Foreigners holding Chinese permanent residence visas (foreigners’ permanent residence permits) can generally stay in China for a long time, but not without restrictions.
But it does not mean that one can stay in China “forever”, as there are some situations that may result in their permanent residency being revoked. According to Article 24 of the Measures for the Administration of the Examination and Approval of Foreigners’ Permanent Residence in China, if an alien with permanent residence qualification in China has any of the following circumstances, the National Immigration
Administration may revoke his permanent residence qualification in China, and may confiscate his permanent residence identity card or declare it invalid:
1. May pose a threat to national security and interests;
2. Those who have been sentenced to deportation by the people’s court;
3. Obtaining permanent residency in China through illegal means such as providing false materials;
4. Those who have resided in China for less than three months or less than one year within five years without approval.
Therefore, although the Chinese permanent residency visa provides the convenience of long-term residence in China, holders still need to comply with Chinese laws and regulations and meet certain residency requirements to maintain their permanent residency status.