Foreign nationals whose visas indicate that they need to apply for residence permits after entry shall, within 30 days of entry, apply to the exit/entry administration of the public security organ under the local people's government at or above the county level for residence permits. The validity period of the residence permit indicates how long the permit holder can stay in China.

Foreigners residing in China who apply for the extension of the duration of residence shall, at least 30 days prior to the expiry of the validity period on their residence permits, file applications with the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level. Foreign nationals' residence permit for work is valid for a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of five years, while the residence permit for purposes other than work is valid for a minimum of 180 days and a maximum of five years. Foreign nationals who have made prominent contributions to the economic and social development of China or who meet other conditions for permanent residence may apply for permanent residence permit (or green card) in China.

The stay and residence of foreign nationals in China are managed by public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level and their exit/ entry administrations.

Since August 1, 2019, China has implemented 12 preferential policies and measures on immigration, entry and exit, including expanding the range of foreigners qualified for long-term visas and residence permits, broadening the scope of foreign talent, and improving services for foreign talent, so as to further encourage, support, and assist foreign talent, outstanding foreign youths, and overseas Chinese to start businesses, invest, study, and work in China. Meanwhile, provinces and cities across China have issued various targeted policies to provide foreign talent with diversified and customized services to meet their needs for working and living in China.

Taking Beijing as an example:

The service hall with the "single-window for accepting applications and issuing work and residence permits" for foreigners — International Talent Service Hall of Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area provides one-stop service in this regard.

The power of the issuance of the Work Permit for foreign nationals to work in China is delegated to the district level in Chaoyang, Haidian, and Shunyi districts, where most foreign employees are located.