In addition to obtaining permanent residence by accumulating points, there are four ways an expatriate in Beijing can apply for a Chinese "green card".

1. Overseas Chinese employed by enterprises in the high-tech hub of Zhongguancun who have doctorate degrees or have worked four consecutive years and lived more than six months every year in China can apply.

2. Foreign residents who have worked in Beijing for four consecutive years, received an annual salary during that time of at least 500,000 yuan ($72,560) before tax, have lived more than six months every year in China, and have a stable income and residence can apply.

3. Foreigners who have paid more than 100,000 yuan in personal income tax every year with recommendation from a local employer can apply.

4. "High-end foreign experts" with recognition from the Beijing city human resources authority and high-end professional workers hired on a five-year working permit by a local company with recognition from the capital's technology and innovation authority can apply for permanent residency after three years working in China, upon recommendation from a local employer.