The Chinese permanent residence identity card is a coveted identity for foreigners living and developing in China, because only by holding permanent resident status, foreigners can enjoy the same living convenience as nationals. Without changing their current nationality, they can enter and leave the two countries with 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.
1、 How long can foreign nationals obtain permanent residency in China after getting married?
After a foreigner marries a Chinese, he or she must meet the living conditions for five consecutive years before applying for a permanent residence permit for foreigners in the category of husband and wife 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 residence in China shall abide by Chinese laws, be in good health and have no criminal record;
·Is the spouse of a Chinese citizen with permanent domestic registered residence registration or a foreigner who has obtained permanent residence qualification in China;
·The marriage has been in existence for at least five years;
·After marriage, have resided continuously in China 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.
2、 What are the ways for foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency in China without marriage?
● Belongs 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 conditions: Foreigners who meet the recognition criteria for high-level foreign talents can apply for permanent residence of foreigners after being recommended by the Administration Committee of Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Area of China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone or Shenzhen Municipal Government. Their foreign spouse and minor children can apply together.
Foreign investors
Application requirements:
Foreigners who invest directly in China, have stable investment situation for three consecutive years, and have good tax payment records.
The registered capital actually paid by foreigners referred to in this condition for their investment in China shall meet one of the following conditions:
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.
Foreign personnel whose annual salary income and personal income tax meet the prescribed standards
Application requirements (taking Shenzhen as an example):
Foreigners who have worked in Shenzhen for 4 consecutive years and have actually lived in Shenzhen for no less than 6 months each year, whose annual wage income is no less than six times the average wage of Shenzhen’s on-the-job employees in the previous year, and whose annual personal income tax paid is no less than 20% of the annual wage income standard, can apply for permanent residence in China, and their foreign spouses and minor children can apply with them.
