The National Immigration Administration of China (NIA) held a news conference on September 15 to announce a new version of the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the People’s Republic of China. The news cards will be officially issued and put into use from December 1, 2023. After the launch of the new card, the current version is still valid within the expiration date. Holders can apply for a new ID card according to individual needs.
Background
The Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card is a legal identity document issued by NIA for qualified foreigners whose permanent residence applications have been approved. It can be used alone as a personal identity document. The holders can use the card as a legal certificate in accommodation registration, paying for train, ship or airline tickets and other occasions that require personal identification, without showing their passports.