Apr. 2026 - Foreign employees in Shanghai - quick guide to China permanent residence ID (Five-Star card)

Key advantages of the Five-Star card

• Enjoy unlimited visa-free entry into and exit from China
• Use the card as a valid ID for transport, hotels, phone services and banking
• Accepted at airports, stations and on major apps (WeChat, Alipay, etc.)
• Enjoy the same convenience in public services as a Chinese ID card

Who can apply

Foreign employees working in Shanghai may apply for the Five-Star card only if they meet all of the following requirements:

Basic requirements

• Valid passport and legal Chinese visa (typically Z visa)
• Legally employed in Shanghai
• Hold a formal, signed employment contract with a Shanghai-based employer

Core qualifications

• Have worked continuously in Shanghai for four years, with at least six months of residence in China each year
• The annual salary must have been six times or more than the average annual wage of urban employees in Shanghai in the previous years for four consecutive years
• The annual individual income tax paid equivalent to no less than 20% of the annual salary in each of those four years

Other requirements

• Abide by Chinese laws and regulations
• Be in good health
• Have no criminal record

Application documents

• Valid passport & work permit
• Work-related residence permit issued in Shanghai for four consecutive years
• Income certificate for the past four years issued by the employer
• Individual income tax payment certificates for four consecutive years
• Letter of recommendation from the employer
• Health check report & non-criminal record certificate
• Other documents as may be required

Point of attention

• All application documents must be originals or officially certified copies
• Foreign-language documents must be translated into Chinese
• The non-criminal record certificate issued by the home country must be notarised and legalised
• It is advisable to assess the relevant tax implications upon obtaining the Five-Star card
• Holders of the Five-Star card shall comply with the mandatory residence requirement in China
• Failure to meet the residency criteria may result in revocation of permanent residence status by the National Immigration Administration

Should you have any questions on this matter, feel free to reach out to your usual point of contact at Forvis Mazars.

References

• National Immigration Administration: Service Guide for Examination and Approval of Permanent Residence Qualification for Foreigners (link here in Chinese)
• Shanghai Public Security Bureau: Permanent Residence for Working Staff (link here in Chinese)