Expatriates in Shanghai are finding it easier to renew their visas and apply for permanent residence permits after a set of new policies came into effect earlier this month, the Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau said on Wednesday.

The new policies require fewer documents from foreigners.

The policies exempt those applying for certain visas from providing documents concerning their Chinese hosts if the hosts remain the same from previously granted visas, said Cai Baodi, foreigner visa management division chief at the bureau.

Specifically, the measures bring convenience for applicants seeking the following visas: short-term family visits (Q2 visa), short-term private matters (S2 visa), short-term studies (X2 visa), business trips (M or F visa) and talent visas (R visa).

As for those applying for permanent residence permits, known as Chinese "green cards", the new policies have loosened requirements for some of the supporting materials.