FOREIGN staff with expertise who work in the Hongqiao Business Zone can get city residence permits for at least three years under a new initiative.

Among foreign professionals, general managers can apply for five-year residence permits; department managers can seek permits for four years; while other employees can apply for three-year permits. These conditions also apply to their families.

Most foreign talent elsewhere in Shanghai must apply annually, though general managers and those working for corporation headquarters based in the city need only apply every three years, according to the city’s exit-entry authority.