Do foreigners need a residence permit to pay social security?

Legal analysis: No need. As long as the person concerned has lived in the place of residence for more than 6 months and meets one of the provisions of Article 2 of the Provisional Regulations on Residence Permit, he can apply for a residence permit locally, regardless of whether the person concerned participates in social insurance.

Legal basis: Provisional Regulations on Residence Permit

Article 8 The public security organs shall be responsible for the management of the application, acceptance, production, issuance and endorsement of residence permits. Residents' committees, villagers' committees, employers, schools and lessors shall assist in accepting and issuing residence permits.

Ninth to apply for a residence permit, you should submit your ID card, photo, residence address, employment, schooling and other supporting materials to the local police station or the community service agency entrusted by the public security organ.