"Law of the People's Republic of China on Exit and Entry Administration" Article 39 stipulates that If a foreigner stays in a hotel in China, the hotel shall register for him in accordance with the relevant regulations of hotel industry public security management, and report the foreigners accommodation registration to the local public security agency information.

If a foreigner lives or stays in a residence other than a hotel, he or the resident shall register with the public security organ of the place of residence within 24 hours after check-in.

Procedures

1. The person or the resident (institution) must apply to the police station in the jurisdiction of the residence within the specified time.

2. The applicant or agent should truthfully fill in the "Declaration Form for Accommodation Registration for Overseas Personnel"

3. Scan and save the valid ID data page (photo page) of the applicant, and enter it into the comprehensive information management system of the police station together with the contents of the "Overseas Personnel Accommodation Registration Form".

4. Print out the "Registration Form for Overseas Personnel Accommodation" and sign it for confirmation after the applicant or agent verifies that it is correct;

5. Print out the "Registration Form of Temporary Accommodation for Overseas Personnel", affix the "Special Seal for Registration of Overseas Personnel Accommodation" by the police station, and submit it to the declarant or agent.

6. If the applicant or agent provides incomplete certification materials, they shall register first and inform them to supplement relevant materials within 3 working days. After the materials are complete, the "Registration Form of Temporary Accommodation for Overseas Personnel" will be issued.

Documents required

Passport, house-lease contract, house-owner's ID and other materials deemed necessary by the public security organ.

I. Scope of Application

This Guidelines applies to foreign nationals applying for permanent residence status in China.

II. Legal Basis

Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, Measures for the Administration of Examination and Approval of Foreigners' Permanent Residence in China

III. Processing Authorities

Public security organs under municipal people's governments of cities with subordinate districts; public security sub-bureaus and county-level public security sub-bureaus of direct-controlled municipalities.

IV. Eligibility

Foreign nationals who have made remarkable contributions to the economic and social development of China or meet other conditions for permanent residence in China may apply for permanent residence in China.

Foreign nationals applying for permanent residence in China shall abide by Chinese laws and regulations, be in good health, have no criminal record, and meet one of the following conditions:

(I) The applicant has made direct and stable investments in China, with good tax payment records for three consecutive years;

(II) The applicant holds the position of 1) deputy general manager, 2) factory deputy director or above, or 3) those with professional associate senior titles or above, such as associate professor or associate researcher; or has been enjoying the equivalent salary in China for at least four consecutive years, and residing in China for a total of not less than three years within four years with good tax records;

(III) The applicant has made significant and outstanding contribution(s) to China and is especially needed in the country;

(IV) The spouse and the unmarried children (under age 18) of the applicant who meets the foregoing conditions specified in (I), (II) or (III);

(V) The applicant is the spouse of a Chinese citizen or of a foreign national who has obtained permanent residence status in China; The applicant and his or her spouse has been married for a minimum of five years; The applicant has had a minimum of five consecutive years of residence in China with no less than nine months each year, and has a stable source of income and domicile;

(VI) The applicant under the age of 18 is unmarried and dependent on his or her parents;

(VII) The applicant is or above the age of 60, has no direct relatives abroad, and lives with his or her direct relative in China; The applicant has stayed in China for at least five consecutive years with at least nine months of residence in China each year, and has a stable source of income and domicile.

V. Ineligibility

For foreign nationals who do not meet the foregoing conditions, an application for permanent residence in China will not be accepted.

Additionally, according to Article 24 of the Measures for the Administration of Examination and Approval of Foreigners' Permanent Residence in China, where any of the following circumstances occurs, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has the right to cancel the previously obtained permanent residence status in China of foreign nationals and confiscate their Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards or declare their Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards invalid.

(I) Foreign nationals who may endanger China's national security or interests;

(II) Foreign nationals who have been sentenced to be deported by a people's court;

(III) Foreign nationals who obtained permanent residence in China by false materials or other unlawful means;

(IV) Foreign nationals whose residence in China, without approval, is less than three months each year or less than one year during the five-year residence.

