Uber, a taxi calling mobile application, allows everyone to become an amateur taxi driver. When Uber first arrived in China, it drew public attention and become one of the hottest topics. However, more recently it has brought up frustrating legal contradictions.

Several days ago in Shanghai, an Uber taxi driver was tackled by a police while a woman passenger was getting in the vehicle. The passenger admitted she called the taxi through the Uber app and denied having previously known the taxi driver. Police then found a “non-operating” sign on the driver´s license implying it was an illegal taxi service. As a result, this private driver will face a 10,000 RMB penalty and his driver´s license will be withheld for 3-6 months. Shockingly, the same incident was occurring in Hangzhou.

“Black Taxi or not?” then became an issue surrounding Uber. In addition, Didi (滴滴) or Kuaidi(快的), another two local taxi calling applications, both met the same issue. To

For the second part of this blog, Expatree is going to introduce to you the new China VISA Regulations that will be implemented. Most of these changes are directed at VISA applications from outside China as well as extensions of VISAS. Below are the changes and new regulations to be implemented:

There are new types of VISAS available bringing it to the total of 16 new options. Please refer to a an official government website for more information on the requirements. 

- When you apply for the Z Visa in Hong Kong, you do not have to go through a medical examination before hand as in previous years. However, you do need to have a residence contract or registration form to prove your living area.

- When applying for the residence permit in Shanghai, it now takes 7 working days instead of the longer 15 days.

- When family members apply for the family Residence permit in Shanghai they need it to be notarized by the Chinese Embassy/Consulate outside of China.

- When a living partner (no

China has now implemented a new set of rules regarding their VISA policies as well as resident permits. As usual, Expatree seeks out to inform you the advantages and little tricks concerning these new rules imposed.

D VISA (also known as the Green Card) can now be applied for given you meet the following criteria: you are a foreign expat that has worked in Shanghai continuously for 4 years, including having permanently resided in China over 6 months at a time; your salary is over 600,000RMB per year and your income tax is 120,000RMB annually; have no criminal record in China and back in the country of origin.

R VISA demands that the expat work for a company that has a valid high-tech certificate. This VISA is valid for 5 years and the great advantage is that after you have worked for 3 years you are eligible for the D VISA.

As a university student, a fresh trick if you plan to open up a business is to apply for the 2 year personal affairs resident permit S1 VISA.

For a normal foreign emplo