I live in Shanghai but don't work, don't have to any more.

I have lived here for a long time on various Visa's including Z's when I did work. Had a resident book and work book (green & brown books) for 2001-2004. Still have them but they are out of date.

I am married to a Chinese National so I can stay here as long as I want provided I get the visa issued yearly and leave the country occasionally. I travel a lot so that is not a problem. This is....

I want to buy a car and get a legal drivers license, you can't do that unless you have a Z visa or maybe a residence book. So, how do I get a resident book if I don't work? Or how can I get a drivers license without the Z visa?

Thanks

Steve

YOU CANT. New requirements are that we must have a Residence Permit and the only way you can get one of those tehse days is via a Work Permit. I am not 100% sure but there may be an exception for Student Visas (X Visas) as there are for home purchases.