Foreigners applying for residence permits are exempted from retaining passports

Aug,03 2023

Today (August 3, 2023), The Ministry of Public Security of China held a press conference  to announce 26 measures to ensure high-quality development of public security 

services. Relevant measures will be fully deployed and implemented by the end of August.

According to current regulations, when applying for a residence permit in China, foreigners should submit their passport to the entry and exit management department of the public security organ for review and return it upon receiving the residence permit. With the improvement of informatization, standardization  immigration management services, the Ministry of Public Security and the National Immigration Administration have taken the initiative to respond to the practical needs of the convenient application of passports for foreigners in China and decided to introduce the convenience measures of "foreigners applying for residence certificates are exempted from retaining passports".

That means foreigners who apply for residence permits do not need to keep their original passports in the Bureau of Exit and Entry Control

after verifying their valid passports in accordance with the regulations, so that foreigners can handle relevant matters with passports during this period.

Jia Tongbin, Deputy Director of the Aliens Management Department of the National Immigration Administration, said that this measure focuses on 

permanent foreigners working, studying, scientific research, investment, innovation and entrepreneurship, and visiting relatives in China, 

so that they can continue to carry out social affairs such as travel, accommodation, tax, banking, and mailing with passports during the period of 

applying for residence certificates.

Among the several measures notified by the Ministry of Public Security this time, another measure is to provide convenience for foreign trade personnel to apply for port visas and exchange multiple visas in China. It is reported that for foreigners who come to China for business negotiations, trade exchanges, installation and maintenance, exhibition and participation, investment and entrepreneurship, if they do not have time to apply for a visa to come to China overseas, they can apply for a port visa entry by presenting the enterprise invitation letter and supporting materials. Due to the need for multiple round-trip business, a valid trade visa for multiple entries within 3 years can be issued upon entry.