Press Release
7 November 2008

Gilbert after getting his Card at the Beijing Public Security Building

On 6 November 2008 Gilbert finally picked up his Chinese Green Card, after delays due to the Olympics, the October National Holidays and a busy schedule.
He feels honored and happy to be now, more officially, “Half Beijinger” (“Yi Ban Bei Jing Ren”)
It is officially called “Permanent Residence Permit for Foreigners in the PRC” and is difficult to obtain. The approval procedure is lengthy and complicated, and applicants must satisfy many conditions.
The Card has several advantages, such as:
•    For foreigners above 18 years it is valid for 10 years. Because the Ministry of Public Security issues the card, it is valid throughout China.
•    Easy entry and exit: With a passport and the Card one can go in and out of China freely. So the Card saves the time and expenses needed to get a visa. It can also be used separately as a legal certificate to stay in Beijing.
•    Employment: Foreign expats without resident permits are not allowed by law to work in China without approval. But there is no regulation limiting foreigners with Chinese Green Cards about employment. Foreign expats with the Card should be allowed to work and treated according to all Chinese labor laws.
•    Rent: Foreign expats with a Green Card have the same rights in civil and commercial affairs as Chinese citizens. They can rent or lease houses without examination or approval from the public security bureau.
•    With a the Card, one can buy commercial housing or even economic-class houses in the city they reside in, if they meet the requirement.
In his social circle of Belgians and Rotarians in China, Gilbert is not yet aware of anybody else holding the Green Card.
For more information about Gilbert: http://www.strategy4china.com/briefgvk.pdf