FAQs ： Overseas Chinese Applying for Permanent Residency in China

Source: OT-Team(G), 南通市人民政府外事办公室 

On June 4, the Foreign Affairs Office of Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, compiled and summarized a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding applications for permanent residency in China by overseas Chinese, for reference purposes.

1.What are the requirements for overseas Chinese applying for permanent residency in China?

  According to the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, the Measures for the Administration of Examination and Approval of Permanent Residence of Foreigners in China, and other relevant laws and regulations, foreigners applying for permanent residence in China must meet basic requirements such as abiding by Chinese laws, being in good health, and having no criminal records. They should also meet specific criteria such as investors who meet certain investment standards, high-level talents working in China, special needs of the country, and individuals who have made significant contributions to China or family reunions. 

  Additionally, according to the 12 immigration facilitation policies and measures implemented by the National Immigration Administration in 2019, foreign high-level talents, individuals who have made significant contributions to China, and those who are particularly needed by the country are allowed to apply for permanent residence in China. Foreign spouses and minor children can accompany the application. Among them, overseas Chinese working in China with a doctoral degree or who have worked continuously for four years in nationally key development areas can apply for permanent residence in China.

2.Is there any restriction on the working area for applying for permanent residency in China?

  The above policies are implemented nationwide without any regional restrictions.

3.Where should the application be submitted?

  Answer: The authority responsible for processing applications for permanent residency in China is the local public security bureau's exit-entry administration department at the city level, the public security bureau or sub-bureau in municipalities directly under the central government, or the exit-entry administration department of the county public security bureau. The reviewing authority is the exit-entry administration department of the provincial, autonomous region, or municipality's public security bureau, while the approval authority is the National Immigration Administration.

4.What documents are required for the application?

  Overseas Chinese applying for permanent residency in China need to submit the following materials:

(1) Application Form for Permanent Residence of Foreigners in China along with ID photos;

(2) Copies of the applicant's valid passport data page and residence permit;

(3) Certificate of foreign Chinese (i.e. certificate of naturalization of foreign nationality and certificate of cancellation of Chinese registered residence, or certificate letter of foreign Chinese issued by overseas Chinese affairs management department of prefecture level city);

(4) Doctoral degree certificate, for graduates from foreign universities, certification issued by the Ministry of Education's Study Abroad Service Center is required;

(5) Copy of the company's Business License, proof of current employment issued by the employer, and copy of Foreigner's Work Permit;

(6) Overseas Criminal Record Certificate authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate;

(7) Health certificate issued by designated Chinese health and quarantine authorities or foreign health institutions and authenticated by Chinese embassies or consulates (issued within six months before the application date);

(8) Translation of relevant documents into Chinese, with a seal from a translation company if the documents are in a foreign language.