"I think it's a wise choice to apply for a green card if an expat wants to settle down in China permanently like a local, as permanent residence will make life much easier with healthcare subsidies and purchasing property. But for young graduates like myself who look for exciting challenges and changes, I don't think I will make a firm decision about permanent residence."

Tommy Hendriks, 27, of the Netherlands, is a Fudan University graduate and CEO of the Mansion, a hub for musicians, artists and creatives in Shanghai

"I'm planning to apply for a green card for the sake of my son, who has just turned 2. He will be enrolled in the education system like a local child if I have permanent residence. My wife is not a local either. I'm looking forward to seeing the further lowering of requirements for permanent residence and expanded benefits, which will narrow the gap between green card holders and local residents."

Sadik Senturk, 32, a Turkish project manager for a consulting company in Shanghai

"China should increase the recognition of its green card in overseas countries. Every time I come back to China from another country I encounter the embarrassment of explaining why I don't need a visa to go to China. Even immigration officers in China sometimes don't know what a Chinese green card is. They have to find someone to confirm my story. Green cards without domestic and global acceptance does not make it easier for us to come to China, but the opposite. "

Noyan Rona, chief representative in Shanghai for Turkish Garanti Bank, who obtained a green card in 2010

Benefits of holding a green card

Green card holders can stay in China without a time limit, and can depart or enter the country using only their passports and permanent resident's permit.

Permanent resident's permits, de facto ID cards for foreigners in China, can be used when handling financial, educational, medical, traffic, telecom and employment affairs, as well as when dealing with social insurance, property registration and lawsuits.

Green card holders can apply for professional or technical examinations. They will be treated equally as Chinese in daily life, such as with house purchases, hotel check-in, driving license applications and school enrollment for their children.

Social insurance will cover green card holders working in the country; foreigners who live but do not work in China also receive medical insurance and a pension.

(China Daily 02/22/2016 page3)