VI. Application Materials

In addition to a valid foreign passport, a Health Certificate, and a foreign Certificate of No Criminal Record, the applicants shall submit the following materials when applying for permanent residence in China.

(I) For investors

1. A copy of the duplicate of the business license of the enterprise legal person;

2. A certificate of the disclosure of the enterprise's annual report;

3. Confirmation Letter on Foreign-funded Projects;

4. A copy of the Capital Verification Report;

5. A copy of the Confirmation Letter on Foreign-funded Projects issued by the national authority or a copy of a certificate issued by competent provincial authorities, which prove that the enterprise is a foreign-funded enterprise encouraged to develop, as well as a copy of the individual tax payment certificate (Only required for those encouraged to develop by the national authority);

(II) For employees

1. A copy of the employment certificate;

2. A copy of the Foreigner's Work Permit;

3. A copy of the registration certificate of the employer;

4. A certificate of the disclosure of the enterprise's annual report;

5. A copy of the project certificate or Confirmation Letter;

6. A copy of the individual tax payment certificate;

(III) For special personnel

1. A copy of the Recommendation Letter;

2. Copies of relevant awards and achievements.

(IV) For the spouse and unmarried children (under age 18) of the above-mentioned eligible investors, employees and special personnel

1. Copies of marriage certificate, birth certificate(s) or parent-child relationship certificate(s);

2. A copy of the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the above-mentioned investor, employee, and special personnel.

(V) For spouse

1. A copy of the marriage certificate;

2. A copy of the identity certificate of the spouse;

3. A copy of the housing rental certificate or property ownership certificate;

4. A copy of a certificate proving that the applicant has a stable source of income.

(VI) For children

1. A copy of the birth certificate or relationship certificate;

2. Copies of the identity certificates of parents who are of Chinese nationality, or copies of valid passports and Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards of parents who are of foreign nationality;

3. If the parents are divorced, a copy of a certificate that proves the sponsor has responsibilities of guardianship of the child shall be submitted;

(VII) For relatives

1. A copy of a certificate that proves the applicant has no direct relatives abroad;

2. A copy of a certificate that proves the domestic kinship;

3. Copies of the Chinese sponsor's household registration document and Resident Identity Card; or copies of the foreign sponsor's valid passport and Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card;

4. A copy of the housing rental certificate or property ownership certificate;

5. A copy of a certificate proving that the applicant has a stable source of income.

VII. Procedure and Means of Application

(I) Application. The applicant shall apply for permanent residence in China at the public security organs under municipal people's governments of cities with subordinate districts, or public security sub-bureaus or county-level public security sub-bureaus of direct-controlled municipalities where the investment is made or where the long-term residence is located. Applications are also allowed to be submitted by entrusted persons. If the applicant is under the age of 18, the application can also be submitted by his/her parent(s) or entrusted person(s). For an application submitted by an entrusted person, a Power of Attorney issued by the applicant and notarized by a notary office is required. If the Power of Attorney is issued by the applicant abroad, it shall be certified by the Chinese embassy or consulate of the corresponding country.

(II) Processing, review, and final decision. Processing authorities shall complete the investigation within three months from the date of acceptance and report the eligible applications to inspection authorities. Inspection authorities shall complete the review of relevant applications within two months and report eligible applications to NIA for approval. For applicants who do not meet the relevant requirements, NIA shall decide to disapprove. Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards shall be issued by NIA to foreigners who are approved for permanent residence in China. For applications of change or re-issuance of Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards, processing authorities shall report the eligible applications to inspection authorities upon investigation. Upon review, inspection authorities shall report to NIA for approval.

VIII. Basis and Standards for Fees

(I) Basis

Reply Letter on Approving the Setup of Application Fees for Foreigner's Permanent Residence Card and the Charging Items of Foreigner's Permanent Residence Card (Cai Zong [2004] No. 32) issued by the Ministry of Finance and the National Development and Reform Commission, Notice on the Charging Standards of Foreigner's Permanent Residence Application Fee and Related Issues (Fa Gai Jia Ge [2004] No. 1267) issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Finance.

(II) Standards

Application fee: CNY 1,500.

Production of card: CNY 300.

