The Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China has been accepting applications for residence permit from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents since September 1, as the measures for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents to apply for mainland residence permits issued by the State Council of China came into effect on the same day.

Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents who have lived in Chinese mainland for more than half a year and have a legitimate and stable employment, residence, or continuous study, may, according to their wishes, apply for a residence permit by going to their local public security bureau with a valid mainland travel permit card. Legal guardians of minor residents under the age of 16 from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan may apply for residence permits on their behalf.

Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents applying for residence permits should fill out the Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Residents’ Residence Permit Registration Application Form and submit their entry and exit documents and residence, employment, and school enrollment certificates to their police station designated by county-level public security agency or their household registration hall.

Proof of residence should include housing lease contract, property documents, or purchase contract, or accommodation documents issued by their housing lessor, employing unit, or school.

The employment certificate should include business license, labor contract, labor relationship certificate issued by the employment unit, or other materials that can prove legally stable employment, etc.

Proof of school enrollment should include a student ID or other materials issued by the school that can prove continuous enrollment.

An official in charge of the Public Security Department of the Tibet Autonomous Region said: "In the next stage, depending on situation, we will gradually add case handling locations at police stations and household registration halls at various areas. The processing period shall not exceed 30 work days, and a fee exemption shall be applied for the first time applying. The validity period for residence permits is five years."

Editor: Tommy Tan.