BEIJING -- The registration of profitable service institutions from Hong Kong and Macao has to be approved by civil affairs authorities starting July 1 this year, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) on Tuesday.

These institutions for the aged or the disabled have to be approved by civil affairs and commerce authorities in accordance with relevant foreign investment laws, the statement said.

The establishment or merger of such institutions are allowed in the Chinese mainland akin to that of Sino-foreign joint ventures or wholly foreign-owned enterprises, according to a separate circular jointly released by the MCA and the Ministry of Commerce.

The service providers for the aged or disabled, who want to apply for profitable service institution certificates, must have good credibility and considerable operating capacity, as well as at least three years of service-providing experience in Hong Kong or Macao, according to the circular.