Re-issuance due to loss or damage: CNY 600.

Renewal upon expiration: CNY 300.

IX. Processing Time

Public security organs shall make decisions on approval or disapproval within six months from the date of accepting applications from foreign nationals for permanent residence in China.

The decision made by public security organs is the final decision.

X. Delivery of Foreigner's Permanent Residence Card

If approved, a Foreigner's Permanent Residence Card will be sent by processing authorities to the applicant, guardian, or entrusted person. At the same time, the old valid visa or residence permit of the applicant will be canceled.

XI. Rights and Obligations of Administrative Counterparts

(I) The applicant enjoys the following rights as specified by relevant laws and regulations:

1. The applicant who meets the legal conditions and standards is entitled to equal rights for obtaining administrative certificates;

2. The right to make statements and defend the approval of the administrative certificate implemented by administrative organs;

3. Other rights specified by laws and regulations.

(II) The applicant has the following obligations as specified by relevant laws and regulations:

1. The applicant shall faithfully submit relevant materials, report the actual situation to administrative organs, and shall be liable for the authenticity of the content of the materials submitted;

2. The applicant shall cooperate with administrative organs in interviews, phone calls, and on-site investigation to verify the authenticity of submitted materials for application;

3. Other obligations specified by laws and regulations.

Appendix: Flow Chart for Review and Approval of Foreigners' Permanent Residence in China 

Appendix

If the applicant is an overseas Chinese and has changed his/her name (while his/her English name is not transliterated from the Chinese name) after becoming a foreign citizen, a notarization procedure for the change of his/her name is required.

The certificates of no criminal record, marriage, birth, kinship, and change of name, along with other materials issued by relevant foreign authorities shall be certified by the Chinese embassy and consulate of the corresponding country.

Ⅰ. Scope of Application

This Guide is applicable for residence permits for foreigners.

Ⅱ. Legal Basis

Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners

Ⅲ. Accepting Authorities

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) has entrusted the exit and entry departments of China's public security organs of cities at prefecture level and above (including districts and counties under the administration of municipalities directly under the central government) to accept applications for residence permits of foreigners.

With the approval of NIA at the request of exit and entry departments of provincial public security organs, exit and entry administration authorities of county-level public security organs are authorized and may accept applications for residence permits.

Ⅳ. Conditions for Application

Foreigners who enter China and need to reside in the country for reasons other than diplomatic or official purposes shall file an application at the exit and entry departments of public security organs for the issuance, extension, change and re-issuance of a residence permit.

Professionals or investors in line with relevant requirements of the State or foreigners who need to change from stay permit to residence permit for humanitarian reasons may apply for residence permit for foreigners with the approval of exit and entry departments of China's public security organs of cities at the prefecture level or above.

Foreigners applying for a residence permit shall apply in person at exit and entry departments of China's public security organs to complete relevant formalities. For foreigners who are high-level talents or urgently-needed professionals, or under 16 or over 60 years old, or disabled due to illness or other reasons, an application may be filed by the inviting entity/individual, families or relatives or a professional service agency on behalf of the applicant.

Ⅴ. Application Materials and Requirements

1. Applications for residence permit of foreigners may be accepted upon completion of relevant formalities and submission of relevant materials.

a. Valid passport or other international travel documents.

b. Fill out a Visa/Stay Permit/Residence Permit Application Form and submit a photo that complies with the Guidelines for Exit-Entry Documents Photographs.

c. Supporting materials related to reasons of the application.

d. Other formalities to be completed and supporting materials to be submitted. The original of relevant materials will be required for verification, and photocopies shall be submitted.

2. Supporting materials required for application of residence permit

Where a foreigner’s visa indicates that application for residence permit is required after entry, an application shall be filed at the exit and entry departments of public security organs in the intended place of residence within 30 days after entry.

Where a foreigner applies for residence permit with a validity period of above 1 year, the applicant shall submit, in accordance with relevant provisions, a health certificate issued by the local health and quarantine authority or health and medical institution above county level, certifying that the applicant does not have serious mental disorder, tuberculosis or other infectious diseases which may potentially cause substantial hazard to public health. The applicant shall also submit the following supporting materials:

a. Work-type Residence Permit

Foreigners entering China with a Z visa shall submit a work permit issued by the local human resources and social security authority or foreign expert administration authority, and a letter of certification from the employer.

