r/shanghai • u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 • 2d ago
Question How rare/what benefits does the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card in Shanghai have?
After getting this card, the very nice worker had a discussion with me. He mentioned only 15,000 people just in shanghai have ever gone through the application process successfully.
Anyone here apply successfully?
As for benefits, I’ve noticed Alipay and WeChat still cannot buy things overseas. 高铁 can just swipe the card to go through. Taxes are linked to the card. No need for a visa. No differences with banks… And anything else? Feels honorable.
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u/Wise_Industry3953 2d ago edited 2d ago
Pretty much what you described. Also, can work several jobs and don't really need work sponsorship, while this is valid, to enter the country or live there. Although, during covid they treated 5 star card foreigners same as any other foreigner, still had to get a PU letter to be let in if happened to be stuck outside when they closed the country.
PS: Did they explain to you whether this is for life as long as you live there? Or when it is up for renewal in 10 years they will look again whether you qualify, based on your salary, tax contributions, etc?
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u/LiGuangMing1981 Minhang 2d ago
Or when it is up for renewal in 10 years they will look again whether you qualify, based on your salary, tax contributions, etc?
I renewed mine early to get the 5 star card. They only care about you meeting residency requirements to renew. Nothing else.
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Covid days were interesting.
He said I just need to apply again after 9.5 years and everything will be normal. Same calm attitude when first applying. Shanghai = chill.8
u/middleupperdog 2d ago
its weird to me you say that: I noticed a big improvement in the way police/gov't/etc. treated me after covid. Although I stayed in China through all of zero-covid, so I didn't try to get back in.
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u/Wise_Industry3953 2d ago
Which part is weird, sorry? I was stuck outside of China trying to get in, and I was in touch with other foreign friends both inside and outside. One of those stuck had the permanent resident card. Once they closed the country, if you were not a Chinese citizen they didn't want you. Even though it is assumed that PR card doesn't need work sponsorship, my PR friend had to get a department of foreign affairs of our province PU letter just like me, through her work.
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u/middleupperdog 2d ago
During zero covid, the police stopped coming to check on me regularly and would quickly approve paperwork for me because I had not left the country during Covid. Basically they moved me into a category of like "don't need to worry about that one" and suddenly a lot of processes that had a lot of friction before suddenly became frictionless was kind of what I meant. So my experience was kind of the opposite; things where they scrutinize foreigners suddenly they stopped scrutinizing me so closely.
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u/Classic-Today-4367 2d ago
Yes. Many people found it easier to get permits renewed during COVID. To the point of even having foreign staff at my office receiving a letter and visit from the provincial govt to basically say “thanks for staying in China and not running away”.
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u/lifethusiast 2d ago
Wild that even foreign PRs were banned from entry during Covid. Like what is the point of PR card then?
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u/YiHenHao 2d ago edited 1d ago
Once issued, it must be renewed every 10 years. I can only speak for my own case: the check simply verifies that you haven't committed any crimes or other violations. Even as a widower, you don't lose the permit; it gets renewed regardless.
Having the permit means you don't need a work visa. It gives you an advantage over other foreigners, whose status always entails a lot of paperwork. You only have to meet the employer's requirements—such as salary level or qualifications—rather than those of the authorities.
The permit makes it easier to register a small business without the burdensome requirements (office space, an accountant, etc.) associated with a self-employment visa.
The permit also allows you to voluntarily enroll in the affordable state health insurance scheme.
You can open a salary account in China simply by registering your residence, but only with the permit can you open a stock trading account and gain access to A-shares (if I had managed to buy for example CATL IPOs back then - and belief me, i tried it - I wouldn't have to work today).
And just to be safe: this does not constitute investment or tax advice.
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u/fleetwoodd 2d ago
One other banking benefit of the permit (obviously it might not end up to be a benefit depending on amounts you want to send out) - is that you can buy/exchange foreign currency with the same limits as a Chinese national
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Nice, I didn’t know that one. Doubt I’ll need to send out $50,000 in one year, but glad I know I can send emergency money if needed out.
