BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- A new regulation on the application and granting of residence permits for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents living in the Chinese mainland was published Sunday.

The regulation, published on the official website of the State Council, will take effect on September 1.

It was promulgated to provide more convenience in terms of study, work, business operation, and life for residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan living in the mainland, and ensure their rights and interests, the document said.

Applicants must have lived in the mainland for more than six months and be able to show proof of either a legitimate and stable job, a legitimate and stable residential address, or ongoing school attendance.

Eligible applicants may apply for the permit on a voluntary basis.

The new residence permits will carry ID numbers beginning with 810000, 820000, and 830000 for residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan respectively, following the national standard for ID numbers, according to the regulation. The residence permits will be issued by the public security departments of county-level governments and will be valid for up to five years.

The regulation asked public security organs at all levels to actively coordinate with authorities in charge of education, civil affairs, judicial administration, social security, housing, health care, and other areas to safeguard the rights and interests of the permit holders.

According to the regulation, holders of the new residence permit will be able to use it to register vehicles, apply for driver's licenses, and take professional qualification exams. They will also be able to purchase tickets online, check-in at hotels, and use financial services.

The regulation also stipulated the duties of confidentiality of related authorities and staff regarding the privacy and other information they obtain from permit holders.