8. Hongqiao CBD initiates new work permits for foreigners

A new work permit for foreign employees, a synthesis of two previous types of work permits, is now available to applicants in Hongqiao CBD.

The double-track work permit for overseas employees in China will be gradually streamlined into one system under reforms initiated by the State Council. The city of Shanghai, as one of the ten pilot areas in China, initiated the new procedures on Nov 1.

Applicants can download online forms for completion and submission, generating a lifetime individual code for the storage of personal information, including work experience, services and credits. All the applications are expected to be processed through one service window within five working days, half the time of the previous application process.

Firms with foreign employees can log in to the official website (http://fwp.safea.gov.cn/index_index.action) to fill in the online forms, and then bring the necessary materials for the procedure of real-name registration at Hongqiao Enterprise Service Center at No.33 Shenhong Road, Shanghai.