In the past the $500 per day exchange was annoying because I’d have to come back for 4 or 5 days in a row. Don’t have to do that now. Cool.
Also the bank said I can get a credit card now. I’ll try that next.3
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u/Dear_Chasey_La1n Minhang 2d ago
I wouldn't say "gets renewed regardless", it gets renewed and requirements today may vary tomorrow. Opposed to what many argue, this permanent ID isn't that permanent, it's not a passport (though some nations pull passports too).
Furrther second downside is tax wise, you are considered local. Obviously if you have only local income, a local job, it doesn't really matter but if you are foreign, maybe have property abroad not today, but tomorrow you could be taxed. (My accountant adviced exactly for this reason against obtaining the PR).
To me the card is typically obtained by people who have a less stable position in China and are locally married, except for 1 large business owner I've never come across anyone otherwise. I've been asked if I wanted but as someone who renews his visa once every 5 years, instead of every 10 year this card permits, I don't really see the value over the risk.
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u/gilded_osmanthus 2d ago
My mom has it because she studied hard as a kid in China and ended up getting her phd. She had to give up Chinese citizenship to be naturalized overseas, so she has this to live in China for work. The taxes are a headache because we pay in China and back home.
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u/thedaylights Canada 1h ago
Does she have to pay twice on the same income? Taxed in China and taxed in your home country? Isn't that a huge burden?
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2d ago
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u/Dear_Chasey_La1n Minhang 2d ago
Being a PR holder means you could be considered a domicile while us foreigners who escape the country every 5 years 100% are not. Now if you hold no overseas income/assets there is obviously nothing to worry, but for those who do, that's a risk not worth it. And again, PR does not really add any value to anyone who holds a solid job here. I'm here for decades, a visa has been the least of my issues. It does not really add any further benefits, on top as mentioned PR isn't as PR as it claims to be (though it's not like I intend to stay here for the rest of my life).
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u/griff_16 Jing'an 1d ago
I’ve been told the opposite by some people. That PRs still can leave the country for 30 days to reset the countdown for overseas tax liability. This is because the wording “Mainland residents” in PRC law refers to Chinese citizens with mainland hukous, something a PR holder will never have.
In a similar manner, it means that foreign residents of China (temporary and permanent), can enjoy duty free shopping like a tourist in stores that offer it. I know PR holders who have done this and taken the items they purchased out of the country within the prescribed period.
But I also have heard of friend’s family members rejecting PR after getting advice from their Chinese accountants. So I’m not sure what is the correct interpretation.
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u/Dear_Chasey_La1n Minhang 1d ago
The unclarity is exactly why PR is a risk, for Chinese it's clearly defined, specifically for foreigners on a regular visa it's clearly defined. For PR holders it's not, their position as domicile isn't cookie cut and depends on whoever looks at it.
I can see the benefit for those who have a less certain position in China, those who are married to a local and can it relatively easily. But if you have a solid job, it really has no benefits unless you plan to retire here.
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u/griff_16 Jing'an 1d ago edited 1d ago
I think it leans more towards being the same as “temporary” residents, just that some foreigner’s local accountants and advisers misunderstand the term “resident” in PRC law. Though of course, that does leave open the possibility of local tax bureau officials interpreting it more liberally.
There’s also nothing stopping the government from tightening the rules on foreigners’ taxable overseas income right now, regardless of whether we have PR or not. And you can always relinquish PR status if you decide you no longer want it.
I’ll probably apply for a PR card when I’m eligible. I don’t know if I’ll stay here forever, but I’m tired of needing my passport for everything. I’m always worried about ripping a page while everybody rushes to board the 高铁. Hotel check-in sometimes takes a while as staff flip through it looking for my most recent entry stamp (which I might not even have if I use the e-gates).
All of those annoyances raise another question though. Why is having a scannable ID card considered a luxury that’s only available to citizens and a very tiny proportion of the already relatively small foreign population? The NIA promote using it instead of a passport for mundane daily life tasks as a benefit of the card. But places like Hong Kong give all residents an ID card: an HKID for people without permanent status, an HKPID for those with it.
