Applying for "Chinese Green Card" as Chinese spouses
This article will discuss the requirements for obtaining a Chinese Permanent Residence Card, also known as the "Chinese Green Card."
Requirements:
(1) Married to a Chinese national (with a Hukou or family registration)
(2) Have been married for at least five years
(3) Have lived in China continuously for five years and spent nine months or more of each year in China
(4) Stable and ensured living and residence
Documents:
(1) Passport with at least six months remaining
(2) Health certificate from an approved hospital
(3) No criminal record issued by home country and authenticated by Chinese embassy
(4) Four 2-inch passport photos
(5) Original Hukou and ID card of the Chinese spouse
(6) Original marriage certificate
(7) Proof of taxes that were paid for the past five years
(8) Notarized house ownership certificate or rental contract
(9) Certificate of deposit in a closed bank account of at least 100,000 RMB. This should NOT be withdrawn during the processing period of the application otherwise you will be rejected. Please note that the amount of deposit varies from one city to another so double check with the Public Security Bureau for the exact figure.
Additional notes:
The application is be done through the Public Security Bureau where the Chinese spouse’s hukou is located.
The official waiting period is six months, but it can go up to two years and the exact time will vary from one location to another.
During that waiting period, the Public Security Bureau will not keep your passport with them, so this will not affect your travel and business affairs in the meantime.
The non-national must stay in China for at least three consecutive months each year to maintain the “Green Card.”
Some Public Security Bureau officers have told people they can work with a “Green Card” issued through any method (marriage, work, or investment), while others have said that only the work related “Green Card” allows working.
Under the law, if issued a “Green Card” through this method (e.g. marriage) then working in China may not be allowed, and therefore correct working permission documents is still required.
As with all types of Green Cards for China:
(1) the valid period is for ten years
(2) it is considered permanent residency in China (which could affect your status in your home country)
(3) foreign nationals are subject to worldwide tax on income and assets paid in China
(4) the cards are socially not acceptable yet in lieu of a passport and visa or ID card
About the Authors:
Julian runs a company that works with individuals and organizations doing business between the US, China, and Africa. He has been based in China for a number of years.
Ikbal (known by the nickname “Ikky”) is an R&D Manager working in Shanghai. He has been living in China for over 11 years.