Xiamen Authorities have begun issuing working residence permits valid for up to five years to foreign employees working inside the free trade zone in Xiamen, Fujian province.

A Danish man named Henrik became the first to obtain the long-term residence permit on April 18.

Starting from April 1, Xiamen began implementing a series of entry-exit policies to support foreign talent recruiting schemes, including the five-year residence certificate.

Foreign employees applying for a Chinese residence certificate for a third time are eligible for five-year visa.

The entry-exit unit under the Xiamen public security bureau can produce the certificates within seven working days, according to Xiamen Daily.

The adoption of the five-year visa policy is aimed at making life easier for valuable foreign talent and ensures a steady career plan.

By Liu Sitong and edited by Jacob Hooson

A Danish man named Henrik becomes the first foreign employee from the Xiamen free trade zone to obtain a five-year residence permit on April 18. [Photo from xmnn.cn]