Highly skilled workers from overseas are expected to be able to obtain Chinese green cards more easily with a recommendation from the management committee of the Lin-gang Special Area in the China Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, officials from the management committee recently said.

With a recommendation from the management committee, highly-skilled foreign workers who meet specific requirements will be able to directly apply for permanent residence in China, and the time needed for approval will be shortened as well.

According to the new rules, foreigners who have been working in the Lin-gang Special Area for four years and who have been living in the new area for no less than half a year will be able to apply for permanent residence in China.

Highly skilled workers from overseas will initially be able to apply for five-year’s residency in China, and after working in the area for three years will be able to apply for permanent residence in the country.

Two foreigners are expected to receive a Chinese green card soon under the new system.

The new policies are part of attempts by the area to improve the business climate. Lin-gang plans to issue more opening-up policies in the future to attract more Chinese and foreign talent to the area.