Han Ximin

1824295095@qq.com

INTERNATIONAL visitors and residents in Shenzhen can now easily access the Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau’s comprehensive services for foreigners through EyeShenzhen, the city’s official multilingual information and news platform.

A key platform for international communication, EyeShenzhen (eyeshenzhen.com) aims to promote Shenzhen globally, help the world better understand the city, and provide accurate information services for expats.

The platform recently published articles about the services in English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and Russian. Coverage includes practical updates on port visa (eqivalent to visa on arrival in other countries) services, the “one-stop” processing of work and residence permits, and initiatives to support immigrant integration.

Shenzhen has taken significant steps to streamline its services for foreigners.

In the first half of this year, local police processed over 20,000 port visas — the most in Guangdong — while cutting on-site processing time by 40%. Currently, port visas are available at the Luohu, Huanggang, Shekou, and Shenzhen airport checkpoints.

The Huanggang and airport checkpoints are open 24-hour a day. The Luohu Checkpoint operates from 6 a.m. to midnight, and the Shekou Port Checkpoint from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Since December 2020, the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau’s Exit and Entry Department and the Shenzhen Foreign Experts Affairs Administration have streamlined the work and residence permit process for expats. By integrating data systems, they have reduced the processing time from 15 working days to just seven.

To enhance daily convenience, Shenzhen also promotes the use of the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, also known as “Five-star Card,” which enables holders to access healthcare services at self-service kiosks citywide.

In October 2022, the city launched the International Talent Service Center. This one-stop service center assists foreign talent with business registration, work visa applications, and daily-life services like renting an apartment and opening a bank account.

Meanwhile, Shenzhen has expanded immigration services to key districts and local communities by establishing three branches in Qianhai, Longhua District, and Hetao. These centers provide on-demand services, including consultation, visa processing, and permanent residence permit applications.