Beyond the milestone, Shanghai's clear procedures and efficiency make permanent residency a tangible, planned path. Many professionals discover they qualify. Early application is key for long-term flexibility in China.
Shanghai's "Five-Star Card" Surpasses 10,000: Clear Signal Behind
Since December 1, 2023, the National Immigration Administration officially launched the new version of the Foreigner's Permanent Residence ID—known as the "Five-Star Card."
As this new system rolls out across China, cities are progressing at different paces in processing permanent residency. According to official data, Shanghai has now issued over 10,000 Five-Star Cards, ranking first in the country.
To many, this number may seem like just another news headline. But from the perspective of frontline consulting and practical case handling, we observe a different trend: a growing number of foreigners—many who never believed they were eligible—are now securing permanent residency in Shanghai.
Check our latest video on China Visa and foreign-related knowledge!
Follow our channel for updates 👇
1. Behind 10,000 Cards Lies a Genuine Rise in Service Efficiency
Under the national policy framework, cities vary in implementation efficiency and experience. Shanghai, in particular, has shown three major improvements with the launch of the Five-Star Card:
Clearer application paths and better differentiation of application types
More effective multi-agency collaboration and smoother processing flow
Rapid accumulation of cases across corporate, talent, and family reunion categories
These improvements explain why Shanghai remains ahead in the number of permanent residency cards issued.
Feel free to reach out to our visa consultant Maggie for a one-on-one consultation!
2. Case Study #1: Not Underqualified—Just Never Assessed
📌 Case Background
A European professional had been working and living in Shanghai for 8 years on a work permit. Not a senior executive, just a skilled specialist. His initial thought:
"Permanent residency is for top-level executives or investors. I don't stand a chance."
📌 Assessment Outcome
A structured review of his residency duration, tax records, and employer credentials revealed he met the key criteria for the Talent-Based Permanent Residency—he had simply never undergone a formal evaluation.
📌 Current Status
His application is now formally underway. His reflection:
"If I had known earlier, I could've started years ago. It brings so much convenience and a deeper sense of belonging in China."
3. Case Study #2: Planning to Leave China Became the Best Time to Apply
📌 Case Background
An expat executive at a multinational was set to transfer overseas within a year and thought:
"I'm leaving anyway, why bother applying for permanent residency?"
📌 Professional Insight
Contrary to this belief, initiating the application before departure offered distinct advantages:
Full-time employment status ensured document consistency
Clear tax and corporate links
Stable policy conditions
📌 Final Decision
He started the application before leaving, preserving long-term flexibility for future return or family planning in China.
Feel free to reach out to our visa consultant Maggie for a one-on-one consultation!
4. What Does 10,000 Cards Really Indicate?
This milestone does not signal a drastic lowering of standards.
✅ Instead, it shows that in Shanghai, permanent residency is evolving from an abstract idea to a process that is evaluatable, plannable, and actionable.
Key realities in practice:
Eligibility criteria vary greatly from person to person
Path selection influences outcomes significantly
Early planning directly impacts success rates
Feel free to reach out to our visa consultant Maggie for a one-on-one consultation!
5. Why Eligible Applicants Shouldn't Delay
Many eligible individuals fall into this common trap:
They qualify
But they hesitate or procrastinate
Until visa changes, job transfers, or identity disruptions occur
📌 Permanent residency is not a last-minute fix—
It is a long-term identity planning strategy that must be proactively managed.
Feel free to reach out to our visa consultant Maggie for a one-on-one consultation!
Conclusion｜10,000 Is Not a Gimmick—It's a Sign of Change
Shanghai crossing the 10,000 Five-Star Card mark is not just a statistical achievement.
It signals a shift: the right people are already taking action.
If you:
Have long-term residence or career in Shanghai
See China in your future plans
Are unsure whether you meet the criteria or which path suits you best
We welcome you to connect with us for a personalized feasibility assessment of your permanent residency options.
Decide after you understand—it'sthe more secure choice.
If you have any questions about China visa applications (work visa, company registration and more), please contact our visa consultant Maggie.
You might be interested in the below topics:
No Experience or Degree for Work Visa? Try Point-Based System!
No Experience Required: Who Can Apply for Category C Work Visa?
Official Websites You Must Know for China Visa Application.
Follow our Official WeChat to get the latest policy of China Visa.
No comments:
Post a Comment