How to Apply for a Social Security Card When Renewing a Permit?

  

Source: OT-Team(G), 东莞市社会保险基金管理中心; 人力资源社会保障部

  Starting from December 1, 2024, foreign nationals' work permits will be integrated into the social security card system, with work permit information loaded onto their social security cards.

  According to this policy, applications, extensions, modifications, and cancellations of work permits will be processed online through the Foreign Nationals Working in China Management Service System (hereinafter referred to as the 'Work in China System'). Foreign nationals will no longer need to obtain a physical foreign work permit after entering China. For those who have already received a physical foreign work permit, the principle of 'no change, no replacement' applies. When applying for an extension or modification of the current work permit, they will follow the new procedure for integrating the work permit information into the social security card.

How to register and apply for your physical and electronic social security card?

• Physical social security card

  How to apply for a physical social security card? Below are some answers to frequently asked questions, using Dongguan, Guangdong as an example.

1. Who is eligible to apply for a social security card with integrated work permit information in Dongguan?

(1)Foreign nationals who have never applied for a Dongguan social security card but have received approval for a work permit can apply for the Dongguan social security card with integrated work permit information.

(2)Foreign nationals who have already applied for a Dongguan social security card and have received approval for a work permit can apply for a replacement card with the integrated work permit information.

   Note: There is no fee for first-time applications or for upgrading to the third-generation social security card. However, if the card is lost or replaced, a fee of 20 RMB per card will apply, according to current pricing standards.

2. What documents are required to apply for the integrated social security card?

   The applicant must provide their valid passport and the photo receipt for the Dongguan social security card. The photo receipt can be obtained from photo studios or online services that provide social security card photo collection services in Dongguan. For more information on where to take the photo, scan the provided QR code.

3. How long does it take to receive the integrated social security card?

   If applying through a paper application form, the card will be issued within 12 working days after the application is approved.

   If applying through an issuing bank's instant card production service, the card can be obtained on the same day.

4. Where can the integrated social security card be applied for?

 Foreign nationals working in China can apply for the integrated social security card at any branch of the Construction Bank or Guangfa Bank in Dongguan. Guangfa Bank's main branch and Zhongxin branch offer instant card production and immediate card replacement services. For information on available service locations, scan the provided QR code. You can also check the "Dongguan Social Security" WeChat official account for the latest updates on issuing banks and service locations.

5. How to activate the integrated social security card?

 The individual can bring their original social security card, passport, and required documents to the issuing bank's branch to complete the card collection and activation procedures. The specific documents required will depend on the bank's requirements, so it is advised to consult the issuing bank in advance.

• E-Social security card

1. Foreign nationals can download the Electronic Social Security Card App on their mobile phones, register using their name, work permit number, or social security number, and complete real-name verification. After verification, they will receive an electronic social security card loaded with their work permit information. Once they receive a physical social security card, the electronic card will provide the standard services to the foreign national.

2. The employer of the foreign national or the individual themselves, holding either the "Foreign Work Permit Notice" or the electronic social security card, can use the online social security service platform or visit a social security agency to complete the social insurance registration for the foreign national. The social security agency will verify the foreign work permit information through the "Work in China" system and, if eligible, will assign a social security number. The physical social security card will then be issued.