An expat applies for work and residence permits at the one-stop service window in Xiamen Software Park. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

A one-stop service window for expats to apply for work and residence permits recently started operating at Xiamen Software Park in East China's Fujian province, Xiamen Daily reported.

The service window was created by the city's science and technology bureau, public security bureau and the administration of Xiamen Torch Development Zone for High Technology Industries and is the first service window of its kind in Fujian to integrate administrative procedures from different departments.

Officers explained that expats and their employers previously had to apply for the work permit at the sci-tech bureau and then handle the residence permit at the public security bureau after acquiring the work permit, which would take about a week.

At the one-stop service window, expats can apply for the work and residence permits at the same time. Those who qualify can receive the work permit on the spot, while the residence permit will be mailed in two weekdays.

"Such highly efficient services made me feel at home," said Lin Bingzhang, former chief statistical hydrologist at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "It has given me full confidence and confirmed my determination to devote myself to Xiamen's development."

According to Luo Lei, senior official at the city's sci-tech bureau, more targeted services such as online registration will be introduced in the near future to bring more convenience to expats in Xiamen.

Thanks to its favorable living and working environment, Xiamen has won the title of the Most Attractive Chinese City for Expats six times.