghai, Online Platform for Government Affairs of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of Shanghai Public Security Bureau, National Immigration Administration, State Taxation Administration
