Foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to China’s economic and social development or meet other conditions for permanent residence in China may apply for permanent residence in China.
Foreigners applying for permanent residence in China shall abide by Chinese laws, be healthy, have no criminal record, and meet one of the following conditions:
（1） Direct investment in China, stable investment situation for three consecutive years, and good tax record;
（2） Those who hold positions such as deputy general manager or deputy factory director in China, or have deputy senior professional titles such as associate professor or associate researcher, and enjoy equal treatment, have served continuously for four years, have resided in China for at least three years in the past four years, and have a good tax record;
（3） Those who have made significant and outstanding contributions to China and meet the special needs of the country;
（4） The spouses and unmarried children under the age of 18 of the individuals referred to in the first, second, and third items of this clause;
（5） The spouse of a Chinese citizen or a foreigner who has obtained permanent residence status in China, who has been married for five years or more, has continuously resided in China for five years or more, and has stayed in China for no less than nine months each year, and has a stable life security and residence;
（6） Unmarried children under the age of 18 who seek refuge with their parents;
（7） Those who have no direct relatives overseas, seek refuge with direct relatives within the country, are over 60 years old, have resided in China continuously for at least five years, reside in China for no less than nine months per year, and have stable living security and residence.
What are the benefits of immigrating to China?
When immigrating to China due to such irresistible factors as diplomacy and war, the motherland will do everything possible to take people with Chinese registered residence home.
There will be no unexpected shooting incidents in China.
In China, it enjoys a special period of national support, such as COVID-19 vaccination.
Chinese passport allows visa free access to many countries.
Enjoy all the rights that Chinese citizens are entitled to.
There are many benefits to immigrating to China. In addition to obtaining permanent residency, job opportunities, and social welfare, one can also enjoy stable social security, high-quality healthcare and education resources, cultural diversity, convenient tourism, and more.
Is the immigration process to China complicated?
Foreigners applying for permanent residence in China shall submit the following materials in addition to the basic materials such as valid foreign passports, health certificates, and certificates of no criminal record abroad.
（1） Investment personnel
1. Copy of the business license of the enterprise legal representative;
2. Certificate of Public Disclosure of Enterprise Annual Report;
3. Confirmation of Foreign Investment Projects;
4. Copy of capital verification report;
5. Encouraged foreign-invested enterprises also need to provide a confirmation letter of foreign investment projects encouraged by the state or a copy of the certificate issued by the provincial competent department stating that the enterprise is a foreign-invested enterprise encouraged by the state, as well as a copy of the personal tax payment certificate;
（2） Employed personnel
1. Copy of employment certificate;
2. Copy of work permit for foreigners in China;
3. Copy of unit registration certificate;
4. Certificate of Public Disclosure of Enterprise Annual Report;
5. Copy of project certification documents or confirmation letters;
6. Copy of personal tax payment certificate;
（3） Special personnel
1. Copy of recommendation letter;
2. Copy of relevant rewards and achievement certificates.
（4） Spouses of investment, employment, and special personnel, as well as unmarried children under the age of 18
1. Copy of marriage certificate, birth certificate or proof of parent-child relationship;
2. Copies of permanent residence ID cards of foreigners who invest, hold posts or are special personnel.
（5） Family reunion personnel
1. Copy of marriage certificate;
2. Copy of spouse’s identification document;
3. Copy of property lease or ownership certificate;
4. Copy of proof of living security.
（6） Family reunion personnel
1. Copy of birth certificate or proof of parent-child relationship;
2. Copies of the identification documents of Chinese parents, or copies of the valid passports of foreign parents and permanent residence identity cards of foreigners;
3. If both parents have divorced, a copy of the proof that the person being sought after has guardianship responsibility towards the applicant should be provided;
（7） Relatives seeking refuge with individuals
1. Copy of proof that the applicant has no direct relatives abroad;
2. Copy of proof of domestic family relationship;
3. Copies of the permanent registered residence registration certificate and resident identity card of the Chinese citizen who has been enlisted; Or photocopies of the valid passports and permanent residence identity cards of the foreigners who have been registered;
4. Copy of property lease or ownership certificate;
5. Copy of proof of living security.
The procedures for immigrating to China may be relatively complex, requiring a series of application and approval processes. Applicants need to prepare sufficient materials, including personal identification, financial proof, proof of no criminal record, proof of family relationship, etc., and submit them to relevant departments for review. In addition, it is necessary to meet the investment, tax, and residency requirements set by the Chinese government.
How to handle Chinese immigration
（1） Apply. Foreigners applying for permanent residence in China shall apply to the public security organ of the people’s government of a city divided into districts in the main place of investment or the place of long-term residence, or to the public security branch or county bureau of a municipality directly under the Central Government, by themselves or the parents or entrusted persons of unmarried children under the age of 18. If the application is made on behalf of the principal, a power of attorney notarized by a notary public issued by the applicant must be submitted. The power of attorney issued by the applicant abroad must be authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate in that country.
（2） Acceptance, review, and decision-making. The accepting authority shall complete the investigation work within 3 months from the date of acceptance and submit those that meet the conditions to the reviewing authority. The reviewing authority shall complete the review work within 2 months and submit those that meet the conditions for approval to the immigration bureau. For those who do not meet the conditions, the immigration bureau will make a decision not to approve them. Aliens who have been approved to reside permanently in China shall be issued permanent residence identity cards by the Immigration Bureau. For those who apply for replacement or reissuance of documents, the accepting authority will complete the investigation and report those who meet the conditions to the reviewing authority. After the reviewing authority completes the review work, they will report to the immigration bureau for approval.
