Nanshan District organized a lecture at its government service center on Aug. 28 to help employers and expatriate employees better understand policies and comply with local laws and regulations.

Attendees are seen at a lecture on policies and regulations related to expatriate employees held in Nanshan on Aug. 28. Photos courtesy of Nanshan Government Service Center

Border checkpoint officers from the Shenzhen police and immigration authorities provided information on the latest visa policies, work and residence permits, personal income tax, social security, housing subsidies, and other regulations relevant to foreign employees in China.

Attendees at the lecture learned that at Huanggang and Bao'an International Airport, international visitors can apply for port visas around the clock, while the service hours at Luohu checkpoint are from 6:30 a.m. to midnight. The service hours at Shekou Port are between 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Nationals from 57 countries eligible for a 240-hour visa-free stay in China can enter Shenzhen via Bao'an Airport, Shekou Port, and the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. 

In Shenzhen, expatriate employees can apply for a social security card that also serves as a work and residence permit.

While working in China, nationals of Japan, Luxembourg, Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, and several other countries that have signed social security agreements with China can be exempt from paying social insurance in their home countries.

Attendees consult with border checkpoint officers. 

A new policy taking effect in August 2026 requires expats to submit their Chinese social security payment certificates when renewing their expiring work permits.

The lecture also reminded expats to register their residence information within 24 hours of entering China and to report a job change within 10 days of leaving their previous position. Illegal workers are liable to fines ranging from 5,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan, or may face deportation and a re-entry ban of one to five years.

Until the end of 2027, expatriate employees can be exempt from personal income tax on housing subsidies, language training fees, children's education expenses, food allowances, laundry fees, relocation fees, and travel expenses for business trips and family visits.

Shenzhen, gearing up to host the APEC summit in November, pledges to offer greater convenience for international talent and attract more foreign professionals to live and work in the city.

Many attendees find the lecture informative and helpful.

Immigration services

Shenzhen’s International Talent Service Center offers one-stop services to help international talent settle into local life.

People can visit Windows 18 and 19 at the Government Administrative Service Hall of the Exit and Entry Administration Bureau in Luohu for assistance. Professional staff fluent in both Chinese and English provide consultation and agency services for nearly 100 matters, including permanent residence, work permits, residence permits, visas, notarization, overseas police clearance certificates, Hague Apostille certification (for over 20 countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom), consular legalization at foreign embassies in China, human resources, translation, driver's license conversion, medical care, commercial insurance, children's education, housing rental and more.

Address: No. 4016 Jiefang Road, Luohu District (罗湖区解放路4016号)

Tel: 2699-5168

Website: www.sz-fesco.com