The Implementation Rules for the "Beijing Social Security Card Management Measures" was recently announced and will take effect on January 1, 2026. Beijing will no longer issue first- or second-generation social security cards. All first-time applicants will receive the third-generation social security cards.

The third-generation social security card incorporates national cryptographic algorithms and non-contact functionality. While retaining basic functions such as healthcare services, medication purchases, and self-service inquiries, the third-generation card can also serve as an identity credential for handling services in the human resources and social security sectors. The expanded functionality further covers transportation, annual park passes, and financial services.

According to the Rules, after receiving the social security cards, residents can activate the transportation feature (i.e., for self-paid rides on buses, subways, etc.) of their cards by recharging them through any of the following channels: designated bank service outlets, self-operated service points of Yikatong (Beijing Municipal Administration and Communication Card), or via the Beijing Yikatong App. The usage scope, time limits, and rules for the transportation function of the social security card are consistent with those of the Yikatong Card.

Following card issuance, eligible cardholders may purchase annual park passes at park ticket service points throughout the city or at designated cooperative bank service outlets, and use the card for park visits (i.e., visiting parks after purchasing annual park passes at their own expense). The usage scope, time limits, and rules for the park visit function of the social security card are consistent with those of physical annual park passes in Beijing.

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Beijing Municipal People's Government, commercial banks with extensive service networks in the city have been introduced to cooperate in social security card services. The number of social security card service points has increased from over 300 to nearly 4,000. Additionally, instant-card-issuance service points have been expanded, allowing cardholders to apply for, replace, or renew their cards at nearby issuing bank service locations.

Effective January 1, 2026, Beijing will no longer issue the first- and second-generation cards. For first-time applicants, only the third-generation social security cards will be issued. Current holders of first- or second-generation cards who apply for replacement or renewal can obtain the third-generation card through online channels or designated cooperative bank service outlets. After the third-generation social security card is issued, the original first- or second-generation social security card will become invalid upon the activation of the new card. If cardholders do not replace or activate the third-generation cards, their original first- or second-generation cards will remain valid indefinitely and can continue to be used.

(Source: Beijing Daily)