Foreign nationals wishing to immigrate to China must first apply for the appropriate visa. It is important to note that the applicant may authorize someone to apply for the visa, with a power of attorney. One of our Chinese lawyers can represent you on immigration issues and can tell you more about how to relocate to China.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) (YES/NO) | YES |
|
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) (YES/NO) |
YES, but exceptions might apply. |
|
Types of visas available |
– diplomatic, services, – tourist, – business, – student, – work visas |
| Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) | Around 4 working days |
| Validity of temporary residence permit |
1 year with the possibility of an extension |
| Temporary residence permit renewal requirements |
– original registration form from the previous application, – valid passport with the entry visa, – proof of domicile in China |
| Documents for obtaining a residence permit |
– valid passport with Chinese entry visa, – clear criminal record, – health certificate, – proof of domicile, – completed standard forms offered by the authorities |
| Requirement for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) |
Living in China for at least 4 years |
| Investor Visa availability |
EB-5 visa available for US investors |
| Start-up Visa Scheme availability | Business start-up visa available for 12 months |
| Sponsorship requirement (YES/NO) |
YES |
| How long does it take to obtain Chinese citizenship? |
Around 5 years |
| Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme availability |
– investments of at least RMB 10 million for obtaining residency in China – Golden Passport Program for gaining citizenship |
| Taxation of foreign citizens |
Tax rates range from 3% to 45% depending on the amount of income. |
| Tax benefits for expats |
– special deductions for house lease, – children’s education, etc. |
Table of Contents
Visa types for China
There are several types of visas, depending on the needs of the applicant and the period of stay. Let’s review some of these, if interested in relocating to China:
- A tourist visa is valid for 2 years and allows entry into China without restrictions.
- A business visa (F or M type) allows you to stay in China for 3 months.
- Work visa is obtained through the sponsorship of the employing company. After 30 days, applicants must obtain a temporary residence permit.
- A student visa for China especially an X1 visa is required for students who intend to stay more than 6 months in this country. For a shorter period, candidates can apply for a student visa X2 for China.
Therefore, those interested in immigration to China must first find out what kind of visa is required. Below is an infographic with details about how to relocate to China:
How do I apply for temporary residence in China?
Temporary residence in China must be obtained 30 days after entering the country. Prior to this application, foreign nationals must register in the Chinese city within 24 hours of arrival at the nearest police station.
A temporary residence permit for China is valid for 5 years, and those interested can then apply for Chinese citizenship. Here are other important aspects in this regard:
- In order to obtain this document, the Chinese authorities require a set of analyses. Chest X-ray to detect tuberculosis is one of these medical tests.
- Applicants will be interviewed by the Department of Foreign Affairs to confirm their identity.
- The time frame for temporary residence permits in China is between 6 and 10 weeks. All the while, applicants are advised not to leave China. Talk to us if you want to immigrate to China.
We invite you to discuss more about how to relocate to China with our immigration lawyers in China. We have specialists with experience in issues related to migration to China. You can also watch the following video presentation on this topic:
Obtaining permanent residence in China
Permanent residence permit in China is obtained under special conditions. Foreign investors, spouses of Chinese nationals, and foreigners with permanent employment can easily obtain this document.
In other cases, however, applicants can make investments of at least CNY 600,000 to get permanent residence in China. In addition to these requirements, interested candidates must have a clean record and submit complete medical tests.
People interested in how to immigrate to China and residence permits can turn to our immigration lawyers in China. We are at your service if you want details about emigration to China.
Ways to relocate to China as a foreigner
There are various reasons why foreigners choose to relocate to China. Those interested in relocating to Shanghai can opt for a student visa and attend prestigious colleges here. A letter of invitation is requested in this case. On the other hand, many accept jobs in China, so they relocate to this country respecting certain conditions. In this situation, the employer must send an invitation letter and act as a sponsor for the respective foreign citizen. Here, one must apply for a business visa Z, but also a work permit.
On the other hand, some foreign citizens want to move to Beijing to start a business. Applicants can benefit from multiple-entry visas that allow them to travel to and from China for business purposes. A condition for obtaining a residence permit in China in this case is the offer of jobs in the city where the company is registered. We invite you to learn more about how to relocate to China from our immigration specialists.
Advantages of permanent residence status in China
Obtaining permanent residence status in China is beneficial for foreigners who relocate here. Among them, we list:
- Foreigners can work and live without restrictions and without having to apply for a work permit.
- Foreign citizens with permanent residence in China can travel without problems and the need for entry or exit visas from China.
- Permanent residents in China can purchase apartments in China for their own use. In this case, however, certain conditions are respected.
- Permanent residence holders in China can invest in foreign-invested enterprises. We can help you relocate to Shanghai.
- Unlike other countries, China allows identification with a permanent residence card for the purchase of plane or train tickets in the country. Also with this document, the vehicle can be registered in your own name.
If you are interested in moving to Beijing, our immigration lawyers in China can help you throughout the process; don’t hesitate to get in touch with our lawyers for legal representation on Chinese immigration law.
Some statistics on migration to China
China is a popular destination for businesspeople and foreign workers alike. There are multiple development opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, food, and beverages, FMCG, engineering, and more.
Statistical data on migration to China revealed the following:
- Over 141 million exit-entry travelers were registered in Q1 of 2024, in China.
- The National Immigration Administration in China reported the entry of over 14 million foreign citizens, meaning an increase of over 152% for the first 6 months of 2024.
- Around 8,542,000 foreigners who entered China during the period mentioned above did not need a visa.
Besides helping you with moving to China you are welcome to get a consultation from our divorce lawyers in China if you are about to dissolve your marriage. Also, our Chinese lawyers can assist with trademark registration in China and involved procedures. Contact our law firm in China and make an appointment as soon as possible, including for citizenship in China.