Expats in Guangdong receive first integrated work-social security cards

"I am very pleased to be among the first expats to receive this card. I look forward to a more convenient work and life in Guangdong with this card." On January 15, Anno Bernhard Dederichs from Germany received the first batch of physical cards integrating the work permit and social security cards in Guangdong's Guangzhou.

Anno Bernhard Dederichs from Germany receives the first batch of physical cards integrating the work 

permit and social security cards in Guangdong's Guangzhou. (Photo: Chen Jinxia)

Starting from December 1, 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China issued a document to implement the integration of foreign workers' work permits with social security cards.
The integrated work-social security card is called "Join in Card" and available in physical and digital versions. It combines functions such as work permit information inquiry, social security card certificates, payment and settlement, and fund disbursement, aiming to provide convenience for foreigners working and living in China.

Sample of physical "Join in Card". (Photo: Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau)

Facilitating  expats'  lives in Guangdong
It is reported that expats no longer need to apply for a physical work permit after the implementation of the integrated card policy. They can install the Social Security Card app on their mobile devices. To sign up and log in, they need to provide details such as their name, work permit number, or social security number.
After real-name verification, expats can obtain an electronic social security card with work permit information loaded. Through the app, expats can enjoy services such as viewing permit information, downloading notifications, and receiving expiration reminders.

Anno Bernhard Dederichs registers for an electronic 

social security card on his mobile phone (Photo: Chen Jinxia)

This reform aims to reduce the time and cost for expats to obtain permits. It also allows more cardholders to enjoy the convenient application of the "one-card-for-all" system in multiple fields such as social security, medical treatment, transportation, cultural tourism, and financial consumption.
"The app resolves a lot of my paperwork. Now I can use it for health insurance and banking services. Maybe in the future, I can even use it to buy plane and train tickets. This will be very convenient," said Anno Bernhard Dederichs.
Anno Bernhard Dederichs also marveled at how convenient and fast the card application process was. "It was very quick, just one or two days, to get the card. Also, we can now deal with a lot of things online, making it much easier than in Germany, where many things are done offline."

Multiple  cities  in Guangdong  offer application services
On the same day, Guangdong's Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Dongguan also welcomed a group of expats to receive the first batch of "Join in Cards".

Sheyda Orazkuliyev receives the first physical "Join in Card" in Guangdong's Zhuhai 

(Photo: Zhuhai Science and Technology Innovation Bureau)

Currently, processing services for the new version of the social security card are available at the social security card service outlets (excluding community branches) of China Construction Bank and Industrial Bank in Guangzhou, covering 11 administrative districts throughout the city. Applicants can bring their passports and photo receipt numbers of the social security card to the nearest bank branch for on-site processing.
Expats in Zhuhai can apply for social security cards at the first batch of pilot banks, namely the 15 service outlets of China Guangfa Bank.
Next, Guangdong will implement more proactive, open, and effective talent policies, creating a friendlier and more convenient environment for foreign talents to work and live in the province.

Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Editor | Hu Nan, James, Shen He
Source: GDToday