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| Chinese
Residency |
This is a
quick guide concerning how to obtain Chinese Residency
(September 2008) |
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| These
notes are current for British citizens. Most Foreigners
will have to meet very similar criteria |
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Short Answer:
Ordinary Foreigners are unlikely to even be allowed
to apply for Residency, regardless of personal circumstances.
There are exceptions, so if you like a challenge, then
read-on...
Chinese Residency :-
There are in fact several versions or types of Residency.
For ordinary Foreigners wishing to live permanently
in China, obtaining a residency permit varies between
'Extremely Difficult' to 'Impossible'. That stated,
it can be done! Below are some common forms and brief
details. But first:
Definitions:
Residency Means Either:
1. A 'D Type' visa - often with a validity of 10-years
2. A Permanent Residence Form (Time factored) or a Temporary
Residence Form. You need your current visa to register
with the local Police (Public Security Bureau).
Generalised: You will get a Permanent
Residence form if you have a Z visa, or a Temporary
Residence Permit for holders of other visas
3. The so-called Chinese Green Card is normally a Z
visa, but can occasionally be a D visa depending upon
your personal circumstances
Myths:
I have heard that after living in China for
5-years I can automatically get a Residency Permit.
Totally false.
1. However, and totally unofficially, it can sometimes
make life a little easier when dealing with authorities
Is it true that if I marry a Chinese National
I can get a Residency Permit
No - not quite...
1 . This can change your reason for being in China however,
as you can now legally claim to be visiting family on
your visa application
2 . Depending upon your personal circumstances, this
may carry a little weight with local Government or Police
(Public Security Bureau)
3. After five years of marriage and
5 years of continuous, prior residency + other criteria
- you can apply for a D visa (See link below)
Facts
Obtaining general Chinese Residency status is a very
long process, it takes at least one year for ordinary
people, and often a lot longer. Your marital status
and length of time spent living in China are largely
irrelevant. 85% of applications are refused
Notes:
1 . A Chinese Residency Permit is not Citizenship -
do not confuse!
2 . All Residency Permits are only approved by Central
Government, The Ministry of Public Security in Beijing
Get all the Facts here with one click
Various Ways Residency Permits are Issued:
Exceptional Circumstances:
Certain highly distinguished International figures may
be bestowed Residency by Central Government in Beijing.
This is very rare, but has happened
Occupational Qualification:
The officially registered Foreign Representative of
a WOFE (or WFOE) may be nominated for Residency when
the Company is formed, or as a latter replacement figure.
This, and certain similar positions are normally only
available to employees of very large International Companies
who invest a very large amount of money in Chinese Enterprise
Rich People:
If you have Circa half a million US Dollars lying around,
you will easily be able to establish an enterprise in
China that will also grant you a Residency Permit of
some description
Ordinary People:
For ordinary people, the process is unusually standardised
throughout China; and goes like this:
1. Before you can even apply, you need to convince the
Local PSB (Police or Public Security Bureau) authorised
to accept applications, that you qualify to apply. They
will arrange an interview where you must answer a string
of questions. If you pass this, then they will issue
you with an application form.
2. Once you submit your application, the local PSB will
take a minimum of 6-months to process your application,
and often a lot longer. They need to process your application
with reference to a very large manual. They will ask
many questions about you, and make numerous background
checks. Ultimately, they need to ensure that your application
is not later rejected by a higher authority - as this
would be devastating for them personally (Loss of Face
and Political suicide)
3. Once approved, your application then passes higher,
through various District and Regional levels. 85% are
rejected.
4. Ultimately your portfolio will arrive at The Ministry
of Public Security in Beijing, who ultimately decide
whether to approve or deny your application
Green Card (New Chinese Work Permit):
This is a new and evolving initiative mainly concerned
with gaining a Work Permit. However, there are residency
aspects sometimes associated with this. Full
details here (Same link as above) |
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| This
information is as supplied by the Chinese Embassy in
UK, as dated 20th June 2008, and/or other reliable sources.
Please check this information yourself as it may alter
without notice, and whilst we try our best to ensure
it is correct, please do not hold us responsible for
any errors - this is intended as a simple guide only |
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