Citizens from the USA must comply with the immigration rules of China. Moreover, US nationals can get in touch with our Chinese lawyers and solicit complete legal advice and assistance for relocating to China. If interested in starting a business in China or you need information about how to immigrate to China, feel free to discuss with us all the formalities.
Our lawyers are at your service if you want to move to China from the USA.
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Data on American citizens living in China
Here are some statistics about the number of American citizens living in China:
- According to data for 2023, around 130,000 US citizens live in China with residency in this country.
- Approximately 40,000 American citizens are students in China, and US authorities expect this number to increase in the future.
Types of visas for US citizens entering China
Citizens from the USA interested in traveling or who want to immigrate to China should pay attention to the visa requirements in this matter. The 10-year multiple-entry visa is available to those who want to enter China, Hong Kong, and Macau. However, it is also required to own a valid visa to exit China, as the immigration rules in this matter are quite strict. Here are the main Chinese visas to consider:
- The business visa – the M-type visa is issued for trade or business activities, while the F-type visa is required for US citizens who are interested in study tours, cultural or scientific exchanges, lectures, or investigations.
- The student visa – US students attending colleges in China for less than 6 months must apply for this kind of visa.
- Work visa – the Z visa is issued under certain conditions, like having a sponsor which is normally the company that hires the US citizen. A temporary residence permit will then be issued.
- The transit visa – US citizens transiting China must apply for this kind of visa. This is also known as the G visa.
- The tourist visa – this is the L visa that has a validity of 2 years, and that allows US citizens to freely travel in most of the Chinese regions.
The Chinese visa application can be made in person or represented with a power of attorney. It is important to note that visa applications made via email are not accepted. You can talk to one of our lawyers in China about all the aspects referring to moving from the US to China.
What are the eligibility criteria for moving to China?
The eligibility criteria are imposed depending on the duration of the stay in China. The main obligation is to obtain permanent residency in China, with respect to a few requirements. The applicants must have a clear criminal record and provide information about their financial status. Persons with a full-time job in China must obtain permanent residence in China. Business persons from the USA who make investments for at least 3 consecutive years are eligible for permanent residency in China. All the aspects related to moving to China as an American can be discussed with one of our Chinese attorneys.
You can direct your inquiries to our team and let us help you with the formalities when immigrating to China if you are from the US. Here are a few formalities to consider:
- A certificate showing a clear criminal record, authenticated by the embassy or consulate is required.
- A health certificate issued by a medical institute and validated by the Chinese consulate is needed.
- The US citizen must have a valid passport.
- The application for permanent residency can be made in person or by a representative with a power of attorney.
Our lawyers can manage the formalities to move to China as an American for anyone interested. We can help you immigrate to China in the shortest time possible.
What US citizens must do after entering China?
Citizens from the US relocating on a long-term basis to China must follow a few steps right after they enter China. First of all, there is the obligation to register with the Chinese police within 24 hours of entry. Otherwise, US nationals can pay fines or be deported right away. There is also the obligation of permanently having the identification documents, wherever you may go in China. The Chinese authorities and even administrators and other officials have the right to check if your visa is still valid. All the details you need to know about moving from the US to China can be offered by our team of lawyers in China who can also assist you throughout the entire formalities of immigrating to China from the USA.
Can Americans get Chinese citizenship?
The rules regarding Chinese citizenship are quite complex. China, for example, does not accept dual citizenship, which means that accepted candidates must renounce their citizenship of origin. In the case of American citizens interested in citizenship in China, they must prove that they have parents of Chinese origin. Children born in the USA to parents of Chinese origin can apply for citizenship but must renounce the American one. While the United States accepts dual citizenship, China does not accept this status. It can be said that people in this situation must choose either American or Chinese citizenship. You can find out more information about citizenship in China from our immigration lawyers with experience in this field. Besides, we can help you move from the US to China.
Preferred cities for relocation to China from the US
American citizens who choose China as their new destination prefer to open their businesses here, study, or work in various companies. Among the cities with potential and chosen by US citizens are Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hangzhou or Chengdu. These are the most popular Chinese cities to live in as expats. Moving to China as an American can be an uncomplicated process if you choose to collaborate with our specialists. They can help you, for example, to move to Shanghai from the US by managing the paperwork in order to issue the necessary visa and residency.
Short conclusion
US citizens interested in moving to China must consider the entry formalities in this country. It starts with applying for the necessary visa and complying with the conditions in this regard. The formalities for obtaining residency in China follow a process that can also be supervised by our Chinese lawyers. Feel free to discuss with us if you want to immigrate to China from the USA.
US nationals who want to move to Shanghai from the US are recommended to ask for legal advice and support from a Chinese lawyer. In addition to assistance with moving from the US to China, our specialists can help you with the process of divorce in China, for example. All our attorneys can represent clients in trademark registration in China when opening a company in this country. You can contact our law firm in China and ask for our legal services.