How long can foreigners live in China:Tourist visas usually allow a stay of up to 60 days. Business and other visas may extend up to 90 days or even longer. For longer stays, a residence permit is needed, which can extend up to 10 years.
Different Visa Types for Foreigners in China
| Visa Type | Description | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (L) | For individuals visiting China for tourism. | Normally up to 60 days. |
| Business Visa (M) | For individuals conducting commercial and trade activities. | Usually 30-90 days, with multiple-entry visas valid up to 10 years. |
| Work Visa (Z) | For individuals working in China. A work permit is required. | Typically 30 days from the date of entry, after which a residence permit should be obtained. |
| Student Visa (X) | For individuals studying in China. | X1 visa is for long-term study (more than 6 months), and X2 is for short-term study (less than 6 months). |
| Private Visit Visa (S) | For family members of foreigners working or studying in China. | Usually up to 180 days for S1 visa, and up to 90 days for S2 visa. |
| Family Reunion Visa (Q) | For family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence. | Q1 type allows stay duration of more than 180 days, Q2 type is for shorter stays. |
| Transit Visa (G) | For individuals transiting through China. | Generally allows a stay of up to 7 days, depending on certain conditions. |
Residence Permit for Foreigners in China
Foreigners who wish to stay in China for longer periods may need to apply for a residence permit, also known as a “Green Card”. This permit varies in length but can extend up to 10 years.
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How to Apply for a Residence Permit
Applying for a residence permit in China generally involves the following steps:
- Obtain a Z, Q1, S1, X1 or J1 Visa. These visas are required before you can apply for a residence permit.
- Enter China on the appropriate visa. The visa will allow you to legally enter China so you can apply for the residence permit.
- Get a Health Check. Foreigners applying for a residence permit must undergo a health examination at an approved hospital in China.
- Submit your application. You’ll need to submit the application at a local public security bureau within 30 days of arrival. You should bring your passport health check results, and relevant documentation based on the purpose of your stay.
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Length of Stay Under the Residence Permit
The length of stay under a Chinese residence permit varies depending on the type of permit:
- Work Residence Permit: Issued for a period matching the duration of the work permit, usually from 90 days to 5 years.
- Student Residence Permit: Valid for the duration of the study program, up to 5 years.
- Private Affairs Residence Permit: Issued to family members accompanying workers or students in China. This can be valid for up to 5 years.
- Family Reunion Residence Permit: Issued to family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents. This can be valid from 1 year up to 5 years.
- Permanent Residence Permit: Also known as the “Chinese Green Card”, it is valid for 10 years.
Living in China Long-term: Paths to Permanent Residency
Obtaining permanent residency in China provides a path for long-term stay in the country. This status provides a wide range of benefits and is subject to certain eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for Permanent Residency
There are several categories of foreigners who may be eligible for permanent residency in China, such as:
- High-level foreign experts contributing to China’s economic, scientific, and technological development, or to social progress.
- Foreign nationals who have made outstanding contributions or are of special importance to China.
- Investors who have made direct investments in China with stable operations and a good tax-paying record for three successive years.
- Spouses of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with permanent residence status in China, who have been married for five years, have lived in China for five successive years with at least nine months of residence in China each year, and have stable sources of subsistence and a dwelling.
The Application Process
The application for a permanent residence permit includes several steps:
- Prepare all required documents. This includes but is not limited to your current passport, health certificate, certificate of no criminal record, and other documents based on your specific situation.
- Submit your application. You can submit your application to the public security authority of the municipal people’s government at the provincial level in the place of your intended residence.
- Processing and decision. The Chinese authorities will process the application and decide whether to grant the permanent residency.
Benefits of Obtaining Permanent Residency
There are many benefits to obtaining permanent residency in China:
- Long-term residence. Permanent residents can live in China without having to continuously apply for visas or residence permits.
- Work benefits. Permanent residents can work in China and receive the same treatment as Chinese nationals.
- Education benefits. Children of permanent residents can receive compulsory education in China.
- Investment benefits. Permanent residents can invest in housing and other industries in China.
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