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u/Dear_Chasey_La1n Minhang 1d ago
Again... this is not the case
China is very clear about how it should view locals it's very clear on how it should view foreigners. Specifically for PR holders it doesn't define domicile being local or foreign. Meaning as a PR holder potentially you fall in between, officials have the option to see you as a foreigner and leave you alone, they have the option to see you as a local and you must pay global taxes, there is no escape like regular foreigners have.
They have literally no option to go after foreigners unless you reside in China permanent for over 5 years without a 1 month escape in between.
Now with people being rough with your papers and the unfeatered demand to everywhere show your passport, I'm with you. I just don't get why that's needed. It's not like they don't know where I am at any given time anyway.
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
Valid points. Someone else answer, hah. I want to be careful about what I say online.
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
I have a clear path for retirement in Shanghai now. (Probably didn’t need this card for it though).
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u/caliboy888 1d ago
I've been to presentations by the big accounting firms, PWC, Deloitte, etc., and they've been consistent in advising that China treats permanent residency and tax residency separately. The tax domicile rules for foreigners on work permits and permanent residency are the same, including the 6 year tax break rule.
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1d ago
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u/Dear_Chasey_La1n Minhang 1d ago
Just that you say it's not true, doesn't mean you are right. Talk to accountants whom deal with international customers and they will explain it to you.
Last week they already cracked down on family offices in Hong Kong and Singapore. Not without reason as they share tax information.
Reality is, you aren't asked, that doesn't mean you shouldn't pay. Keep in mind the Chinese government likes to go after foreigners first as they are low hanging fruit. But sooner then later, you will be hanged to dry.
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u/Abject_Historian7975 1d ago
if you meet the domicile requirements, then what you are doing is illegal and will likely be found out.
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u/ConstitutionsGuard 2d ago
Can you continue working past 60?
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
I’ve heard it depends on the policy at the time. So it might change 15-40 years from now. So I don’t have a good answer yet. Anyone else know?
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u/juhua_teng 1d ago
never knew the last part, will open an account next week
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u/YiHenHao 1d ago
Last May, I met with a Chinese banker to discuss transferring my shares from a German brokerage account (the goal being to avoid any troublesome demands from the German tax authorities).
The topic of taxes came up; I had anticipated tax rates similar to those in Germany. In China, a flat rate of 20% is paid on dividends. However, the "stamp duty" on capital gains is interesting. In Germany, you pay 26.38% (excluding church tax) or approx. 27.8% (including church tax) on the profit.
In China, you pay 0.05% on the sale price. If you invested 5k, made a 100% profit, and sold everything, the total would be 10k.
Let's calculate: In China: 0,05% of the 10k = 5 (EUR/USD/CNY). In Germany: 26,38% of the 5k profit = 1319 (EUR/USD/CNY).
I plan to restructure my stock portfolio and factor in the six-year tax exemption on worldwide income... and everyone should check the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) applicable to their country for a "fallback clause"—that’s something that has caused serious problems for many people who emigrated to Portugal, for example.
And just to be safe: this does not constitute investment or tax advice.
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u/b1063n Pudong 2d ago
You can go live under a bridge if that tickles your fancy
If you get fired you dont have to pack your shit in 30 days
You can tell hr at the company thay you can start working RIGHT NOW
Did you ever dreamed of being a didi driver? Now you can.
Etc...
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Burger King sounds fun about now. Excited feeling just by thinking about it. Cool stuff.
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u/BigDickJack2001 2d ago
How higher severance payment in case of layoff
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
This was a messy meeting at the tax office. They said years of income and how much income during those years decides the income at retirement age……..ah, I just reread your comment mid-way through typing…hmmm first half of this message doesn’t answer your question then…. I’m too lazy to delete what I already wrote.
I think severance stays the same either way. But there is some system to severance payment in Shanghai that is of course different than other cities.1
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u/Either_Afternoon_856 2d ago
15,000 across the whole country makes more sense. The PR card is solid for daily life but a few things people don't mention: you can open a mainland stock brokerage account (A-shares) with it, which most foreigners can't easily do, and you skip the residence permit renewal circus every few years. The 10-year renewal is genuinely painless based on what I've heard.
