New foreign residence card to be introduced in December

A new version of Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card will be officially issued on Dec 1 this year, and the current version of the document within its validity period can also be used simultaneously, the National Immigration Administration said on Friday.

After the launch, holders of the current version of foreign permanent resident ID cards can apply for the replacement of the new version of the documents at local exit-entry administration agencies as needed, said NIA.

Mao Xu, director of NIA's Department of Foreigners Management, said that the foreign permanent resident identification card can be used separately as a personal identity document in China. Cardholders can use it for various purposes such as accommodation registration and purchasing tickets for transportation, without the need to present their foreign passport.

The new card will be easily identifiable via visual reading and will facilitate the cardholders in more on-site application scenarios online, he said.

"Enabling the new version of the card is a practical measure to ensure China's high-level openness to the world and enhance the digitalization level of foreigner management services. The new card is expected to improve the quality and efficiency of immigration management services and better serve overseas talents working, studying, and living in China," he said.

Mao noted that the NIA will work with other departments to accelerate the upgrading and transformation of information systems and facilities in various related industries and expand the scope of application of the foreign permanent resident identification card.

According to the NIA, the new card adjusts the card number from 15 digits to 18 digits, incorporating information codes such as the foreigner identification code, nationality code, and application location code. Each individual is assigned a unique number that remains unchanged throughout their lifetime.

The layout of the new card has also been optimized, and the registration columns have been improved. It features a newly designed Great Wall pattern and added five-star elements that symbolize the country, effectively conveying China's image and concept.