According to current Chinese laws and policies, whether one can retain their original nationality after immigrating to China depends on the following situations:
1、 Only obtain permanent residency in China (Chinese green card)
Does not affect the original nationality
After obtaining a Chinese permanent residence permit (i.e. Chinese green card), foreign citizens can reside, work, and enjoy some social welfare benefits in China for a long time, but still retain their original nationality
Applicable population
Including qualified foreign nationals who invest in China, hold high-end positions, and reunite with family members
2、 Apply for Chinese nationality
Need to renounce original nationality
According to Article 3 and Article 8 of the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China, China does not recognize dual nationality. If one voluntarily applies to become a Chinese citizen and is approved, they must renounce their original nationality
Special exceptions
Minors under the age of 18 may retain dual citizenship if one of their parents naturalizes in China and does not voluntarily renounce their original nationality
Foreign minors adopted by Chinese citizens may retain dual nationality until they reach adulthood, provided that they do not voluntarily renounce their original nationality
3、 Citizens of dual nationality countries should pay attention
If the country of origin allows dual nationality (such as Canada, Portugal, etc.), although the original nationality can be retained after immigrating to China, they are only considered Chinese citizens within China and cannot use foreign passports to handle Chinese affairs, otherwise they may face the risk of nationality conflict
4、 Feasibility of nationality restoration
If a former Chinese citizen wishes to regain Chinese nationality after immigrating overseas, they must meet the following requirements:
Have close relatives in China;
There are legitimate reasons to return to China for settlement;
Voluntarily renounce foreign nationality and obtain approval from the Ministry of Public Security