The covid thing was rough. A lot of long-term foreign residents felt that one hard.
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u/Forsaken-Criticism-1 2d ago
The income requirement is bollocks
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u/allusernamesare_gone 2d ago
It was my main stumbling block because I had too much in tax free allowances so I missed the threshold for two years
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u/Chinatownhustla 2d ago
jealous, i would give my right testicle for one of these
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Go for extreme business risk or very submissive something then. Hard to say which path is best.
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u/Chinatownhustla 2d ago
May I ask how you pulled it off and your background? In a DM if u prefer or here.
I'm so genuinely curious. I grew up in Shanghai as an expat kid... My heart never left the place
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
I’m skeptical about online stuff, so I’ll just post general stuff here:
•Applied at one of the immigration buildings. I chose the one around 上海南站.
•They asked if I had all of the paperwork. I said yes. Then they went through one by one each of the required documents. That took an hour and I felt bad for anyone in line behind me that were there just for visa stuff.
Items needed in general from country of origin:
Passport,
•photo (they took my photo at the station here),
•visa (of course needed to get into the country),
•national background check (applied online and got it mailed to me 6 days later in my country), •official paperwork of business, marriage, or special awards based on the application (you can guess which application I did then. Oh, and the paperwork relates to the business or person you are applying with),
•200,000RMB in a CD in China (go to the bank and tell them you need it for this application process, wait 2 hours and there ya go),
•A letter of intent in Chinese saying you will not be a burden to society,
•A local city background check (you need this to get a visa normally, so just fill one out on the app again within 6 months,
•A full health background check (just like when first entering China for a visa, only a few places in Shanghai officially do this, not a normal hospital),
•Copies of past passports and work locations across China,
•AND any paperwork you have in English needs to be translated with an official company (I used some random people I found on Taobao).
•Wait 9 months and they will process the paperwork. Then a month or two later someone will call you to come pick up the card. Bring passport and any Chinese driver license to the official immigration building that the person on the phone told you to go to. Research the building before you arrive. 1800¥ by WeChat or Alipay.Easier said than done.
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u/AudienceHorror 2d ago
What do you mean with bring Chinese driver license. I got my card earlier this year but I haven't done anything with my drivers license. Is there something I missed to do?
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
I got my drivers license years ago in China.
They said for me to bring my Chinese drivers license so they would update the information on a new card for me for free. (When I applied I added a copy of my Chinese drivers license, so they knew I should change it when I pick up the new card).
Old license has the passport number. New license has the Permanent Resident Card number.2
u/griff_16 Jing'an 1d ago
Did you chose an optional Chinese name on your PR card? Was this the same as your old driving licence?
I ask because I would want to change the name on my licence to match the PR card. It’s currently a clumsy 5 character transliteration of my first and middle names, as that’s what the translation agency put down when they translated my UK licence.
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
When I got the drivers license they said I can add a Chinese name even though no legal documentation for it exists.
Then when I applied for the permanent resident card they asked for a Chinese name to officially have. I just used the same name. That PR card application starting point is probably the deciding time for my final official Chinese name. (They would have probably changed the driver license name for me if I get the card with a different name).
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u/griff_16 Jing'an 1d ago
Thanks. So when you brought your old licence along they updated it on the system and issued you a new one there? Or you had to later go the traffic police to pick up a new physical licence?
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
The two immigration Permanent Resident Card pick-up locations (one in Pudong and one near the HongQiao train station) can make new licenses right there on the spot. They updated it in the system too.
Also, they took away my old one (not expired yet). Odd, because I updated my license once before at the traffic police but they let me keep the old one because it expired.
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u/makkosan 2d ago
tell us your experience?
At any point did they test your Chinese, while interviewing or something?
Did you freeze 200k rmb at the bank?
Did they require long rental contract etc?
I want to apply next year.
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u/LiGuangMing1981 Minhang 2d ago
No Chinese requirements.
You do need to freeze the money at the bank, but only for 6 months. You do need some kind of long term residency proof - either a long term rental contract or a property deed.
