Shanghai has started a three-year trial to introduce major changes to the city's household registration system, known as hukou. From Monday, people from other parts of China who have held temporary Shanghai residence cards for seven years will be allowed to apply for a Shanghai hukou.

Under the new rules, applicants must have worked in Shanghai and paid into the city's social security for seven years to qualify. They must also pass tax and credit checks and have no criminal convictions.

People who have certain professional qualifications, or hold senior positions in technology or administration, or have made great contributions to the city can apply for a hukou without having to meet other criteria. Applicants can request forms from the local Human Resources and Social Security Department.

By the end of 2008, the population of Shanghai was 19 million and just over a third of residents held temporary residence cards.

(CCTV February 24, 2009)