Foreigners entering China with other categories of visas shall submit supporting materials certifying that they comply with the standards for foreign high-level talents, urgently-needed professionals and investors, etc., issued by the competent departments of the Chinese government.

Residence permit with a validity period of no more than 5 years may be issued to foreign high-level talents, urgently-needed professionals and investors.

Residence permit with a validity period of no more than 2 years may be issued to foreigners who work in registered entities with good track record.

For other personnel, a residence permit with a validity period of no more than 1 year may be issued.

b. Student-type Residence Permit

A foreigner entering China with an X1 visa shall submit a letter from the school/university indicating the term of study, and a letter of admission or enrollment. Foreigners entering China with other categories of visa shall submit supporting materials issued by competent authorities. Residence permit may be issued with a residence period in consistent with the indicated term of study of the school/university.

Where a foreigner holding a residence permit for students intends to work part-time or take internship outside the school/university, the applicant shall, with the approval of the school/university, apply to the exit and entry departments of public security organs for remarks on residence permit indicating the location and duration of the part-time job or internship.

Foreigners holding student-type residence permits without the required remarks shall not be allowed to work or take internship outside the school/university.

c. Journalist-type Residence Permit

Foreigners entering China with J1 visa shall submit the letter issued by the foreign affairs authority of provincial level people's government and a duly issued Press Card. Residence permit with a validity period of not more than one year may be issued.

d. Reunion-type Residence Permit

Foreigners entering China with Q1 visa shall submit the identity certificate of the person being visited and a letter explaining the relationship between family members.

Foreigners entering China with other categories of visa shall also submit proofs of family member relationship.

For those under the age of 18 or at or above the age of 60, residence permit with a validity period of not more than 3 years may be issued. The date of expiry of the residence permit for a person under the age of 18 shall not be later than the date on which he/she turns 18. For other persons, a residence permit with a validity period of no more than 2 years may be issued.

For foreign child of Chinese of foreign nationality or overseas Chinese who is under the age of 18 and in custodial care in China, the exit and entry departments of the public security organ in the place of permanent residence or main place of residence of the custodian may issue a residence permit with a validity period of no more than 3 years. The expiry of his/her residence permit shall not be later than the date on which he/she turns 18. The applicant's birth certificate and a copy of the passports of the foreign parents shall be submitted. For those both or one of whose parents are/is Chinese, a copy of the residence permit in the relevant foreign country shall also be submitted. The applicant shall also submit a letter of child custody from the parents of the applicant and a letter of acceptance of child custody from the custodian. The letter of custody shall clearly indicate the custodian or guardian and the term of the custody, etc. The custodian's local permanent residence permit or proof of residence in the his/her actual place of residence for more than 6 months and the resident ID card shall also be submitted.

e. Private Affairs-type Residence Permit

For foreigners entering China with S1 visa for the purpose of visiting family, the applicant shall submit a letter explaining the kinship (spouse, parents, spouse's parents, minor children below 18) from and the residence permit of the person being visited. A residence permit with a validity period consistent with that of the residence permit of the person being visited in China may be issued.

For foreigners entering China with other categories of visa, the visiting person shall submit a letter from and the residence permit of the person being visited and certificate of the kinship (spouse, parents, spouse's parents, minor children below 18). A residence permit with a validity period consistent with that of the residence permit of the person being visited in China may be issued.

Other persons shall submit supporting materials related to the handling of private affairs. A residence permit with a validity period of no more than 1 year may be issued.

Chinese of foreign nationality who have reached the age of 60 and have purchased real properties in China shall submit the property ownership certificates of real properties in their own name or a notarized property purchase contract, and proof of source of income, and a residence permit with a validity period of no more than 3 years may be issued.

Foreigners receiving medical assistance and services in China shall submit a hospitalization certificate or medical service certificate issued by a local medical institution at or above the county level or a hospital of grade 2A or above for a period of more than 6 months, and a residence permit with a period of not more than 1 year may be issued.

