1. What Is the Integrated Social Security Card?

The integrated card is a one-card solution for foreign professionals working in China. It combines several functions that once required separate documents:

• Identity verification for many daily tasks
• Work permit information, including permit number, status, and QR code
• Medical insurance settlement at hospitals and pharmacies
• Financial services as a bank card for deposits, transfers, and payments
• Public transportation in supported locations
• Government services, such as social insurance records and subsidies

In some areas, the card may also provide access to public services related to tourism, libraries, and cultural sites.

2. Work Permit and Social Security Card Integration

Work permit information is now digitalized and linked to your social security card. Work permit applications, extensions, and cancellations are handled online through the Foreigner's Work Permit system.

If you already hold a physical work permit, it generally remains valid until your next renewal or modification. Under the no change, no replacement principle, you will transition to the integrated system when your work permit is next updated.

To understand the wider policy changes behind this integration, read 2026 Foreign Teacher Work Permit & Residence Policy Updates: What You Need to Know.

3. How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Get Your Electronic Social Security Card First

After arriving in China with your Z visa, you can often obtain the electronic card before you have the physical one.

What you need:

• Your passport, with your name matching exactly
• Your work permit number from the Notification Letter of Work Permit for Foreigners

How to do it:

1. Download the e-Social Security Card app on your smartphone. The download link is usually included in your work permit notification letter.
2. Open the app and choose the login portal for foreigners holding a work permit.
3. Register with your full name, work permit number, and a password. The password is usually 8 to 16 characters and must combine at least two of the following: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, or special symbols.
4. Complete facial recognition to verify your identity.
5. Once verified, your electronic social security card is issued and ready to use.

Step 2: Apply for the Physical Card

With your electronic card in hand, bring your original passport and your electronic card to a designated bank branch to apply for the physical card. The card is usually issued on the spot or within a few days. You will activate its financial functions at the bank counter.

4. Using Your Card in Daily Life

At the Hospital

Present your social security card or the electronic version on your phone at registration and payment. Your medical insurance benefits are settled in real time. You pay only your portion, and the insurance covers the rest.

Foreign employees enrolled in China's social insurance system generally receive the same reimbursement rates as local employees. Coverage and settlement rules can vary by region, so check with your employer or local social insurance office.

At the Pharmacy

You can use your card to buy medicine at many participating pharmacies. This reduces the need to carry your passport for routine health needs.

For Transportation

Your social security card can function as a public transportation card in supported locations. After topping up the transportation e-wallet through an official service point or transit app, you can tap to ride buses and subways in participating areas.

For Government and Daily Services

Use the card to:

• Print social insurance certificates
• Check your contribution records
• Receive government subsidies, such as pensions, housing benefits, or medical reimbursements
• Enter certain scenic sites and museums after ticket purchase
• Borrow and return books at state-owned libraries

As a Bank Card

The physical card doubles as a UnionPay bank card. You can use it for cash deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and everyday purchases.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I already have a work permit. Do I need to do anything now?

No. Under the no change, no replacement principle, your existing work permit remains valid. You will automatically receive the integrated card when you next renew or modify your work permit.

Q: Can I get the electronic card before I have the physical one?

Yes. As long as your work permit is valid, you can usually register for the electronic social security card soon after arrival.

Q: What if my name does not match during registration?

Check that the name you entered is exactly the same as in your passport, including spaces and punctuation. If it still fails, the name used when applying for your work permit may differ from your passport. Contact the work permit issuing authority to correct it.

Q: Facial recognition is not working. What should I do?

Make sure the app has camera and microphone permissions enabled. If it fails after several attempts, the system may switch to bank card verification. You will then enter your name, passport number, local bank card number, and the mobile number registered with that bank.

Q: I forgot my login password.

On the login page, choose the password recovery option. Enter your name and work permit number, complete facial recognition, and set a new password.

Q: Is there English-language support?

The e-Social Security Card app and official guides are available in English. Some hotlines and local service counters may not provide English service. For work permit-specific issues, check the consultation phone numbers listed on the National Human Resources and Social Security Service Platform.

6. Practical Tips for Foreign Teachers

1. Get the electronic card first. It is faster and lets you start using services while you wait for the physical card.
2. Keep your phone number consistent. Use the same local mobile number for your bank card, SIM card, and social security card registration. This makes verification much smoother.
3. Top up the transportation wallet early. If you plan to use public transit, activate and recharge the transportation function through an official service point or transit app.
4. Ask your university's HR office for help. Many universities have staff who assist foreign teachers with social insurance registration and card applications.
5. Download the official manual. A bilingual manual on how foreigners can use the electronic social security card is available. Ask your HR department for the link or search for it online.