Starting in 2026, All First-Time Applicants to Receive Third-Generation Social Security Cards
The Implementation Rules for the "Beijing Social Security Card Management Measures" was recently announced and will take effect on January 1, 2026. Beijing will no longer issue first- or second-generation social security cards. All first-time applicants will receive the third-generation social security cards.
The third-generation social security card incorporates national cryptographic algorithms and non-contact functionality. While retaining basic functions such as healthcare services, medication purchases, and self-service inquiries, the third-generation card can also serve as an identity credential for handling services in the human resources and social security sectors. The expanded functionality further covers transportation, annual park passes, and financial services.
According to the Rules, after receiving the social security cards, residents can activate the transportation feature (i.e., for self-paid rides on buses, subways, etc.) of their cards by recharging them through any of the following channels: designated bank service outlets, self-operated service points of Yikatong (Beijing Municipal Administration and Communication Card), or via the Beijing Yikatong App. The usage scope, time limits, and rules for the transportation function of the social security card are consistent with those of the Yikatong Card.
Following card issuance, eligible cardholders may purchase annual park passes at park ticket service points throughout the city or at designated cooperative bank service outlets, and use the card for park visits (i.e., visiting parks after purchasing annual park passes at their own expense). The usage scope, time limits, and rules for the park visit function of the social security card are consistent with those of physical annual park passes in Beijing.
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Beijing Municipal People's Government, commercial banks with extensive service networks in the city have been introduced to cooperate in social security card services. The number of social security card service points has increased from over 300 to nearly 4,000. Additionally, instant-card-issuance service points have been expanded, allowing cardholders to apply for, replace, or renew their cards at nearby issuing bank service locations.
Effective January 1, 2026, Beijing will no longer issue the first- and second-generation cards. For first-time applicants, only the third-generation social security cards will be issued. Current holders of first- or second-generation cards who apply for replacement or renewal can obtain the third-generation card through online channels or designated cooperative bank service outlets. After the third-generation social security card is issued, the original first- or second-generation social security card will become invalid upon the activation of the new card. If cardholders do not replace or activate the third-generation cards, their original first- or second-generation cards will remain valid indefinitely and can continue to be used.
(Source: Beijing Daily)
Social Insurance
Foreigners who work in China shall access social security in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Social Insurance Law of the People's Republic of China and the Interim Measures for Social Insurance System Coverage of Foreigners Working within the Territory of China.
Eligible individuals
(I) Individuals who are legally employed in China and have legally obtained the Foreigner's Work Permit, residence permits for foreigners, and Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards.
(II) Individuals who have signed labor contracts with the employers within the territory of China and are paid by the employers, or those who have signed contracts with foreign companies and are dispatched to work in China.
(III) Individuals who have not yet reached the statutory retirement age.
Insurance contributions
(I) If individuals who work within the territory of China just access social security, the employer shall process social insurance registration for him/her within 30 days from the date of applying for work permit;
(II) The insurance base pay and the share borne by employers for foreign employees shall be the same as that of Chinese employees according to local standards.
Mutual exemption provisions
Individuals who are nationals of countries that have signed bilateral or multilateral social security agreements with China and work in China may be exempted from the obligation to pay for their corresponding types of insurance within the prescribed time limit according to the provisions of the agreement. Up to now, China has signed social security agreements with Germany, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Serbia, Luxembourg, France (not yet in force) and Kyrgyzstan (not yet in force).
Processing location: Government Affairs Service Hall or Human Resources and Social Security Bureau Service Hall of the place where you work; Online Service Hall for Social Insurance.
Website of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security:
http://www.mohrss.gov.cn