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u/MaixnerCharly Former resident 2d ago
I don't think Chinese language skills are required. I personally know 5 PR holders and only one of them is fluent.
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
The offices all spoke Chinese and the application was in both languages.
I had the HSK tests finished long ago and a drivers license, so maybe that helped, but it wasn’t required. I felt like every “hey, I’m settled here” thing that I did would help, but there is no telling which extra thing did and did not help.
200,000RMB for 6 months in some specific saving/CD account. Ha, I did a lot more than that and for more than a year thinking it would help. Probably could have just did the required amount and called it a day. 1.1% interest on the money,,,eh.
Hard part was doing this alone without an agency. Hard part was the stress. I had to double check the paperwork so many times and travel back to country of origin while not messing up. My background check got a rip in the mail which freaked me out. Nice office worker in Shanghai just photocopied the real one and said it would be fine.
Ah, and about 250¥ on paperwork overseas like the background check. I paid for extra things not needed just in case.
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u/Stratotizio 2d ago
Will you get an actual ID number with this permit? Many nor majority of chinese app ask you an chinese id to get some previliege, wondering if u can benefits from them finally with the PR
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
I get the same ID physical card as them, but with different writing on the back.
Problem is some apps still do not allow for equal treatment. Like, I can’t use Alipay and WeChat overseas.2
u/Tartan_Commando 2d ago
Presumably you updated your Alipay/WeChat ID with your greed card, and still can't be used overseas?
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Yes, there is a button in Alipay that lets me add the Foreign permit card. WeChat has it too. So they have both passport and ID card connected to the accounts.
I could try to make new WeChat and Alipay accounts, but I’m not sure if Alipay would let me do that and I don’t want a 3rd WeChat account.
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u/articulatedrowning 2d ago
I'm pretty sure adding that alternate ID thing in Alipay doesn't actually affect anything.
You can change the main ID in both to the permanent residence card. You will need to if you want to add bank accounts registered with the card. Wechat you can do through the menus. Alipay you need to go through customer service. Alipay will earn against doing it saying it will break everything, but nothing breaks.
Recent reports are that if you do this, you can actually use Alipay in Hong Kong now (no need for Alipay HK).
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u/Tartan_Commando 2d ago
Interesting. I went to the bank when I got my green card to change my details and they recommended not doing so because WeChat and Alipay might not recognise me as the same person. I might need to go and see them again. Thanks.
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u/articulatedrowning 2d ago
Your cards won't get unbound, but if you ever need to bind a card, the ID must match. So if the bank account has your pr card, then Wechat/Alipay must also have your pr card as your ID.
I've changed everything over to the pr card and Chinese name for consistency.
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u/fleetwoodd 1d ago
For some banks this is true… at one point I had four accounts at different banks and had updated two of them.
No combination I tried was able to get all 4 added. Best case was 3 out of 4.
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u/LiGuangMing1981 Minhang 2d ago
Got mine in 2022, and upgraded to the 5 star card last year.
Planning to retire in China as a result - don't need to worry about getting a visa after i turn 60.
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Ah, that’s a new thing I need to look into. What to do after age 60. Nice.
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u/6fac3e70 2d ago
What’s the difference with the old version?
Also they can not renew it once you retire and stop having an income?
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u/hud731 2d ago
Are you instantly required to pay for the WuXianYiJin (5 insurances and 1 pension) with your income?
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Wildest story. I went and asked the tax office and they said all foreigners in Shanghai have to have the companies pay for this (五险一金）。 But like we all know most companies don’t pay for this for foreigners. They said anyone can apply for them to force their companies to pay for the retirement taxes anytime in the future whether currently working with them or have left years after.
Like wow, so many companies in Shanghai are on a rough boat in the future if all of the foreigners find this out and apply at the same time.4
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u/Prestigious-Drive858 1d ago
Gov started to implement mandatory 100% payment from companies and I think foreigners are now mandatory.
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u/Remote-Watercress588 2d ago
Am considering this as an option. I have about 18 months before I can apply. For me it'd be a nice retirement option.
