UPDATED: How To Apply for Permanent Residence in China？

According to recent inquiries, many clients are interested in how to apply for permanent residence in China. For requirements of applying for permanent residence, please check our previous articles:

In this passage, we will make clear the basic process and documents needed to apply for permanent residence, as well as some successful cases for your reference. (take policies in Shanghai as examples)

01

What is permanent residence?

The permanent residence is a proof of identity for permanent resident foreigners in China， and a tangible proof of entitlement to treatment in China.

Commonly known as the "Chinese Green Card".

There is no nationality restriction for entering and leaving China, no need to apply for an additional visa with the permanent residence.

02

What's the process of permanent residence application?

1. Application.

   Applicants above 18 years old should go to the Immigration Service Center of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau to process the application in person.

   For those under 18 years old, both parents should attend to process the application (in case the parents are divorced, the sole guardian parent shall process the application).

2. Acceptance, examination, and decision.

   The receiving authority shall complete the investigation within 3 months from the date of acceptance and report those that meet the requirements to the examination authority. 

Source: Shanghai Public Security Exit-Entry Administration/cs.mfa.gov.cn

Notice

The application shall be handled and reported to the Ministry of Public Security in 90 working days normally after all the required documents are submitted.

Immigration Service Center of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of Shanghai Public Security Bureau (NO.8-9, Lane 36, Xuelin Road, Pudong New District):

Mon - Fri, 9:00 am ~ 11:30 am, 13:30 pm ~ 17:00 pm（except holidays and festivals）

  You can contact VisaOfChina Team to assist you If you are not sure whether your situation meets the application conditions, or need help with the application process.

03

Basic documents to apply for permanent residence

1. Complete the Application Form for Permanent Residence in China, and provide 2 copies of two-inch recent photos.

2. Valid passport and residence permits issued in the city you want to apply for, and 2 copies of each should be submitted.

3. A Health check certificate which was issued by a domestic entry-exit inspection and quarantine agency (or by foreign medical institutions verified by Embassy /Consulate General of China), and provides 1 copy of this. The health certificate should be issued within the validity of the last 6 months.

4. A Criminal record/ Background check which shows no trace or history of any kind must be verified by the Embassy/Consulate General of China, and 1 copy should also be provided. 

Source: Shanghai Public Security Exit-Entry Administration

04

Successful Cases

Case 1: 

Mr. A worked in Shanghai for 4 years with an annual salary of over 600,000RMB(before tax) and an annual tax payment of over 120,000 RMB.

And his wife and child were able to successfully obtain permanent residence as well.

Case 2:

Mr. B worked in Shanghai Free Trade Zone, the registered capital of this company has more than $1 million and got a stable investment for two consecutive years. He applied for permanent residence with the present employer's recommendation.

Case 3:

Ms. Y obtained a doctorate degree while once held Chinese nationality, then joined  US nationality.

NOTE

If you are not sure whether your situation meets the application conditions, or need help with the application process, you can contact the VisaOfChina team for inquiries. 

If you have any questions about China visa applications(work visa, PU letter, company registration, and more), please contact our visa consultant Annie (WeChat ID: AnyHelper_ss).

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Follow our Official WeChat to get latest policy of China Visa.