The benefits of holding a Chinese green card are significant, including access to expedited services and rights similar to those of Chinese citizens in employment and healthcare. However, obtaining the green card, or a permanent residence permit, has always been and remains challenging.
The application process is complex and involves extensive paperwork and is often at the discretion of local authorities, making it unpredictable and time-consuming. In addition, despite efforts to improve the system, the number of green cards issued remains relatively low.
Influenced by the post-COVID expat exodus, China is considering reforms to make immigration easier for certain groups, such as international scientists, which could potentially streamline the process for high-end talent.
As of February 2025, the requirements for obtaining a permanent residence card in China include the following:
Eligibility Criteria
(a) The total investment in the encouraged industries is above USD 500,000;
(b) The total investment in the western region of China and the key counties for national poverty alleviation and development is above USD 500,000;
(c) The total investment in the central region of China is above USD 1 million;
(d) The total investment in China is above USD 2 million.
- Marriage to a Chinese Citizen: Spouses of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence status in China can apply if they have been married for at least five years, have lived in China for five consecutive years (with at least nine months per year), and have stable income and accommodations.
- Outstanding Contributions: Individuals who have made significant contributions to China and are deemed necessary for the country.
- Family Ties: Unmarried children under 18 whose parents are Chinese citizens or have permanent residence in China.
- Age and Residency: Individuals aged 60 or older who have lived in China for five consecutive years, spending at least nine months annually, with no relatives abroad and a stable income.
Required Documents
- Valid Passport
- Health Certificate: Issued by an approved hospital.
- Non-Criminal Record: Both from your home country and China (for Shanghai applications).
- Employment or Income Proof: For those applying based on employment or investment.
- Residency Proof: Rental agreement or property ownership documentation.
- Family Relationship Certificate: For family-based applications.
- Completed Application Form: For permanent residence in China.
Process and Timeline
- Application Submission: Submit your application within the required timeframe after entering China.
- Processing Time: The process typically takes several months.
- Renewal: Permanent residence permits are renewed every ten years.
Additional Notes
- Dual Citizenship: China does not allow dual citizenship.
- New ID Card Features: As of December 2023, China introduced an upgraded version of the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card – Five-star Card – with enhanced security features and functionality.
Foreigners Holding a Work Visa
As of February 2025, the salary requirement for obtaining a permanent residence card in China, specifically in Shanghai, has been updated. For foreigners applying for permanent residence as working staff, the following criteria apply:
Annual Salary: The applicant must earn no less than CNY 886,104 per year. This is an increase from the previous requirement of CNY 600,000 per year.
Tax Payment: The applicant must pay an annual individual income tax (IIT) of at least 20% of their salary, which translates to a minimum of CNY 177,221 in taxes per year. This is an increase from the previous threshold of CNY 120,000.
Duration and Residency: The applicant must have worked in Shanghai for four consecutive years, stayed in mainland China for at least six months each year, and met the above salary and tax criteria for each of those years.
These requirements are part of broader changes aimed at making the permanent residence permit application process more stringent, particularly for working staff in Shanghai.
Invest in China Safely
Reach out to our experts at contact@sjgrand.cn for a discussion on how the new permanent residency policies could be implemented for your specific case.
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