Glossary

Plain-English explanations of the Chinese terms you'll meet when dealing with paperwork and daily life in Shanghai.

What a Chinese residence permit is, how it differs from a visa, and what foreigners in Shanghai need to know about renewing it.

The work permit that authorizes foreigners to be employed in China — who issues it, how it works with the Z visa and residence permit.

The police registration every foreigner in China must do within 24 hours of staying somewhere — what it is and why it matters.

Shanghai's official government-services app — what it does and why foreigners should set it up.

The Chinese social insurance package: pension, medical, unemployment, injury, maternity insurance plus the housing fund.

How China's individual income tax works for employees and expats, the brackets, and the annual reconciliation.

Permanent residence in China — what the green card gives you and how hard it is to get.

Shanghai's dog registration certificate — why every dog owner in the city needs one.

The complex world of Shanghai plates: 沪A/沪B/沪C, yellow vs blue, and why car and motorcycle plates are so expensive.

Why China requires your real identity for SIM cards, apps, train tickets and hotels — and how foreigners comply with a passport.

The work health certificate required for food service and some other jobs in China — what the check involves.

China's housing provident fund — what it is, how much goes in, and how you get it back when you leave.