At the December 3 press conference of the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office, a reporter asked: Recently, there has been a lot of online attention on news about Taiwan compatriots applying for identity documents on the mainland. Could the spokesperson please give a detailed overview of the eligibility requirements, procedures, and materials needed for these documents?
Spokesperson Zhang Han of the Taiwan Affairs Office replied that it is the lawful right of Taiwan residents, on a voluntary basis, to apply for mainland identity documents. To prevent ill-intentioned individuals from confusing the public and distorting the issue, and to facilitate Taiwan compatriots’ applications for relevant mainland documents, I would like to take this opportunity to provide a complete and accurate explanation of the eligibility requirements, procedures, and required materials for Taiwan residents applying for mainland residence permits, settlement permits, and resident ID cards. We have carefully prepared charts to help everyone better understand the situation (charts displayed).
First, the Mainland Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents is a document issued by the relevant mainland authorities specifically to meet the needs of Taiwan compatriots for greater convenience in studying, working, and living on the mainland.
According to the Measures for the Application and Issuance of Residence Permits for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Residents, Taiwan residents who have lived on the mainland for more than six months and meet one of the conditions of having lawful and stable employment, lawful and stable residence, or continuous study may apply for the permit on a voluntary basis. Applicants simply need to fill out the Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Resident Residence Permit Application Registration Form, present their Taiwan Compatriot Travel Permit to the Mainland, and submit proof of their address, employment, or study on the mainland to the public security police station or household registration service hall designated by the county-level people’s government public security organ where they reside.
Second, the Taiwan Resident Settlement Permit is a certificate issued to Taiwan residents who have been approved to settle and be registered as permanent residents on the mainland, for the purpose of registering permanent household registration at the settlement location.
According to the Administrative Measures for Mainland Chinese Citizens Traveling to and from the Taiwan Region and other relevant regulations, Taiwan residents who meet the conditions of joining immediate family members on the mainland, being the spouse of a mainland resident, having investments on the mainland, or being professionals in specialized fields may submit an application for settlement to the entry–exit administration department of the public security organ at or above the county level in the proposed place of residence. When applying, they should submit the Application Form for Taiwan Residents to Settle on the Mainland, their ID photo, valid Taiwan identity card and entry–exit documents, as well as supporting documents corresponding to the grounds for the application. Once approved, the entry–exit administration department of the public security organ will issue a Notice of Approval for Settlement and a Taiwan Resident Settlement Permit. Since January 1, 2024, mainland entry–exit administration authorities have implemented policies encouraging Taiwan residents to settle in Fujian, supporting Taiwan compatriots in realizing the goal of “all who wish to settle can do so” in Fujian.
Third, the Mainland Resident ID Card. Under the relevant provisions of the Resident Identity Card Law of the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan residents who return to the mainland to settle must apply for a resident ID card when registering for permanent household registration. After Taiwan residents go to the public security organ at their place of permanent residence, with their Notice of Approval for Settlement and Taiwan Resident Settlement Permit, to complete permanent household registration procedures, the process for applying for a resident ID card is the same as for mainland residents.
Here, I would also like to stress a few points. First, it is entirely voluntary for Taiwan residents to apply for the above-mentioned documents. Second, we have noticed that some unscrupulous organizations are falsely advertising online that they can handle mainland ID cards on behalf of Taiwan residents and are using this as an opportunity to make a profit. I would like to remind our Taiwan compatriots that, in the process of applying for these documents, apart from the document production fees charged by the official issuing authorities, any paid services offered by non-official organizations or individuals in the name of agency or intermediary services are illegal and in violation of regulations, and you should be on guard against being deceived. Third, the relevant mainland authorities will strictly protect, in accordance with the law, the application materials submitted by Taiwan residents during the acceptance, review, and approval process, and will not disclose applicants’ personal information or document data. I would also like to remind Taiwan compatriots once again to properly safeguard their documents and personal privacy information to prevent leaks.