If you hold a valid D, Z, X or J1 visa and need to stay in China for one year, you and your family may apply for a residence permit at the Shanghai Public Security Bureau on 1500 Minsheng Lu in Pudong. These permits are valid for one to five years, depending on your visa, and family members must show proof of kinship (birth certificates, adoption papers or marriage certificates). China does not recognise same-sex couples or common law marriages. Residence permits also may not be extended to parents of foreign workers. In order to apply, you need an application form, temporary residence permit (pink form), passport, one passport photo, health certificate, official application letter from your employer, work permit and original foreigner employment register form, and a copy of your company’s business licence.­­­­