The benefits of possessing a Chinese green card
As one of the most difficult green cards in the world, what are the benefits of obtaining a Chinese
According to Article 41 (1) of the Exit and Entry Administration Law
Foreigners working within China shall obtain work permits and work related residence permits in accordance with regulations. No company or individual shall hire foreigners who have not obtained work permits and work related residence permits.
However, for those who have worked in China know that obtaining a work permit not only takes a long time and the procedures are complex, but also carries the risk of being rejected. When changing jobs, it is also necessary to apply for work permit cancellation and employment transfer. If one fails to pay attention to process of the application within the specified time due to incomplete materials, it may become illegal employment in China.
According to Article 80, clause 1 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law
Foreigners who engaged in illegal employment shall be fined not less than 5000 yuan but not more than 20000 yuan; If the circumstances are serious, the offender shall be detained for not less than five days but not more than fifteen days and shall also be fined not less than 5000 yuan but not more than 20000 yuan.
Once found to be illegal employment, not only will they be fined and kept a record, but they may also face detention penalties!
Secondly, revoking a work permit often requires the willingness of one's company to cooperate. There are also many incidents where foreign personnel are unable to leave and change jobs due to company lack of cooperation. Once you have a green card and are employed in China, you do not need to apply for a foreign work permit and can freely change jobs.
What are the other benefits of possessing a Chinese green card?
1. Unrestricted entry, exit and domestic residence
Generally speaking, foreigners who have obtained permanent residency can enter and exit China with a valid passport and a "Foreigner's Permanent Residence Identity Card" (also known as a "green card"), without the need for additional visa procedures. At the same time, there are no restrictions on the duration of residence in China. Their spouse and immediate family members can apply for corresponding visas, residence permits, or Chinese green cards in accordance with relevant regulations.
As a long-term document with a validity period of ten years (the validity period of a minor's green card is five years), it is very convenient to enter and exit China without restrictions.
2. An access to apply for the social insurance
You can use the "Foreigner's Permanent Residence Identity Card" as a valid identity document to apply for social insurance. Those who are employed in China shall participate in various social insurances in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Social Insurance Law of the China. To conduct procedures such as transfer, continuation, and termination of social insurance relationships, the social insurance agency shall simplify the process and provide convenience in accordance with relevant regulations.
Note: Holding a "Foreigner's Permanent Residence Identity Card" can apply for social insurance, but one cannot pay flexible employment employee social insurance or urban and rural resident insurance on their own.
3. An accesses to apply for provident fund
According to the Regulations on the Management of Housing Provident Fund and other regulations, the housing provident fund can be deposited and used at the workplace. When leaving the area, the withdrawal or transfer procedures for the housing provident fund can be handled according to regulations.
4. Convenience of travel
At present, the "Foreigner's Permanent Residence Identity Card" can be used to directly for airlines and trains tickets purchase, and hotel check-in.
For example, using the 12306 website to book train tickets:
Log in to the 12306 official website: China Railway 12306 website
Select Chinese as the language and click on the registration button in the upper right corner
Note: Most chain hotels not only allow you to check in directly with a green card, but also have opened a green card fast lane, making your stay faster and more hassle free. However, some small hotels in small cities may not support checking in and other procedures directly with a green card. We suggest that you confirm with the hotel by phone or other contact information before check-in.
5. No restrictions on purchasing properties
It is not subject to the restriction in the "Opinions on Regulating the Access and Management of Foreign Investment in the Real Estate Market" that foreign individuals must work and study in China for more than one year when purchasing self use commercial housing in China, and can purchase self-use and self-live commercial housing in China in accordance with other relevant regulations.
6. Investment
Foreign invested enterprises can be established through basic shareholding or investment, and the legally obtained RMB can be used for foreign direct investment within China.
7. Driver's license vehicle
Enjoy the same treatment as Chinese citizens in applying for a motor vehicle driver's license and handling motor vehicle registration. The "Driver's license in China Motor Vehicle Driver's License" can be renewed by presenting the "Foreigner's Permanent Residence ID Card".
8. Children who move with them can enjoy compulsory education
In some cities, the accompanying children of the holder of the "Foreigner's Permanent Residence Identity Card" meet certain conditions and can enjoy compulsory education in China like Chinese citizens. Please consult the local education bureau for specific cities where the children of holders of "Foreigner's Permanent Residence Identity Card" can enjoy this policy.
Note: In Shenzhen, accompanying children with "Foreigner's Permanent Residence Identity Card" generally cannot enjoy compulsory education, please consult with the schools for further details.