Permanent residency permits, or "green cards", will be easier to obtain for foreigners working in Shanghai beginning July 1 as the city bids to establish a global science and innovation center, the Ministry of Public Security said on Tuesday.

Foreigners who have worked consecutively for at least four years in Shanghai, and who have lived in China for more than six months each year with a considerable annual salary, assured living address, good tax record and employer's recommendation will be able to apply for permanent resident permits.

Unlike the old rules, the new ones do not rely on an applicant's professional title as a requirement.