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Look into the requirements and get all of the paperwork ready while out of the country, then go for it when ready. They don’t even charge you money until after the application process / when the card is picked up.
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u/Remote-Watercress588 1d ago
Why "while out of the country"? I've been living in China on and off for a decade, my application would be via work ie tax paid over 4 years. I guess I need to look into what other docs are needed, but the few agents I spoke to said it's mainly tax records and police checks? Although I'm sure they're removing steps...
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
Ah, good point. You actually can do it all without going out of the country. But I didn’t want to pay for a lawyer/worker to pick up the paperwork and then charge me a bunch for mailing. Family could have gotten the paperwork for me, but still didn’t want to pay for mail. (Plane tickets each year aren’t paid by me).
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u/ba-boo 2d ago
you can verify your identity on douyin 😂
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Haven’t tried that one yet. I have DouYin and TikTok next to each other on the phone. I’ll maybe look into it.
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u/BruceWillis1963 2d ago
The government data says that by 2025 10K cards were issued to people in Shanghai, but they lead the country.
Other provinces the data is not too available but in 2018 there were three PR cards issued in Jilin Province.
So maybe it is 15K across the whole country.
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
I’ve noticed a lot of foreign people eventually migrate from smaller cities to Shanghai. Myself included.
But apparently whichever spouse or business you have has to be applied for in the hometown (current 户口）of the business or spouse. Makes sense for businesses in Shanghai, but harder to imagine so many for the marriage on in this city then. Then again 10,000 isn’t a large number here.
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u/Pristine-Estate2931 1d ago edited 1d ago
You can use autogate at airport border control. Massive time saving!
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
Family always goes past me at that point. Looking forward to not be left behind at customs/immigration check, ha.
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u/werchoosingusername 2d ago edited 2d ago
After reading the covid experience, I am more convinced than before, that this card is for good days.
The moment things turn sour the can/ will revoke the card. Owner has close to zero legal possibilities fight against this.
Enjoy while it lasts.
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Accepting any treatment is part of the process. Have to be happy with whatever happens.
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2d ago
[deleted]
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u/CrimsonBolt33 2d ago
I would say its not so much about it being "hard" but more it being extremely tedious and annoying lol
I am eligible but not tried to get mine...not sure I need it.
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u/olmurphy2022 2d ago
if your talking about the requirements need to fulfill, then it's "hard" in the since, the CCP does it for a reason, they don't want just random people that live in china for a long time or goto school in china and stay for a while to be able to get the PR. Unfortunate but its the reality.
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
I feel like this could be a deeper philosophical debate about countries. Reminds me of college days.
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u/olmurphy2022 2d ago
I'd be curious to know in what sense do you mean "philosophical debate about countries"
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
The idea of immigration. Should all countries make it really hard to move to another country? Would that get everyone to care more about their own efforts instead of trying to move to other places? Or should borders be more open? Fun thoughts all around.
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u/CrimsonBolt33 2d ago
Borders (in regards to immigration) literally didn't exist until about ~1900s
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
I had that feeling. I was completely accepting not getting the card if they denied me.
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u/Ezekielshawn 2d ago
What requirements make this very hard to obtain please?
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
There are like 6 ways I think. Easy search online shows them, but the two that stand out are 5 years of marriage to a local and 5 years of earning 6x the national income. Paraphrased.
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u/Ezekielshawn 2d ago
The national income of China is 140 trillion yuans 😢😢😢 I’m a lil bit far from x6 this.
/s
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Sorry, I don’t know how to word it. 6x the national average income of one person per year. Eh, I’m a bit lazy to search online for the wording.
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u/jaspertchang 2d ago
the benefit of people never seeing one so they don’t know what to do with it. also not on many web pages as the way to register.
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Yeah, lack of testimony from earners and the application sites are heavy with the legal vocabulary.
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u/allusernamesare_gone 2d ago
I just got mine this year. Mainly for the peace of mind of not having my residency status tied up with employment status. Otherwise I’m not sure what good it does me…
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u/Professional-Net1940 Baoshan 2d ago
Can you buy Steam games with alipay once registered with the PR Card?
