Under a new effort promoted by the government, China has issued a series of policies to make it more convenient for foreigners to work in the country, especially those foreigners who are working in the areas of innovation and startups.

A Chinese green card, which gives its holder permanent residence rights as well as access to national public services and welfare, is popular among expatriates. Last year, the Ministry of Public Security granted 1,576 green cards.

A green card holder’s children can receive free education for nine years, and the holder can benefits from China’s social security system, enjoy national rights to housing, taxation, finance, travel and a driving license. 

China reformed the green card application procedure in September 2015, making it much easier for foreigners to obtain it. Prior to that there were many strict requirements to ensure the applicant’s abilities especially in relation to the fields of scientific and technological research and development.

The reform marks China changing attitude towards foreigners, who are now regarded as an important source of talent for China to benefit from.

After the financial crisis in 2008, an increasing number of foreigners came to look for jobs in China, and the number of foreigners living in China has risen fast. The Chinese government’s “1,000-people program”, which is targeted at attracting foreign talents to work in China, also succeeded in encouraging more Chinese students studying overseas to return.