Recently, the inaugural China (Shanghai) Business Environment Innovation Practice Awards were unveiled, with the Changning District Talent Bureau's initiative, "Innovative Services for Overseas Talent, Continuously Optimizing the Business Environment," recognized as an outstanding innovation practice case. The initiative focuses on the Hongqiao One-Stop Service Center for Overseas Talent , a comprehensive service hub spanning over 11,000 square meters. By offering "one-stop" services, it paints a vivid picture of Shanghai's business environment for global talent, becoming a landmark that attracts and delights professionals from home and abroad.  

From ‘multiple trips’ to ‘one-time completion’:

the ‘Shanghai Experience’ for international talent

"Using a 'medical insurance code' on my phone to see a doctor or buy medicine is as convenient as it is for my local colleagues!" said Aine Kanzira, an engineer from Uganda, who fell in love with life in Shanghai after obtaining his foreigner medical insurance card at the Hongqiao One-Stop Service Center for Overseas Talent in May 2024. The card allows him to settle medical expenses directly within the insurance scope, eliminating worries about complicated procedures.  

Kirill, a young professional from Russia, also experienced the convenience firsthand. When scheduling an entry medical check-up at the center, he completed all formalities in just 30 minutes. "The facilities are excellent, the guidance is clear, and everything is hassle-free for foreigners," he remarked. As Nathanael, a foreign social worker, noted, the center’s addition of over 30 lifestyle services, such as medical check-up appointments, broadband setup, and driver’s license renewal, has made life in Shanghai increasingly seamless for overseas talent.  

This efficiency stems from the center’s deep integration of services. With 11 comprehensive service windows, it has expanded government service items from 17 to 38 and lifestyle services from zero to 31, covering both work and daily needs. The "single window, three-certificate joint processing" feature allows overseas talent to obtain work permits, residence permits, and residence cards in as few as 12 working days, with materials reduced by one-third and processing time nearly halved.  

From ‘space redesign’ to ‘service upgrade’: 

the innovation behind 11,000 square meters

In April 2024, the new center at 377 Songhong Road officially opened. Its six-floor integrated space is thoughtfully designed: a 24-hour self-service area on the first floor, centralized service windows on the second floor, a digital display zone illustrating service processes on the third floor, and fully furnished talent apartments on floors 4–6, meeting housing needs "in one step." Its prime location above a subway station and surrounded by commercial amenities makes it a "walkable" service hub.  

The center also introduced ten pioneering measures, turning "firsts" into standards: Shanghai’s first district-level immigration service center, first labor arbitration circuit court for foreign talent, first self-service foreign exchange zone, and more. Among these, consular certification services and a foreigner documentation center are citywide innovations, issuing residence permits in just seven working days. The foreign exchange machines support 20 currencies with conversions as small as one unit, turning "small but critical" details into "major business environment improvements."  

Online services are equally impressive. The official website and Shanghai International Service Portal launched simultaneously, enabling fully online processes for "foreigner accommodation registration" and "talent apartment applications." As of June this year, over 1,900 people applied for apartments online, with 1,300 moving in, achieving the goal of "data runs, talent doesn’t."  

From ‘individual convenience’ to ‘ecosystem formation’: 

behind 120,000 service cases

"Handling work permits for 30 foreign pilots in one go, with full coordination and assistance—such a relief!" remarked a manager from an aviation company, highlighting the value of tailored services. The center focuses on Changning’s key industries, such as aviation services and internet-based lifestyle services, implementing a dedicated liaison system for major enterprises. Through bulk processing and remote assistance, it reduces corporate burdens and streamlines procedures for talent.  

From its April 2024 opening to June this year, the center has served over 120,000 individuals. More than 400 people benefited from "two-certificate joint processing," 110 completed social security procedures (including medical insurance and housing fund) through the "one-stop social security service," and over 1,400 lifestyle inquiries received prompt responses.  

The Hongqiao One-Stop Service Center for Overseas Talent stated that it will further refine resources and introduce more innovations, continuously upgrading its "talent ecosystem" to contribute a standout "Changning answer" to Shanghai’s mission of building a high-level talent hub.