I. Applicable Object

Foreign talents who have obtained a valid Foreigner's Work Permit and are legally contributing to social insurance in Shanghai (excluding those holding a valid Permanent Residence ID Card for Foreigners).

II. Legal Basis

Administrative Measures of Shanghai Municipality on Social Security Cards (Shanghai Municipal People's Government Order No. 22, issued on September 17, 2019, amended by Order No. 15 on January 8, 2025).

Notice of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Integrating the Foreigner's Work Permit with the Social Security Card (R.S.B.F [2024] No. 75).

III. Application Materials

Valid foreign passport.

IV. Application Procedures

1. The applicant shall submit the required documents in person at the service counter with a valid passport (it is recommended that the employer's authorized representative accompany the applicant).

2. The service counter will verify the applicant's information.

3. The applicant shall have a photo taken on site (a dark-colored collared shirt is required; if the system-stored photo meets the card production requirements, re-photographing is not necessary).

4. The applicant shall complete and sign the Registration Form for the Application of Social Security Cards and the Declaration Form for the Individual Tax Residency Status.

V. Important Notes

1. Foreign talents holding a valid Permanent Residence ID Card for Foreigners shall apply at the Subdistrict (Community) Affairs Service Centers within Shanghai.

2. The social security card can be received in person or by mail. For mail delivery, provide a valid mailing address during the application process at the counter. No postage is required.

3. When collecting the social security card, the applicant may activate the social insurance function simultaneously. If the applicant wishes to activate both the social insurance and financial functions, this must be done at the designated service bank.

VI. Processing Timeframe

Within 30 days from the date of acceptance of the application materials (based on the submission of complete and compliant materials).

VII. Collection Methods

Self-collection: The applicant shall collect the card in person at the service counter with a valid passport.

Mail delivery: The applicant shall keep the contact phone number available to facilitate communication with the courier.

VIII. Service Counter and Office Hours

(i) Service Counter

1. Municipal Accepting Department: Shanghai Talent Development Service Center (Shanghai Service Center for Foreigners Working in China).

2. Municipal-level Acceptance Address: Window No. 16, 1F, Shanghai Talent Building, No. 77 Meiyuan Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai

(ii) Office Hours

Monday–Thursday         Friday

Morning: 09:00–11:30      Morning: 09:00–11:30

Afternoon: 13:30–17:00   Afternoon: 13:30–15:00