On December 1, 2023, the National Immigration Administration officially issued a new version of the Permanent Residence ID card of the People's Republic of China for foreigners, commonly known as the "five-star card". This new version of the permanent residence card reflects the unique cultural elements of China, and its "five-star card" is named after the international popular permanent residence card, which aims to increase the recognition and facilitate the public at home and abroad. SFBC has been committed to the policy research of foreigners in China, and has observed that in recent years, China has paid more attention to the management and development of foreigners in China. It also heralds China's evolution into a prosperous superpower with growing appeal to foreigners. In this article, we will give you a detailed interpretation of the current foreigner identity management system from the perspective of the policy evolution of China's immigration system, so that foreigners living in China can have a more comprehensive understanding and reasonable planning of their identity.
2023年12月1日，国家移民管理局正式签发新版中华人民共和国外国人永久居留身份证，即俗称的“五星卡”。这一新版永居证体现了中国独有的文化元素，其“五星卡”的命名方式源自国际上流行的永居证，旨在增加辨识度，方便国内外民众称呼。SFBC，一直致力于外国人来华政策研究，观察到近年来中国对外国人在华的管理与发展越发重视。这也预示着中国逐渐演变为一个繁荣昌盛的超级强国，对外国人的吸引力不断增强。在这篇文章中，中创侨智将从中国移民制度的政策演变角度为您详细解读当前的外国人身份管理制度，以便在华生活的外国人更全面地了解并合理规划自己的身份。
I. Evolution of China's permanent residence policy
一、中国永久居留政策演变
The evolution of China's permanent residence policy can be traced back to 1985, when the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners was passed, and foreigners' residence in China was divided into three categories: "short-term residence", "long-term residence" and "permanent residence". The policy set out the framework within which foreigners could qualify for permanent residence. In August 2004, China introduced the "Measures for the Administration of Examination and Approval of Foreigners' Permanent Residence in China" and implemented the "Chinese Green card" system, marking the end of the history of foreigners renewing their residence permits every ten years. In December 2012, the state issued the Measures for Foreigners to Enjoy Relevant Treatment for Permanent Residence in China, and the Exit and Entry Administration Law, which came into effect on July 1, 2013, clarified the conditions for permanent residence in China. In June 2015, the Ministry of Public Security expanded the scope of work units for foreigners applying for permanent residence in China, further optimizing the permanent residence policy.
中国永久居留政策的演变可以追溯到1985年，《中华人民共和国外国人入境出境管理法》通过，并将外国人在华居留划分为“短期居留”、“长期居留”和“永久居留”三类。当时的政策定下了外国人可以获得永久居留资格的框架。2004年8月，中国推出了《外国人在中国永久居留审批管理办法》，实施了“中国绿卡”制度，标志着外国人每十年更新一次居留证的历史告一段落。而2012年12月，国家下发了《外国人在中国永久居留享有相关待遇的办法》，2013年7月1日实施的《出境入境管理法》更是明确了在华永久居留的条件。在2015年6月，公安部扩大了申请在华永久居留的外国人的工作单位范围，进一步优化了永久居留政策。II. Origin of the Chinese identity card system
二、中国居民身份证的制度由来
China's resident identity card system was put into effect on April 6, 1984, and before that, the identity of residents was mainly proved by means of household registration books and letters of introduction. During the trial period, it was gradually implemented in major cities, and finally realized nationwide promotion in 1991. On January 1, 2004, the second generation of resident ID cards began to be issued, gradually replacing the first generation of ID cards. On January 1, 2013, the first generation of resident ID cards officially retired from the stage of history. The adjustment and improvement of this system has standardized population management by technical means.
中国的居民身份证制度于1984年4月6日起开始试行，此前居民身份主要通过户口簿、介绍信等形式证明。在试行期间，各大城市陆续推行，最终在1991年实现全国推广。2004年1月1日，第二代居民身份证开始发放，逐渐替代了第一代身份证。2013年1月1日，第一代居民身份证正式退出历史舞台。这一制度的调整和完善，从技术性手段上规范了人口管理。
III. the purpose of ID card
三、身份证的用途
Chinese identity cards have a wide range of uses in daily life, including but not limited to taking public transportation, handling business, taking exams, renting apartments, staying in hotels, and applying for documents. It has become an essential proof of identity in everyday life.
中国居民身份证在日常生活中拥有广泛的用途，包括但不限于乘坐公共交通工具、办理业务、参加考试、租房、入住酒店、办理证件等。它已经成为日常生活中必不可少的身份凭证。
IV. five star card use
四、五星卡的用途
The "five-star card" is a legal identity document issued by the National Immigration Administration for eligible foreigners after they have approved permanent residence in China. Similar to the Chinese resident ID card, the 5-star card can be used independently in many aspects, such as ticket purchase, transportation, accommodation registration, financial business, communications, taxation, social insurance and other matters to prove personal identity. The new version of the Permanent Residence Permit has made significant progress in technology upgrades and functional enhancements, making it easier for the holder to carry out various activities in the country. This adjustment not only simplifies the procedures for foreigners to handle affairs in China, but also improves the overall experience of living in China.
“五星卡”是国家移民管理局为符合条件的外国人批准境内永久居留后签发的法定身份证件。与中国居民身份证类似，五星卡在多个方面可以独立使用，如购票、乘车、住宿登记、金融业务、通信、税收、社会保险等事务中证明个人身份。新版永居证在技术升级和功能增强方面取得了显著进展，使持证人更便利地在境内进行各种活动。这一调整不仅简化了外国人在华办理事务的手续，还提升了在华生活的整体体验。
In general, the Chinese "five-star card" is not only a certificate of identity for permanent residents, but also a symbol of opening a new chapter in immigration. By optimizing the management system and services, China has provided more convenience for foreigners and created more opportunities for their life and development in China. The new policy is both a response to the trend of internationalization and part of China's push for social progress.
总的来说，中国“五星卡”不仅是永久居留者的身份凭证，更是一个开启移民新篇章的象征。通过优化管理制度和服务，中国为外国人提供了更多便利，也为他们在中国的生活和发展创造了更多机会。这一新政策既是对国际化趋势的响应，也是中国推动社会进步的一部分。
