(File Photo)

Residents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan can apply for a mainland residence permit to enjoy better public services from Sept 1, according to a new regulation issued by the State Council, China's cabinet.

The permit card, which can be read automatically at electronic terminal devices at various places such as railway stations, airports and banks, can facilitate their study, work and life on the mainland, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Public Security on Thursday.

The application is voluntary, and applicants need to live on the mainland for longer than six months, with stable job and accommodation.