Opening of foreign experts service center, in Beijing, Sept 5, 2014.

"A Chinese green card is very hard to obtain, and the majority of the talent quota was distributed to foreign talent in the 1,000 plan, so this move means more foreign talent can apply for permanent residence in China through the 1,000-plan channel and enjoy the advantages that come with that," Wang said.

"But compared with other countries' permanent residence policies, I think the Chinese government still has to expand the scale instead of just focusing on talent programs," said Wang. "This means many foreigners have to be part of some ‘programs' before they apply for a green card, and the many levels of examination and approval are quite confusing and time-consuming."

Ralf Altmeyer, a German virologist who leads the academy's Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, said this will help diversify the distribution of foreign talent in China beyond the first-tier cities.

However, Altmeyer also suggested governments do more to attract and retain foreign talent in China.

"The quality of the working environment is the first thing and having children or spouses settled in China is another," said Altmeyer.

This move means more foreign talent can apply for permanent residence ... and enjoy the advantages that come with that."

Wang Huiyao, president of the Center for China and Globalization

suzhou@chinadaily.com.cn