[In Shenzhen] Introduction to the extension of the application for "Work Permit + Residence Permit" for foreigners

Getting started

As you all know, in order for foreigners to work in China, they must have both a "Work Permit" and a "Residence Permit."

This article will explain the process for applying for an extension for both your "Work Permit" and "Residence Permit" when they are about to expire

Step 1: Submit a postponement request online

log in to the platform called Foreigner Service Platform as a "Unit Manager" (worker)

To ensure a smooth and easy process, we recommend that you hire a Chinese employee

(If there are no Chinese employees, foreigners can apply for a whitelist at the citizen-centered counter and log in.)

After logging in, click "Work Permission" > "Work Permission Extension" on the left side of the screen

Click "Jumping Instructions, Direct Actions"

Check both "捎工作许可退" and "宅営许可(退)" and click "立即办理业务"

This allows you to apply for both the "Work Permit" and the "Residence Permit" extension. However, please note that if the expiration date of the "Work Permit" exceeds 90 days, you will not be able to apply for this service

*As shown in the screen below, if you check "Postpone work permit in China," the option "Residence permit (postpone)" will be displayed

Once completed, fill in the required information on each page, such as "Personal Information" > "Business Information" > "Residence Permit Application Information" > "Education History" > "Work History" > "Family Information" > "Additional Information", according to the instructions, and submit it

Generally, you can apply for an extension of up to one year. However, when I called a government agency, I was told that you can apply for an extension of up to two years from the third year

* Your phone number will be included at the end of the document along with the submitted documents

Step 2: Reservation

Within five days of submission, the relevant government agency will conduct an initial review of the application and send the result to the worker's mobile phone via SMS. After the result is approved, the worker can make an appointment at Foreigner Service Platform

On the platform, click "Inquiry" > "Application Business Inspection" to view the application history. Select the record of the applicant and click "Reservation"

Follow the on-screen instructions to schedule a time for on-site processing

After submitting your reservation, return to the homepage and click "Reservation Inquiry/Cancellation Reservation"

On the screen below, select the reservation type as "Reservation for Foreign Nationals in Shenzhen", enter the applicant's name and passport number in "Check Method 2", and click "Check" to check the reservation status

After confirming that the reservation status is "Reservation successful", click on "Stamp Application Form" and download the latest "Foreigner Stamp Application Form" with your reservation number

On the "Application Form for Foreign National Identification Cards," you will need to paste one 2-inch (basically 35mm x 48mm) blue-background photo of the applicant into the frame for the photo, so please prepare it in advance

Then, on the last page of the form, write the applicant's name and phone number and stamp it with the company seal

Step 3: Complete the procedure at a local citizen-centered counter

Administrative Service Building ) together with a staff member, bringing all the documents and preparations uploaded to the "

Go to the East Building of the Shenzhen Municipal Administrative Service Building and submit all the application documents you have prepared at the counter (basically counters 51-53), along with your passport and original Work Permit. If the documents pass the initial inspection, they will stamp the application form and return it to you

All that's left to do is enter the applicant's passport number and mobile phone number into the machine to capture a number. The number will be displayed on the bulletin board, so look at it and go to the appropriate counter (usually counters 55-56) to continue the procedure

It is important to note that before a new residence permit is issued, the original passport must be temporarily deposited at the counter, and during this period the person will not be able to use the original passport

You may be required to submit additional documents at the counter. These additional documents will be listed at the end of this document

It usually takes about two weeks from the date of application for a new residence permit to be issued

After the procedure is complete, you will receive a notice that states the deadline for obtaining your new residence permit. Please keep this as you will need it when applying for your new residence permit

Step 4: Citizens take the lead in obtaining new residence permits

However, even if you go to the citizen center early in the morning on the day when your new residence permit is due to be collected, there is a high chance that you will not be able to collect your new residence permit. When I called a government agency to check, I was told that you can collect your permit "after 4:00 PM CST on the same day, and from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST the following day."

When you arrive at the Civic Center, take a number from the machine and go to the counter, just like when you applied. Generally, the counter to receive a new residence permit is "52-53." (As of January 2025)

You will need to submit a notice-like document and pay the fee at the local office, after which you will receive a new residence permit (which will be attached to the inside page of your passport)

The required fees depending on the application period (validity period) are as follows (as of January 2025):

* Only personal invoices will be issued for expenses, not corporate invoices

The page for the new residence permit will be attached to your passport, so as long as the expiry date is OK, you'll be fine

You can also scan the QR code on your work permit with WeChat. Once the expiration date has been updated, you're done

supplementary explanation

*The documents required for application can be viewed on the document upload page on the " Foreigner Services Platform on the official WeChat account, " Shenzhen Public Security

The required documents vary depending on the applicant's talent category. Below are the required documents for two categories: (6) Professional talents with a calculated score of 60 points or more and (1) Professional talents with a bachelor's degree or higher and two years or more of related work experience

*When actually applying, please check with a specialized government agency for the necessary documents

If you are unsure of your talent classification, you can check by calling the Shenzhen Foreigners' Special Affairs Bureau or the State Immigration Administration below

■ Contact phone number

■“(6) Personnel who have accounted for more than 60 minutes”

■``(1) Professional talent with a bachelor's degree or above, 2 years of experience or more.''

■ Additional documents

summary

The above is an introduction to the process for foreigners in Shenzhen to apply for an extension of both their "Work Permit" and "Residence Permit."

I hope this article will be helpful to all expats working in Shenzhen

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