3. Application for Extension or Change of Residence Permit

For foreigners needing to extend the period of residence or change the registered items, the applicant shall submit relevant supporting materials or relevant certification materials for the change of personal information or purpose of residence in accordance with the provisions above. The residence period may then be extended, and a new residence permit may be issued.

For foreigners residing in China applying for extension of residence period, the applicant shall submit an application to the exit and entry departments of public security organs under a local people's government at or above the county level in the place of residence 30 days before the expiration of the validity period of the residence permit, and submit relevant materials for the application as required. Upon review, the period of stay shall be extended provided that the reasons for extension are reasonable and sufficient. In case of a denial on extension of the stay duration, the foreigner shall leave China before the expiry of the residence certificate.

4. Application for Re-issuance of Residence Permit

For foreigners whose residence permit is lost, damaged, or stolen, the applicant shall submit a certification for passport loss report or a note from the embassy or consulate of the country of residence in China, or the damaged passport and the new passport or other international travel documents, and a residence permit may be re-issued.

Ⅵ. Facilitation Measures

Since the establishment of NIA in April 2018, a series of facilitation policies have been launched.

1.Streamlining the Processing of Residence Permit Extension 

2.Providing Timely Services for Foreign Personnel with Urgent Needs

For foreigners who come to China for the development of key construction, important cooperation and major projects under the Belt and Road Initiative and their spouses and minor children, where they need to reside in China, the exit and entry departments of relevant public security organs may, based on relevant supporting materials and the applicant's request, reduce the time limit for issuance of the documents from 15 to 5 working days.

3. 12 Immigration and Exit-entry Facilitation Policies

a. Foreign experts and scholars invited by key domestic colleges and universities, scientific research institutes and well-known enterprises, as well as foreign high-level management and professional technology specialists identified by the competent authorities of talents administration as well as competent authorities for technology and innovation of the people's governments of cities divided into districts or above, may apply for port visas for entry. After entering China, they may also apply for multiple-entry visas or residence permits valid for no more than 5 years from the exit and entry departments of China's public security organs with the relevant application materials of their inviting entities.

b. Foreign talents and members of innovation groups employed by key sectors and industries of development in China may apply for residence permits valid for no more than 5 years at the exit and entry departments of relevant public security organs with their work permits and letters from their employers. A member of an innovation group/start-up business may apply for residence permit valid for no more than 5 years with a letter of guarantee from the leader of the group.

c. Foreigners with outstanding contribution or urgently needed by China may recommend foreign members or supporting staff of the team under his/her leadership to apply for long-term visa or residence permits valid for no more than 5 years from the exit and entry departments of relevant public security organs.

d. Foreigners employed by enterprises and public institutions in China who have obtained work permits but did not have enough time to apply for work visas may directly apply for work-type residence permits with their work permits. For those who have obtained work-type residence permits with validity periods more than 1 year for two consecutive times and had committed no violations of any laws or regulations, they may apply for residence permits with validity periods of less than 5 years at the exit and entry departments of relevant public security organs in accordance with relevant provisions when they apply for work-type residence permits for the third time.

e. For outstanding foreign students who have obtained a bachelor's degree or above from key universities in China and are engaged in innovation activities or business start-up in China, the applicant may apply for residence permits valid for 2-5 years from the exit and entry departments of relevant public security organs by providing their graduation certificates and supporting materials for innovation or business start-up activities.

f. For foreign students who graduated from internationally renowned universities and come to China for innovation and business start-up within 2 years after graduation, the applicants may apply for residence permits valid for no more than 2 years at the exit and entry departments of relevant public security organs by providing supporting materials such as their graduation certificates (diploma).

g. For foreign students studying in overseas colleges and universities who are invited by well-known Chinese enterprises and public institutions for internships in China, the applicant may apply for visas valid for 1 year at the exit and entry administration authorities of relevant public security organs by providing invitation letters of the entities providing the internship and proof on their study in the relevant universities. Foreign students entering China for internship in accordance with inter-governmental agreements may apply for residence permits at the exit and entry departments of relevant public security organs according to relevant provisions.

