If a foreigner is employed, the employer shall, within 30 days from the date on which the employment certificate is handled, handle the social insurance registration for the foreigner. Typically, the social insurance agency will assign a social security number and issue a Social Security Card of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the "Social Security Card"). Foreigners who participate in social insurance and meet the conditions shall enjoy social insurance benefits in accordance with the law. They may use their social security cards to access treatment at designated public hospitals in their area, purchase medicines at designated medical insurance pharmacies, and use their cards to cover a part of their medical expenses.

A foreigner who meets the statutory conditions for receiving a pension may enjoy pension insurance benefits in accordance with the law.

If a foreigner leaves China before reaching the prescribed age for receiving a pension, his or her personal social insurance account shall be retained, and if he or she returns to China for employment, the contribution period shall be calculated cumulatively.

If the social insurance relationship is terminated upon a written application of the foreigner, the balance in the foreigner’s personal social insurance account may be paid to the foreigner in a lump sum.

When a foreigner dies, the balance in his or her personal social insurance account may be inherited in accordance with the law.

[For details, please refer to the Interim Measures for Social Insurance System Coverage of Foreigners Working within the Territory of China]

Tips

Foreigners receiving monthly social insurance benefits outside China shall undergo annual eligibility verification by submitting either a Proof of Survival issued by the Chinese embassy/consulate in their country of residence, or a document notarized by local authorities and authenticated by Chinese diplomatic missions, with the alternative option of completing online verification through designated platforms, while provisions in international treaties ratified by China shall take precedence where applicable.

Foreign nationals who legally enter the country shall undergo annual verification of their eligibility for social insurance benefits, which may be completed either through the designated online self-service platform in accordance with relevant regulations or by personally certifying their survival status at the local social insurance administration office.