The employer of a foreigner or the foreigner himself may register for insurance through the social security online service hall or the social security agency with the Notification Letter for Foreigner’s Work Permit or the electronic social security card. After verifying the work permit information, the social security agency will establish a social security number for the foreigner who meets the insurance requirements, and the social security card management service department will issue a physical social security card to him. Once the foreigner has applied for and obtained the physical card, the electronic social security card will provide standard services to him or her.

Employees who are nationals of countries that have signed bilateral or multilateral agreements (or agreements, hereinafter referred to as agreements) with China on social insurance premiums shall be exempted from the obligation to pay premiums for the specified insurance types within the prescribed period in accordance with the provisions of the agreement if they provide proof of participation in insurance issued by the agreement country within three months of obtaining employment documents in China in accordance with the law. For those who cannot provide proof of participation in insurance issued by the agreement country three months after obtaining employment documents in China in accordance with the law, social insurance premiums shall be collected in accordance with regulations and corresponding late payment fees shall be charged. For insurance types outside the agreement and those specified in the agreement beyond the prescribed period, they shall be required to pay social insurance premiums in accordance with regulations.

In principle, the age at which foreigners employed in China receive pension benefits shall comply with the relevant provisions of the current retirement age policy. Maternity insurance expenses incurred by foreigners in China shall be paid by the maternity insurance fund, and the specific measures shall be determined by the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government.

[For details, please refer to the Notice of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Issues Concerning the Participation of Employed Foreigners in Social Insurance]