Mainland China: Work Permit And Social Security Cards Integrated Under New Enhanced System

At a Glance

• Effective December 1, 2024, the Chinese government has integrated the Work Permit Card with the Social Security Card in an effort to improve administrative efficiency and eliminate the issuance of physical Work Permit Cards.
• As a result, foreign nationals will not receive a physical Work Permit Card under the new system. Instead, work permit information will be digitized and linked to an electronic Social Security Card accessible via a dedicated mobile application.
• Existing valid Work Permit Cards remain usable, however, foreign nationals seeking to transition to the electronic system can apply for an upgrade and can obtain the electronic Social Security Card.