Beijing to ease entry, residence policy for overseas talent

BEIJING -- The Ministry of Public Security (MPS)announced on Tuesday it will ease rules for foreign talents to enter and exit Beijing, and provide favorable terms to acquire permanent residence.

The MPS will run the pilot program in Beijing's Zhongguancun Science Park to provide convenience for foreign talents such as special offices for permanent residence examination and approval, streamlined approval procedures and more favorable conditions for foreigners with doctorate degrees or above to get a Chinese green card.

The new regulations will also allow short-term internships in Beijing for foreign students and permit them to run their own start-ups in Zhongguancun.

Foreign tech and senior management talents are also encouraged to join China's creative companies and file application to get permanent residence, the MPS said.

The MPS said it will help the Beijing municipal government launch a "Transit Without Visa" project for certain foreign nationals to stay in Beijing for no more than 144 hours without an entry visa.

The new regulations, scheduled to take effect on March 1, are aimed at promoting Beijing's soft environment for innovation and start-ups, the MPS said.