外国人居留许可：类型、申请条件与办理流程

English

China Residence Permit: Types, Eligibility and Application

After entering China, foreign nationals who need to reside in the country for work, study, family visits or private affairs normally have to apply for a residence permit at the exit-entry administration of the public security authority within a set deadline. This guide sets out the types, eligibility and application process.

• Residence permit vs visa: A visa is an entry document issued by a Chinese embassy, consulate or visa authority; a residence permit is the document for residing in China and is issued by the exit-entry administration of the public security authority. Holders of Z (work), X1 (long-term study), Q1 (family reunion) and S1 (long-term family visit) visas will find a note on the visa stating that a residence document must be obtained after entry.
• Deadline: If your visa states that a residence document must be obtained after entry, you must apply to the exit-entry administration at your intended place of residence within 30 days of the date of entry. Failing to do so may affect your legal status of residence in China.
• Where to apply: The National Immigration Administration entrusts exit-entry administrations of public security authorities at or above the prefecture-city level (including districts and counties of municipalities directly under the Central Government) with handling these applications; with approval, some county-level exit-entry administrations may also handle them. Applications are generally made in person. Persons who are high-level talent or urgently needed specialists required by the State, are under 16, are 60 or over, or have difficulty moving due to illness may have the application submitted on their behalf by the inviting organisation, a relative or a specialised service agency.
• Category 1 — work: Holders of a Z visa must submit a work permit issued by the competent human resources and social security or foreign experts authority, together with a certification letter from the employer. Foreign high-level talent, urgently needed specialists and investors may be issued a residence permit valid for up to 5 years; persons working for a reputable registered employer may be issued one valid for up to 2 years; other persons may be issued one valid for up to 1 year.
• Category 2 — study: Holders of an X1 visa submit a letter from the school stating the study period and an admission or enrolment certificate. If the information has been registered in the national information system for international students in China, paper documents may be exempted. The residence permit may be issued for a period consistent with the study period stated by the school. Students who need part-time work or an off-campus internship must submit letters of consent from the school and the internship employer and apply for an endorsement on the permit.
• Category 3 — private affairs: Holders of an S1 visa visiting relatives must submit a letter from the person being visited stating the family relationship, plus that person's residence permit; a permit consistent with the host's period of residence in China may be issued. Other applicants submit documents relating to the private affair and may be issued a permit valid for up to 1 year. Foreign nationals of Chinese origin aged 60 or over who have purchased property in China may be issued a permit valid for up to 3 years on submission of proof of ownership; those receiving medical treatment or services in China may be issued a permit valid for up to 1 year.
• Other categories: Holders of a J1 visa (journalists) submit a letter from the provincial foreign affairs department and the issued Press Card, and may be issued a residence permit valid for up to 1 year. Holders of a Q1 visa (family reunion) submit proof of identity of the person being visited and a letter stating the family relationship; those under 18 or aged 60 or over may be issued a permit valid for up to 3 years, and others up to 2 years.
• Documents required: a valid passport or other international travel document; a completed foreigner's visa and residence application form with one photo meeting the standards of the Photo Guidelines for Exit-Entry Documents; supporting documents relating to the purpose of application; and any other required formalities or documents. Applicants for a residence permit valid for more than 1 year must also submit a health certificate issued by a local health quarantine department or a health or medical department at or above the county level. Foreign-language documents must be translated into Chinese.
• Processing time and fees: If the application meets the acceptance conditions, it must be accepted and a receipt issued. The receipt for a residence permit application is valid for no more than 15 working days from the date of acceptance, and a decision on issuance must be made within that period. The fees are CNY 400 for a permit valid for less than one year, CNY 800 for one year (inclusive) to less than three years, and CNY 1,000 for three years (inclusive) to five years (inclusive).
• Extension, change and replacement: To extend the period of residence, or if registered particulars of the permit change, the applicant must submit the relevant supporting documents or personal information together with documents relating to the change of purpose, and the permit may be extended or reissued. If the permit is lost, damaged or stolen, the applicant must submit a police report of the loss, a note from their country's embassy or consulate in China, or the damaged document, together with the new passport or other international travel document, and a replacement may be issued. Approved documents must be collected in person at the exit-entry administration against the acceptance receipt.

Note that the exact category, the permissible period of residence and the supporting documents required vary with the purpose of application, the visa category and the applicant's status, and are ultimately decided by the exit-entry administration on the basis of the documents submitted. Before applying, check the document checklist through the National Immigration Administration's government service platform or with the local exit-entry administration, so that you do not have to make repeat trips to supply missing documents.

During review, the exit-entry administration may verify the authenticity of the stated purpose through interviews, telephone enquiries or on-site investigation, and will confirm the applicant's nationality. If an applicant is notified for an interview but fails to attend within the agreed time without good reason, the visa or residence document may lawfully not be issued.

The above is general guidance only. For specific requirements and the latest rules, please refer to official announcements.

References

• 国家移民管理局政务服务平台：外国人居留证件签发、延期、换发、补发服务指南
• 外交部领事司：申请办理中华人民共和国签证须知
• 国家移民管理局