According to the latest statistics released by the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau on July 17, currently there’re about 83,400 expats living in Guangzhou, an increase of 1.6 percent compared with last year. Permanent residents, those who live in Guangzhou for more than 6 months, number 55,000, an increase of 6.8 percent compared with last year.

Newsgd.com expat fans attend 2019 Guangdong Fashion Week. [Photo/Guangdong Fashion Week]

South Koreans account for the largest percentage of both temporary and permanent expats. According to statistics from China's Sixth Population Census, the top one foreign country with the highest number of nationals living in China is also South Korea.

Statistics shows that by June 25, Guangzhou had a total of 1,223,000 temporary accommodation registrations for foreigners, an increase of 4.3 percent from the previous year. Among them, about 1,115,000 people stayed at hotels and 108,000 people lived in communities.

In terms of places of residence, expats mainly live in Tianhe (20,000 people), Yuexiu (18,000 people), Baiyun (12,000 people), Panyu (11,000 people), Liwan (6,000 people) and Haizhu (6,000 people) .

The expats living in Guangzhou are mainly employees of foreign-funded enterprises, overseas students studying in the city and their family members (including foster children). The top ten countries represented by Guangzhou’s expats include South Korea, Japan, the United States, India, Yemen, Canada, Australia, Russia, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

The Guangzhou Public Security Bureau also pointed out that the bureau has offered better facilitation services for expats in the first half of 2019. Foreigners coming to work in Guangzhou can apply directly to the bureau for a work-type residence permit with a Work Permit Notification, and do not need to return to their home countries to apply for a Z visa. Expats with a good work record can apply for a 2-5 year work permit.

A trader rides an electric toy car during the third phase of the 125th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, Guangdong. [Photo: Shi Lei, Xiao Xiong] 

In addition, expats engaged in business activities can submit a reception letter of relevant institutions of the city to apply for re-entry trade visas with the duration of the stay that does not exceed 60 days. Foreigners engaged in trade activities in Guangzhou individually can also apply for trade visas with a duration of the stay that does not exceed 30 days. Trade visa recipients can also include those attending trade fairs such as the Canton Fair, foreigners who apply for trade visa extensions with invitation letters of trade fairs, guest cards and purchaser certificates.

Foreigners who graduated from universities on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao can apply for a private residence permit of no more than two years with the university diploma and business plan (note "entrepreneurship"). Foreign undergraduates can apply for a private visit visa (note "internship") of no more than six months with an invitation letter of relevant institutions and proof of enrollment at a school.

Authors: Monica Liu, Li Jiaxing (intern)

Graphics: Mia

Editor: Chris