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An expat visits a police station in Keqiao district. [Photo/Tide News]

Foreign residents in Keqiao district, a global textile hub in Shaoxing, can now apply for both residency permits and temporary driver's licenses at a single service window, under a new initiative launched by the district's public security bureau.

According to Shen Lu, a police officer in Keqiao, the process previously required applicants to visit two departments, submit two sets of documents, and wait up to 15 working days. Under the new system, applicants only need to visit once with a single set of materials, and processing is completed within seven days.

The streamlined approach follows new provincial regulations implemented on May 1 to improve convenience for foreign business travelers. Eligible applicants who already hold a valid foreign driver's license can obtain a temporary permit at the same time as applying for residency.

Traffic police also provide bilingual safety materials during processing to help foreign drivers adapt to local road conditions. Keqiao officials said the measure is part of broader efforts to build a first-class international business environment.