The Chinese Permanent Resident Identity Card is a coveted identity for foreigners living and developing in China, as only holding a permanent resident status allows foreigners to enjoy the same living convenience as nationals. Without changing their current nationality, they can enter and exit two countries smoothly with their permanent resident status.
But in fact, compared to foreign residents who settle in China, the probability of applying for permanent residency in China is very small. Therefore, many people have applied for permanent residency in China through marriage, trying to make it less distant.
But in terms of the actual application population and the smoothness of the actual processing, applying for permanent residency in China through these channels will increase the pass rate and shorten the waiting time. So, what are the ways to apply for permanent residency in China? Let’s take a look at these application conditions and pathways for permanent residency in China.
How long can foreigners obtain permanent residency in China after getting married?
Foreign nationals and Chinese nationals who marry must meet the residency requirements for five consecutive years in order to apply for a permanent residence permit for foreign nationals in the category of spousal reunion. Other application requirements include:
(The term ‘years’ referred to in these conditions refers to the consecutive years prior to the date of application)
· Foreigners applying for permanent residency in China should abide by Chinese laws, be in good health, and have no criminal record;
· The spouse of a Chinese citizen with permanent residence registered residence in China or a foreigner with permanent residence qualification in China;
· The marriage has been in existence for at least five years;
· After marriage, have resided in China continuously for at least five years and have resided in China for no less than nine months per year;
· Having stable living security and a place to live.
What are the ways for foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency in China without marriage?
Belonging to a foreign Chinese PhD, apply immediately
If the foreign talent is a foreign Chinese PhD holder and works in a specific area with a work residence permit, they can apply directly with their spouse after applying for permanent residency in China.
Application requirements: Foreign Chinese nationals with a doctoral degree or above and holding a work residence permit working in specific regions of the country
Foreign high-level talents
Application requirements: Foreigners who meet the criteria for identifying high-level foreign talents and are recommended by the Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Area Management Committee of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone or the Shenzhen Municipal Government can apply for permanent residency as foreigners. Their foreign spouse and minor children can apply together.
Foreign investors
Application requirements:
Foreigners who have made direct investments in China, have a stable investment situation for three consecutive years, and have a good tax record.
The foreigner referred to in this condition shall meet one of the following conditions when investing in China and actually paying the registered capital:
1. The “Catalogue of Industries for Guiding Foreign Investment” issued by the state encourages industries with a total investment of over 500000 US dollars;
2. Invest a total of over 500000 US dollars in western China and key counties for national poverty alleviation and development work;
3. Investing a total of over 1 million US dollars in the central region of China;
4. Invest a total of over 2 million US dollars in China.
Foreigners whose annual salary income and personal income tax meet the prescribed standards
Application requirements (taking Shenzhen as an example):
Foreigners who have worked continuously in Shenzhen for at least 4 years and have actually resided in Shenzhen for no less than 6 months each year, with an annual wage income of no less than six times the average wage of employees in Shenzhen in the previous year, and an annual personal income tax payment of no less than 20% of the wage income standard, may apply for permanent residence in China. Their foreign spouses and minor children may apply together.
