Content of the question: What materials are needed to apply for the Certificate of Foreign Expert?
　　Reply to the question:
　　1. What functions does the Certificate of Foreign Expert serve?
　　Reply: The Certificate of Foreign Expert is a valid proof of identity for foreigners during their work in China and an indispensable certificate for residence procedures in China. The Certificate is made by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs and issued by the Foreign Affairs Office of the province. It serves the following four functions:
　　1) It is a political treatment granted by the Chinese government;
　　2) It is the identity certificate that entitles foreign experts to legitimate work in China;
　　3) With the Certificate, cultural and educational foreign experts can convert 30 to 70 percent of their income into foreign currency in Bank of China;
　　4) With the Certificate, foreign experts must apply to the local public security organs for the residence permit in China within a month of their entry, to ensure a legitimate stay.
　　2. What are the guidelines for implementing the Certificate of Foreign Expert?
　　Reply: Circular No. 105 [Wai Zhuan Fa 1994] of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs and the Ministry of Finance on implementing the Certificate of Foreign Expert; and Circular No. 173 [Wai Zhuan Fa 1996] of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs on reinforcing management of the Certificate of Foreign Expert.
　　3. Who are eligible holders of the Certificate of Foreign Expert?
　　Reply: 1) The foreign experts in economy or technology who hold a China Work (Z) Visa or other type of visa and need to obtain a Certificate of Foreign Expert;
　　2) The cultural and educational foreign experts recruited by units with the Qualification Certificate, or the resident staff of the overseas organizations in China that are approved by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs.
　　4. How to apply for the Certificate of Foreign Expert?
　　Reply: The application procedures are as follows:
　　1) The host unit fills out the application form for the Certificate of Foreign Expert, and submits it to the Provincial Foreign Affairs Office together with other necessary materials;
　　2) The Certificate of Foreign Expert is then issued if the applicant meets all the requirements upon examination.
　　5. What materials must be provided in applying for the Certificate of Foreign Expert?
　　Reply: 1) The official written reply from the Provincial Foreign Affairs Office or the written notice of approval from the Provincial Education Department;
　　2) The written proof from the host unit that the foreign expert is in office;
　　3) The photocopy of the foreign expert¡¯s passport (and his/her dependents¡¯ if applicable);
　　4) Two photos of the foreign expert (and of his/her dependents if applicable), bareheaded, 1 inch in size;
　　5) The application form for the Certificate of Foreign Expert.
　　6. Where is the application for the Certificate of Foreign Expert processed?
　　Reply: It is processed at the Certificate Processing Center of the Provincial Foreign Affairs Office. Address: The third floor of Jinzhu Building, No.538 Tiyuchang Road, Hangzhou. Telephone: 85215251.
　　7. How long does it take to get the Certificate of Foreign Expert?
　　Reply: The procedures can be completed within five working days for eligible applicants with all necessary materials. The Pision of Press and Culture is responsible for this matter. It can be reached at 87054928 and 87054927.