Foreigners have easier FTZ residency access

SHANGHAI - The latest benefit of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone is to its non-Chinese residents, who can apply for permanent residence in China simply with a letter of recommendation from the FTZ authorities.

According to the social security bureau of the Shanghai Pudong New Area, the new policy will take effect later in April and apply to the applicants and their spouses and minor children.

The move was made following 10 rules related to China's entry and exit policy announced by the Ministry of Public Security, which authorizes the Shanghai Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Zone and Shanghai FTZ to recommend high-level foreign staff for permanent residence permits, so-called Chinese "green cards".