On June 17th, China announced the expansion of its unilateral visa exemption list, with Australia being honored to be included. With the introduction of a series of policies by the Chinese government to facilitate theentry of tourists, the global call for visa-free treatment has been growing increasingly loud. This change has led many foreigners to look forard to the possibility of not needing a visa to visit China in the future, allowing them to easily leave the country after a short stay and re-enter when needed, enjoying great convenience.

6月17日，中国对外宣布扩大单方面免签国家名单，澳大利亚荣幸成为其中一员。随着中国政府推出多项入境旅游便利化政策，全球范围内对获得免签待遇的呼声日益高涨。这一变化让不少外籍人士期待，未来访问中国或许将不再需要签证，他们可以轻松地在短期停留后离境，并在需要时再次入境，享受极大的便利。

Faced with such policy changes, some foreigners who already hold a 10-year visa have begun to consider whether it is still necessary to continue renewing their visas. At the same time, they have raised questions about the practical use of the "China Five-Star Card" (i.e., the Chinese Green Card) newly introduced by the Chinese government. With visa-free policies becoming so widespread, the existence of these long-term visas and green cards seems less necessary. However, is this really the case? Let's delve into the differences between the two to gain a clearer understanding.

面对这样的政策变动，一些已经持有10年期签证的外籍人士开始思考，是否还有必要继续更新他们的签证。同时，他们对中国政府新推出的"中国五星卡"（即中国绿卡）的实际效用也产生了疑问。在免签政策如此普及的情况下，这些长期签证和绿卡的存在似乎变得不那么必要。然而，实际情况是否真的如此呢？让我们深入探讨两者之间的差异，以获得更清晰的认识。

1.Difference in Issuing Authorities:

1.颁发机构的差异：

Visas are issued by the competent authorities of sovereign states, allowing foreigners with valid passports and visas to enter other countries. In China, visas are usually issued by Chinese embassies and consulates abroad, and the visa page is clearly marked with the word "VISA". The People's Republic of China Foreigner's Permanent Residence Identity Card, commonly known as the "Chinese Green Card," is a legal identity document issued by the Immigration Administration to foreigners who meet the conditions for permanent residence in China. Holders cannot use this identity document to enter other countries.

签证是由主权国家的主管机关颁发的，允许外国人持有有效护照和签证进入他国。在中国，签证通常由中国的海外使领馆负责签发，签证页上会明确标有“VISA”字样。而中华人民共和国外国人永久居留身份证，俗称“中国绿卡”，则是移民管理局对符合条件的外国人批准其在中国永久居住后，颁发的法定身份证明。持有者不能使用此身份证件进入其他国家。

2.Comparison of Freedom of Entry and Exit:

2.出入境自由度的对比：

Visa holders in China are restricted in the duration of their stay, such as L, M, Q2 and other visa types, which can only stay in China for up to 180 days at most. After the visa expires, the holder needs to re-apply for an extension, or must leave the country regularly without special reasons. In contrast, foreigners holding the Chinese Permanent Residence Identity Card have no restrictions on their residence in China and can enjoy the same treatment as Chinese citizens, including unobstructed entry and the use of citizen fast channels.

签证持有者在中国的停留时间有限制，例如L、M、Q2等签证类型，最多只能停留180天。签证到期后，持有者需要重新办理延期，或在没有特殊情况下，必须定期离境。相比之下，持有中国永久居留身份证的外国人在中国的居住不受限制，可以享受与中国公民相同的待遇，包括无障碍入境和使用公民快捷通道。

3.在中国工作的差别：

Foreigners working in China with a visa need to establish a labor relationship with the employer from the date of employment and sign a labor contract. They also need to obtain a work permit and a work-type residence permit as required. No unit or individual may employ foreigners who have not obtained these documents. In addition, during their stay and residence in China, they must not engage in activities that do not match the purpose of their stay and residence, and should leave the country before the expiration of the specified residence period. However, foreigners holding the Chinese Permanent Residence Identity Card can work in China without a work visa, can directly sign a labor contract with enterprises, and their entry and exit procedures are basically the same as the procedures for Chinese citizens working in China.

持有签证在中国工作的外国人需要从工作之日起与雇主建立劳动关系，并签订劳动合同。他们还需按规定获得工作许可和工作类居留证件。任何单位和个人不得聘用未获得这些证件的外国人。此外，他们在中国的停留和居留期间，不得从事与停留居留目的不符的活动，并应在规定的停留期限结束前离境。而持有中国永久居留身份证的外国人在中国就业时，无需办理工作签证，可以直接与企业签订劳动合同，其入职和离职流程与中国公民在国内工作时的流程基本一致。

4.Differences in Machine Reading Application Scope:

4.机读应用范围的区分：

When foreigners with a visa handle affairs in China, they cannot directly use the machine to read, need to wait in line, handle at the counter with a foreign passport, and cannot enjoy fast service. However, foreigners holding the Chinese Permanent Residence Identity Card can use the machine to read, quickly handle various business, no need for counter handling, enjoy fast channels. In addition, they can also authenticate online through the official platform (real-name authentication on local government service platforms, open more convenient operation permissions, such as Yueshengshi, Yiwaitong, etc.).

持有签证在中国办事时，不能直接使用机器读取，需要排队等候，使用外籍护照在柜台处理，无法享受快捷服务。而持有中国永久居留身份证的外国人可以利用机器读取，快速办理各项业务，无需柜台处理，享受快捷通道。此外，他们还可以通过官方平台在线认证，享受更多便利操作权限，如粤省事、一网通等。

Warm Reminder:

温馨提示：

If you are short of time, do not understand the relevant policies well, and want to apply for the Chinese Permanent Residence Identity Card more securely, welcome to contact our customer service for consultation, we will provide you with free answers and application plans!

如果您时间紧张，对相关政策不够了解，希望更稳妥地申请中国永久居留身份证，欢迎联系我们的客服咨询，我们将为您提供免费的解答和申请方案。