Shanghai Ups Its Efforts To Support Expat Integration

Expats in Shanghai can now access an extra dozen Foreigner’ Social Integration Service Centres located in the city’s research, art and museum institutions.

Set up by the Shanghai Exit Entry Administration Bureau after the launch on September 16 of China’s first Permanent Residence Service Centre, the 12 new stations will work in tandem with six already established Immigrant Integration Service Stations. The centre for permanent residence, located in Zhangjuang Hi-Tech Park, already offers multiple services in addition to permanent residency applications, with its consultations including advice on China’s talent policy, education, business, healthcare insurance, language learning, social insurance and legal issues.

One Swiss expatriate resident in China for 10 years realised his dream of permanent residency last Friday, telling the media getting a Chinese ‘green card’ meant he’d no longer have to apply for a work permit, can access public accumulation funds and no longer needs to show his passport when travelling with the country. He’s more than happy about the permanent residency services, saying he now expects support in every aspect of daily life in Shanghai.

According to the city authority, the numbers of expat service stations are due to increase still more in districts with a high number of foreign residents, in the hope every expat professional will be able to access support at an office close to their homes. Given China’s previous reputation as a no-go destination for foreign professionals, it’s now seen as an important destination for top talent, especially in the tech sector, and is attracting the brightest and best by giving them all the help they need to adjust to its unique culture.