To facilitate foreign business expatriates working and living in China, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, in collaboration with relevant departments, has complied A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2024 Edition). It includes four parts, “Notes“, “Daily Life Services”, “Services for Stay and Residence in China”, and “Relevant Services for Work in China“, covering matters such as residence registration, SIM card, bank card, residence permit, work permit, social insurance, mobile payment, transportation, payment of individual income tax, and etc.
Notes
Residence registration needs to be completed after entry into China as soon as possible.
– For foreigners staying in a hotel, residence registration can be handled by the hotel.
– Foreigners, who stay elsewhere, need to register residence at the local police station within 24 hours after arrival.
Matters requiring special attention when foreigners work and live in China.
– Validity period of visa.
– Validity period of residence permit.
– Validity period of work permit.
Daily Life Services
SIM Card
You can bring yourpassports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards to the service offices of telecom operators such as China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Broadnet, to apply for a SIM card and activate mobile communication services in China.
Bank Card
You can bring your passports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards, and mobile phone numbers in China to the business offices of commercial banks to apply for a bank card (please consult the customer manager of the business office for specific requirements)
Mobile Payment
You can download and install WeChat or Alipay APPs and follow the instructions to input foreign or Chinese mobile phone numbers for account registration. You can bind the APP with international bank cards with the Mastercard, Visa, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover logos or Chinese bank cards with the logo of UnionPay.
Exchange of Foreign Currencies
Overseas visitors to China can exchange foreign currencies for RMB cash in advance in relevant countries or regions before bringing it into China (each visitor is allowed to take up to RMB20,000 in cash in or out of the country).
Transportation
– Train
Using identification documents. Foreign travelers can use the following valid identification documents when purchasing tickets or paying for the extended trip at the railway station’s ticket office and ticket agents, or on Trains.
– Airport
Foreign travelers can book tickets online on the airline’s official APP and WeChat mini program, or other ticketing platforms.
– Metro
Foreign travelers can buy single-journey tickets at the ticket office or self-service machines at the metro station. Frequent travelers can apply for metro passes at the ticket office with your passports.
– Bus
Foreign travelers can pay in cash or by bus cards or the Alipay APP to take the bus.
– Online ride-hailing services
Foreign travelers can use Alipay or WeChat to book online ride-hailing services.
– Car leasing services
Foreign travelers can rent cars at international airports and downtown service outlets. You can also use car leasing APPs or search for “mini programs for car leasing” on Alipay or WeChat. Once registered, you can make a reservation for car leasing.
Accommodation
Foreign travelers can make hotel reservations online through the Trip.com APP or via telephone or other means.
Services for Stay and Residence in China
Visa Extention
For foreigners entering China with a visa, if the original reason for entry has not yet been terminated or if for other legitimate reasons that require you to stay beyond the expiration date specified in the visa without the need to change the type of visa, you may apply for extending the visa.
Residence Permission
Foreigners who, after entering China, need to reside within the territory of the country due to reasons other than diplomatic or official matters shall apply for a residence permit and its extension, change or re-issuance in person at the exit and entry administration authority of China’s public security organs to complete relevant formalities. For a foreigner who is a high-level talent or urgently-needed professional, or is under 16 years old or over 60 years old, or with disabilities due to illness or other reasons, the inviting entity/individual, families or relatives of the applicant or a specialized service agency may file the application on behalf of the applicant.
Relevant Services for Work in China
Work Permit
Apply for work permit are as follows: A completed Application Form for Foreigner’s Work Permit; Supporting documents concerning work qualifications; Certificates of the highest academic degree (diploma). Other relevant materials as may be required.
Social Insurance
Foreigners who work in China shall access social security in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Social Insurance Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Interim Measures for Social Insurance System Coverage of Foreigners Working within the Territory of China.
Payment of Individual Income Tax
Residents and non-residents: An individual who is domiciled in China, or an individual who is not domiciled in China but has resided in China for an aggregate of 183 days or more within a tax year, shall be regarded as a resident individual. Income received by a resident individual from within China or overseas shall be subject to individual income tax pursuant to the provisions of the Individual Income Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China.
Click to View the Original Resource (The People’s Government of Beijing Municipality)