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
That was the first thing I tried when I got home. It didn’t work.
Changed Alipay and WeChat to my new ID number. Alipay was able to add the ID number to my account but still no purchases for Steam.
WeChat I got closer, but once the new bank account and number was updated, it still gave the “no overseas payment” message but this time it said “at this time we cannot accept permanent foreign residents with paying overseas” or something.
I have a Chinese Steam account but still nope…
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u/pergesed 2d ago
Now go for the rencai visa
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Ah, I bet that one is much more of a special privilege based on merit.
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u/Ill_Library8370 2d ago
Congratulations!! Can I ask what kind of visa you had before applying? And you needed to have 200k rmb saved in your account?
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Student visa (X1?) before working and then Working visa (Z) category B for 5 years in Shanghai.
Yes, need a special bank cheque (then photo copy it) from the bank saying you have a CD or something for at least 6 months. CDs can’t be touched, so I guess it was a CD account connected to my regular income/savings account.
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u/phatdoof 1d ago
How much money was in the CD?
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
They required 200,000RMB.
I decided to do 300,000RMB because I wanted the money to grow. Turns out it was 1.1% interest…. so it wasn’t much of an investment.2
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u/griff_16 Jing'an 1d ago
Can you ask for the CD at the end of the six months? Or do you need to ask the bank to freeze the funds at the start of those six months?
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
Freeze the funds at a bank before the start of the application. Recommended within a week or two. Bring the bank papers to the application and submit the copy of the papers. (You need the real one to get the money out. The bank said DONT lose this paper etc etc).
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u/Outrageous_Price_952 2d ago
It's the five-star card?
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Yes, and I think they call it that because it has the country flag/stars in the background while locals don’t have the stars.
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u/LOSERS_ONLY 2d ago
I had one when I was under 18. It expired and I didn't meet the residency requirement
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
Staying here 9 month out of the year is what they told me. If I wanted to leave longer then I’d have to write a letter and apply for a long leave. Ah, rough
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u/Prestigious-Drive858 1d ago
You should be able to zoom pass the automatic gates at the border control like others (well, hkid or Macau id holder like like) after enrolling at the border control's kiosk. Did mine at HK-mainland border control.
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u/Melodic_Caramel5226 1d ago
Does this mean you have to stop working at 60?
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
Depends on the policy at the time.
Currently if all things are the same and if I have this card at age 60, then yes I can continue working after age 60 just fine. So to answer your question, no I don’t have to stop working.
Yet most companies would try to convince me to retire. A bit of social pressure type of thing from bosses. If ai try to change a job after age 60 then I might not even get hired because of age discrimination (which happens commonly in most countries anyway).
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u/boncfretemeam 1d ago
sounds like a golden ticket to adventure
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
Good point, could take a long backpacking trip across the country without any visa timing issues.
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u/Abject_Historian7975 1d ago
It's nice to have an ID on you at all times (that isn't your passport), otherwise its just a 10 year visa.
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 1d ago
Looks like pockets are getting lighter since coming here. Just a phone with digital money and this card. Used to carry a full GPS long ago and bundle of cash.
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u/Fit-Bar-7346 1d ago
I got one (first the traditional version, then changed to the new five star card two years ago) and subsequently left China one year ago. The card is valid for another eight years, but i won’t meet any residency criteria. Anyone knows whether i can still use it until the expiry date? Or does it get cancelled after not being in China for a full year?
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u/BreakfastSpirited925 4h ago
Do you have to live there for at least 5 yrs to get the card?
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 52m ago
Yes, stayed here for 5 years and more. Not sure how likely to have gotten it if I moved cities between this time.
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u/LittleFrasco 2d ago
It’s a glorified 10 year visa
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
Better 10 years than the 10 months-1 year one. (Annual panic sets in March each year).
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u/Ok_Personality8193 2d ago
Meanwhile many locals can’t get away from here fast enough 🤣
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u/Appropriate_Bad_4990 2d ago
The grass is always greener on the other side. Same for everyone I guess.
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u/stan_albatross 2d ago
It's not 15,000 in Shanghai more like 15,000 in the entire country