Ⅶ. Basic Process and Method of Handling

1. Application. For foreigners applying for a residence permit and its extension, change or re-issuance, the applicant shall apply in person at the exit and entry departments of China's public security organs to complete relevant formalities. For foreigners who is a high-level talent or urgently-needed professional, or is under 16 years old or over 60 years old, or disabled due to illness or other reasons, the inviting entity/individual, families or relatives of the applicant or a specialized service agency may file the application on behalf of the applicant.

2. Acceptance. The materials shall be collected completely at one time and the review be done at one time. Upon review, if the foreigner's application complies with the conditions for acceptance, the application shall be accepted and an acceptance receipt given. The decision for whether or not a residence permit will be issued shall be made within the validity period of the acceptance receipt. The validity period of the acceptance receipt for an application for residence permit shall not exceed 15 working days after the date of acceptance. Where the formalities and materials required for the application for residence permit are incomplete, the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ shall inform the applicant of the formalities to be completed and the materials to be supplemented at one time.

3. Review and verification. The exit and entry departments of public security organs shall verify authenticity of the application reasons through interviews, telephone inquiries, field investigations and other means, and confirm whether the applicant is of foreign nationality. Where an applicant or relevant entity/individual is notified to take an interview but fails to do that at the agreed time without justifiable reasons, the application may be denied by law.

4. Decision. If the conditions and standards are met, the decision-making authority shall make the decision on granting administrative permits and issue residence permit of relevant categories.

Ⅷ. Time Limit

Upon review, if the foreigner's application complies with the conditions for acceptance, the application shall be accepted and an acceptance receipt given. The decision for whether or not to issue a residence permit shall be made within the validity period of the acceptance receipt. The validity period of the acceptance receipt for an application for residence permit shall not exceed 15 working days after the date of acceptance.

IX. Charging Basis and Standards

1.Charging Basis

Notice of the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Finance on Charging Standard and Issues Relating to Residence Permits for Foreigners (Fa Gai Jia Ge [2004] No.2230)

2. Charging Standards

(1) For a residence permit valid for no more than 1 year: CNY 400

(2) For a residence permit valid for 1-3 years: CNY 800

(3) For a residence permit valid for 3-5 years: CNY 1,000

(4) The above charging standards shall apply on every accompanying person added to the residence permit.

(5) For removing an accompanying person, CNY 200/person/time

(6) For information change: CNY 200/person/time

X. Results Delivery

Approved and issued residence permit for foreigners shall be collected by the applicant in person at the exit and entry departments of public security organs with the acceptance receipt.

XI. Refusal of Issuance of Residence permit

Subject to Article 31 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, residence permit shall not be issued to a foreigner under any of the following circumstances:

1. The category of visa held by the applicant is not allowed for the application of a residence permit.

2. The applicant commits deceptive or fraudulent acts in the process of application.

3. The applicant fails to submit relevant supporting materials in accordance with relevant requirements.

4. The applicant is not fit for residence in China for violation of the relevant law or administrative regulations of China.

5. Other circumstances in which the competent authority deems it inappropriate to issue a residence permit for foreigners.

Professionals or investors in line with relevant requirements of the State or foreigners who need to change from stay permit to residence permit for humanitarian reasons may apply for residence permits for foreigners with the approval of the entry and exit departments of public security organs of a city at the prefecture level or above.

According to Article 36, the decisions made by the exit and entry departments of any relevant public security organs on refusal to extend, change, re-issue a regular visa or the refusal to issue stay/residence permit for foreigners or the refusal to extend a residence permit shall be final.

Ⅻ. Rights and Obligations of Administrative Counterpart

In accordance with relevant laws and regulations, an applicant shall be entitled to the following rights:

1. Those who meet the legal conditions and criteria are entitled to equal rights to obtain an administrative license in accordance with law;

2. They shall have the right to make statements and defend against implementation of the administrative license by an administrative authority;

3．Other rights stipulated by laws and regulations.

