Beijing police have set up an interdepartmental health information system for foreigners, a move to make it easier to apply for long-term residence in the capital.

Under the new system, foreigners applying for the first time to live in Beijing for more than one year will need to submit just one health check certificate, instead of the multiple certificates required previously, the Beijing Public Security Bureau said on Thursday.

Three departments in the city - the Public Security Bureau, the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau and the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau - will now share information on the health status of foreigners in Beijing.