If you are considering long-term migration to China, whether for work, family reunion, or to establish and develop in China, the current policies do provide multiple paths for applicants from different backgrounds. But each requirement is quite specific, and people with different identities and purposes need to pay special attention to matching the corresponding policy framework during the preparation process. The following is a summary of the core conditions and paths of China’s current immigration policy for your reference:
🏦 1、 Main immigration routes and conditions
1. Investment immigration (economic contribution type)
Require direct investment in China, with a stable investment situation for three consecutive years and a good tax record. The specific investment amount must meet one of the following requirements:
-Encourage industries to invest ≥ 500000 US dollars
-Investment in the central region ≥ 1 million US dollars
-National investment of ≥ 2 million US dollars.
2. Work related immigration (senior positions/professional talents)
-Must hold the position of Deputy General Manager, Deputy Factory Manager or above in China, or have the title of Associate Professor, Associate Researcher or above;
-Having served continuously for at least 4 years and having resided in China for at least 3 years within the 4 years, with a good tax record.
3. Special contributions/urgently needed talents for the country
-Individuals who have made significant technological, economic, or social contributions to China;
-Or belong to high-level talents specially introduced by the country (such as top scientists, industry leaders, etc.).
4. Family group clustering
**Spouse Reunion: Married to a Chinese citizen or permanent resident for at least 5 years, residing continuously in China for at least 5 years, staying for at least 9 months per year, and having a stable residence and income;
**Children seeking refuge with their parents: Unmarried children under the age of 18 seeking refuge with their parents;
**Elderly person seeking refuge with * *: Over 60 years old, without direct relatives overseas, seeking refuge with direct relatives within the country, residing continuously for at least 5 years and for at least 9 months per year.
5. Preferential policies for foreign Chinese nationals
Foreign Chinese with a doctoral degree can directly apply for permanent residency without any residency time restrictions;
Working continuously in the free trade zone/high-tech zone for at least 4 years and residing for at least 6 months per year is also eligible for application.
⚠️ 2、 Basic requirements that all applicants must meet
-* * No criminal record * *: A certified foreign certificate of no criminal record is required;
-* * Physical Health * *: A health certificate issued by a designated health institution must be submitted;
-* * Comply with Chinese laws * *: No record of illegal activities or actions that endanger national security;
-* * Economic Security * *: Proof of stable income or sufficient assets to support living in China is required.
🏙️ 3、 Additional requirements for key cities (taking Shanghai as an example)
1. * * Age limit**
-Talent introduction and settlement: Male ≤ 55 years old, female ≤ 45 years old (female cadres ≤ 50 years old);
-Household transfer: Male ≤ 60 years old, female ≤ 50 years old.
2. * * Social security base requirements**
-The benchmark for Shanghai’s social security base in 2025 is 11396 yuan/month, with different multiples corresponding to different household registration methods:
-International students (QS 100+): need to double the base amount (11396 yuan/month);
-Talent introduction: requires double the base amount (22792 yuan/month).
3. * * Educational requirements**
-Talent introduction requires a bachelor’s degree or above (dual certification required);
-Residence transfer households need to have a college degree or above to settle down through professional titles.
📋 4、 Application Materials and Process
1. Core materials
-Valid passport, health certificate, and certificate of no criminal record (all require authentication);
-Application form, recent ID photo;
-Additional materials of type (such as investment verification report, employment certificate, notarized family relationship, etc.).
2. Process and Time
**Step * *: Prepare materials → Submit application by municipal public security organs → Review (municipal → provincial → National Immigration Administration) → Obtain permanent residence card after approval;
-* * Duration * *: Approximately 6 months;
-* * Cost * *: Application fee of 1500 yuan+ID fee of 300 yuan.
⏳ 5、 Yongju Card Maintenance
**Residential obligation * *: Accumulated residence in China for at least 3 months per year, and accumulated residence for at least 1 year within 5 years;
-Violation consequences: Those who have not reached the residency period and have not been approved may have their permanent residency status revoked.
