The State Council has approved the measures for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents to apply for mainland residence permits, to bring convenience to their work, study and life in the mainland.

Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents who live in the Chinese mainland for longer than half a year and have a legitimate and stable job, residence or continuous studying experience can voluntarily apply for the permits.

Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents who are under the age of 18 can apply for the permits via their guardians.

The residence permit contains the owner’s name, gender, birth date, residence address, ID numbers, photo, fingerprint information, term of validity, issuing authority, issue date and travel permit number.

The address codes for ID numbers are 81000 for Hong Kong, 82000 for Macao and 83000 for Taiwan.

Each permit is valid for five years.

When applying for the permits, applicants should carry mainland travel permit cards and related materials, including their address and employment documents, to local public security bureaus. They will receive a mainland residence permit in 20 working days, and the time can be extended to no more than 30 working days in remote places.

Those given the mainland residence card will receive rights in employment, social insurance and the housing provident fund, and enjoy basic public services in areas such as medical care, compulsory education, culture, sports and legal assistance.

They will enjoy convenience in public transportation, hotel accommodation, banking and financial affairs; buying tickets for parks, sports and cultural venues; applying for driver’s licenses; and obtaining vocational qualifications.

The measures will take effect on Sept 1.