Ways to Apply For Permanent Residence Status in China

Obtaining permanent residence status in China has numerous benefits. A permanent residence ID cardholder can enter or exit china conveniently without any restrictions or limitations. The residence ID card enables individuals to reside, work, and be employed in China. You will also be able to gain access to  children's education, healthcare, social security, transportation, finance, property purchase, and accommodation. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria required for foreigners to apply to obtain Chinese PR status. You should also possess the primary documents needed to qualify for the application. 

Types of Applicants for Permanent Residence Status

The criteria for acquiring Chinese permanent residency vary from region to region. For instance, developed cities like Beijing and Shanghai adopt additional policies that shorten the available application time and broaden the eligibility criteria. Shanghai became the first city to execute new application measures by including additional five categories for eligible applicants for foreigners and shortening the application's initial processing time from 180 days to 90 days. As a result, Shanghai now offers 13 different classes of eligible people who can apply for permanent residency. They can be classified into these main categories:

• Foreign investors
• Foreign talents
• Foreign employees in critical positions in enterprises
• Foreigner with certain relatives in China

Some of the terms for applications include:

• Spouse

Someone married to a Chinese citizen is eligble to apply. The spouse must meet the following requirements:

• They must have lived in China for at least five consecutive years
• They have been married for five years
• They have a stable life, accommodation, and financial security in china.
• They have stayed in China for not less than nine months every year. 

• Special talents

Foreigners that meet the eligibility criteria of high-level talent set by the relevant authorities can also apply for China permanent residence status. Foreign high-level experts in science and technology are also eligible to apply and obtain a permanent residence ID in China. 

Steps involved in the application

Some of the necessary documents required for the application include:

• Valid visa, passport, or resident permit
• A completed application form for permanent residence in China.
• Non-criminal record of the applicant
• Company licenses, letters, and tax payment certificates when applying for permanent residence through employment
• A health certificate issued in the last six months by the domestic entry-exit inspection
• Proof of relationship with a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or proof of kinship;
• A foreign investor applicant with a capital verification report and business license indicating that the organization's registered capital has reached the proper amount.

After completing the various primary documents and additional materials required, the applicant will submit these documents to the Immigration Service Center of the Municipal Public Security Bureau’s Exit-Entry Department. The application is processed within 90 working days. The processing time can be extended if some items require additional investigation by the Public Security Bureau. Due to the ongoing travel bans and detailed preparation work, it is highly encouraged to reach out to a local advisor to help you handle the application process. 

Benefits enjoyed by foreigners with Chinese residence status

Foreigners that have successfully obtained the residence status are entitled to some of the following benefits.

• Social insurance

Foreigners that have obtained a permanent residency will benefit from more fully participating in the social insurance scheme while working in China. Acquiring permanent residence status will enable you to enjoy simplified policy plans when going through the various formalities of continuation, transfer, termination, or application of social insurance status the same as a local beneficiary. 

• Convenience in doing business

Another benefit of permanent residency is the ease of doing business and setting up a foreign investment enterprise or business. The foreign investor will also enjoy relatively simplified procedures for examination, evaluation, and approval by the various government departments when investing in a project or setting up a foreign investment enterprise in china.

• Transportation and consumer activities

Having permanent residence status in china will, in theory, enable you to take flights, check-in hotels, buy railway tickets, and conduct other common activities more seamlessly.

Conclusion

An individual applying for permanent resident status must submit the required documents and meet the eligibility criteria to obtain the permanent residence ID card. It is highly encouraged to reach out to a qualified advisor to help you through the application process. This will enable you to avoid making mistakes during the application. Navigating through the application and applying successfully will allow you to obtain the permanent residence ID card and all the relevant benefits of being a permanent resident in China.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us:

inquiries@chinalawsolutions.com