China is giving more permanent residency permits, or green cards, to foreign nationals. 80% more permits were issued in 2012 than that in previous years. At the reception hall of the Beijing Exit-Entrance Administration, every day on average about 15 foreign expats enquire about the application process.

Leonardo has been living in China for more than 30 years. He got his Chinese green card in 2008. He lost his card last week, so he's applying for a new one.

Chinese Green card holder Leonardo Posada from Colombia said, "It's useful because I don't always have to have my passport with me, it's a long term residence permit, so I'm half Chinese."

A green card means more than just easy exit-entry procedures. Last December, China issued a regulation allowing green card holders the same benefits as Chinese citizens, from employment and investment to housing, social insurance, and even education for their children. The number of green cards issued by authorities is also on the increase. Official figures show China issued 1,202 green cards last year. That's up more than 83 percent from the previous year. More than half of the new green card holders are people who have come to live in China with family members. The rest are mostly professionals, executives and professors. Most are from the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia and Germany, and mainly live in big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Wang Quanchun, official of Beijnig Exit-Entry Administration, said, "Currently about 10 to 15 foreigners come to consult about the permanent residence permit each weekday. Many foreigners also visit our website."

Beijing has 118,000 foreign residents. Since 2004, more than 1,000 have been granted green cards.

Wang said, "Before applying for the permit, please go to the website of Beijing Public Security Bureau to read about the requirements, and prepare the necessary paperwork. This can help save time when you come here to apply."

Reporter: “Official says applicants with higher education backgrounds and business experience are more likely to get China's green card. China's Ministry of Public Security has said it's working with the Foreign Ministry to draft a document that could help issue more permits and make the application process easier."

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