(ECNS) -- To support Bejing's efforts to become an innovation-oriented metropolis, the Ministry of Public Security has introduced 20 measures to help attract and retain foreign professionals, according to the ministry's official website.
Set to take effect on March 1, the new regulations aim to make it easier for foreigners to live in Beijing and further boost the city as a place favored by high-caliber and innovative talent.
Overseas Chinese who hold a PhD degree can directly apply for permanent residence in China. The policy will also be applicable to those who have worked in the high-tech district Zhongguancun for four years in a row and have lived in the country for at least six months each year.
Some of the measures were already implemented in Shanghai last July in a pilot program.
Beijing says it has great demand for four types of overseas professionals: top-tier talent, returning Chinese graduates who want to launch startups, foreign students and entrepreneurs. Measures will focus on these groups through a range of policy changes.
