Today is the 2019 Labour Day. Meanwhile, a series of new laws and regulations will take effect across China since today. Let’s check how your daily life in China will be changed.

1

All Freeways during Labor Day Holiday

This year’s Labor Day is a four-day holiday, and all toll roads in China are free. Tolls are waived for passenger vehicles of less than 7 seats (including 7 passengers) and motorcycles allowed to travel on ordinary toll roads. 

The free time starts at 00:00 on the first day of the holiday (May 1st) and ends at 24:00 on the last day of the holiday (May 4th).

2

Employers in China Can Pay Less Social Insurance Fee Now!

The General Office of the State Council issued a plan to clearly indicate that from May 1st, the proportion of contributions paid to the basic endowment insurance by the employers will be reduced. 

• At present, the provinces with a unit payment ratio higher than 16% can be reduced to 16%.

• At the same time, the unemployment insurance and work injury insurance rates will continue to be reduced in stages.

In response to the pressure on the fund’s revenue and expenditure after the fee reduction, the Financial Dept. and the Human Resources & Social Security Dept. indicated that they will take effective measures to properly respond.

3

New Rule of Tax Resident in China

 

The State Administration of Taxation issued an announcement. According to the new regulations, since May 1st, foreigners living in China for 183 days (originally one year) are seen as tax residents.

According to article 4 of the new regulation,

• If an individual who has no domicile in China and has resided in China for a total of 183 days for an annual period of not more than six consecutive years, the income derived from outside China and paid by entities or individuals outside China can be exempted from individual income tax.

• If the foreign individual leaves China for more than 30 days consecutive a year, the period of continuous residence of more than 183 days in China will be counted anew.

 New Rule! Foreigners Can Avoid to Be Chinese Resident Taxpayers!

4

You Can Bring Pet to China Directly.

The General Administration of Customs has issued a notice. From May onwards, for the entry of passengers with pets, eligible for 30 days of isolation immunity, but only dogs or cats (one per person per time.)

Three types of inbound pets exempt from quarantine include: 

• Pets from 19 designated countries or regions: New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Guam, Jamaica, Iceland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao. 

• Pets from other non-designated countries and regions who can provide rabies antibody test reports issued by the accredited laboratory

• Guide dogs, hearing dogs, rescue dogs and other pets that can provide relevant user certificates and professional training certificates.

5

These RMB Notes and Coins Can’t Be Used Anymore!

According to the central bank’s website, approved by the State Council, the People’s Bank of China decided to stop the circulation of the fourth set of RMB 100 yuan, 50 yuan, 10 yuan, 5 yuan, 2 yuan, 2 jiao and 1 jiao coin (hereinafter referred to as “the fourth set of RMB types”) on the market since May 1, 2019.

Attention! These RMB Notes and Coins Can’t Be Used Anymore!

6

Japanese Visa Applications Are Available Online

Japan’s ministry of foreign affairs has announced that from May, it will start online visa application service for Chinese tourist agencies to Japan. This is the first time that Japan has launched an online service for tourist visas to Japan, and China will become the first country to start such service.

However, it is important to note that this time the online visa application is targeted at the agency rather than individuals. Individuals to apply for a tourist visa to Japan should submit information to agencies around the country as before.

In addition, the government plans to introduce “E-visas” (limited to single-trip visas to Japan) in April 2020.

7

New Requirements for Company Registration and Alteration

According to the requirements of the General Administration of Market Supervision, since May 1st, shareholders, legal persons, principals, executives, managers and other related natural persons must carry out real-name identification.

[Authentication Method]

Shareholders and legal persons download the “Real-name Authentication System”(实名身份验证系统) APP – complete the certification – make a screenshot – print (only domestic companies).

After completing the registration, you can continue to handle the business. Under the new policy, the company’s staff can be entrusted to others to finish company registration or alteration.