[News] Integration of Work Permits with Social Insurance Cards

2024. 12. 4

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced that, effective December 1, 2024, physical cards for foreigner work permits will be integrated with social insurance cards. Information from the original work permits will be transferred to the social insurance cards. This policy aims to make life more convenient for foreigners working in China, although it may also lead to stricter enforcement of social insurance contributions for foreigners.

On November 25, the foreign work permit application website announced that from November 29 to December 1, modifications to integrate and aggregate certificates in the foreign employment management service system would be officially implemented. This means that from December 1, 2024, work permit information for foreigners will be included in social insurance cards, and physical work permit cards will no longer be issued.

In the future, foreigners can register via the social insurance card app. After completing identity verification with their name, work permit number, or social insurance number, they can obtain an electronic social insurance card that includes work permit information. For foreigners who already have physical social insurance cards, the electronic version will automatically link and provide standard services.

For those who already possess valid physical work permits, the principle of "no change or renewal" will apply. Related procedures will be carried out when applying for an extension or change of the existing work permit.

According to relevant laws and regulations, employers are required to pay social insurance for foreign workers in China. In practice, however, enforcement is not uniform across regions (such as Shanghai), and many foreign enterprises opt to purchase commercial insurance instead. With the integration of work permits and social insurance, there might be a stronger demand for paying social insurance for foreign employees, so employers should take note.