In accordance with relevant laws and regulations, an applicant shall perform the following obligations:

1．Applicants shall submit relevant materials and reflect the reality truthfully to the administrative authority, and shall be held responsible for authenticity of substantive content of the application materials.

2．Applicant shall cooperate with administrative authorities to verify the authenticity of the application materials through interviews, telephone inquiries, field investigations, etc.;

3．Other obligations stipulated by laws and regulations.

XIII. Other Matters for Attention

1. Definition of family members: spouse, parents, spouse's parents, children, siblings, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, paternal grandchildren, maternal grandchildren, and children's spouses.

2. Certification of family relationship and kinship: marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption certificate and other kinship certificate issued by competent authorities of relevant countries and related notary public authentication. marriage certificate, birth certificate, kinship certificate and certification on the change of name or other personal information issued by the embassy of the applicant's country of residence in China.

3. A marriage certificate, birth certificate, kinship certificate, or certification on the change of name or other personal information issued by the competent authority or notary public of a foreign country shall be authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate in that country.

4. Identity certificates: identity certificates of Chinese mainland residents refer to household register certificates or certificates of residence issued by the actual places of residence for over 6 months and resident ID cards. Overseas Chinese identity certificates refer to Chinese passports and certificates of overseas residence. Identity certificates of Hong Kong and Macao residents refer to the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents. Taiwan resident identity certificates refer to the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents. Foreigner identity certificates refer to Foreigners' Permanent Residence Card. Overseas Chinese and residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan should also submit certificates of residence issued by the actual places of residence for over 6 months

5. Relevant supporting materials in foreign language shall be translated into Chinese.

XIV. Flow Chart for Issuance of Residence Permit for Foreigners 

XV. Sample of Residence Permit 

Notice: The English version is only for reference. To learn more, please refer to the authoritative Chinese version.

1. Laws Basis

Interim Measures for the Control of Chinese Citizens Travelling on Private Business to or from the Regions of Hong Kong or Macao (Approved by the State Council on December 3, 1986 and promulgated by the Ministry of Public Security on December 25, 1986)

Article 14 

Compatriots from Hong Kong or Macao who wish to enter the inland areas shall apply for and obtain the Home-Visiting Certificate for Compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao. Compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao, who do not come to visit the inland areas frequently，may apply for an entry-exit pass. 

2. Application Conditions

Holders of the Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents who come under one of the following circumstances may apply for the renewal or replacement of their mainland travel permits.

(1) The validity period of their mainland travel permits is less than six months or has expired;

(2) Their identity information has changed;

(3) Their mainland travel permits are lost or damaged; and,

(4) Other circumstances requiring them to renew or replace their mainland travel permits in the Chinese mainland.

3. Application Materials

Hong Kong and Macao residents who apply for the renewal or replacement of the Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents shall accept relevant inquiries from the acceptance agency and submit the following materials:

(1) The applicant’s valid Hong Kong or Macao resident identity cards. Hong Kong residents who have not reached the age of 11 and have not applied for a Hong Kong identity card and have no photograph on their identity cards shall submit their re-entry permits or documents of identity for visa purposes. The applicant under the age of 18 shall submit for examination the original certificate of guardian identity and the certificate of guardianship.

(2) Fill in the Application Form for Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents and attach an applicant's photograph that complies with the Guidelines for Exit-Entry Documents Photographs;

(3) Those who apply for the renewal of The Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents shall submit their existing mainland travel permits;

(4)  Those who apply for the replacement of the Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents shall fill in a declaration of loss in the Application Form for Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents; 

(5) In case of any change in identity information, the applicant shall submit a certificate of the change of identity information issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department or the Macao Identification Services Bureau; 

(6)  Where another person is entrusted to act as agent, relevant materials such as the applicant’s medical condition certificate and a power of attorney shall be submitted. The entrusted agent shall submit his or her identity certificate for examination; 

(7)  Other application materials deemed necessary by the exit and entry control departments of public security authorities;

The originals of the above-mentioned application materials should be handed over for examination, and their photocopies should be submitted for examination.

4. Handling Authority

Hong Kong and Macao residents can apply to the exit and entry control departments of mainland public security authorities above county-level for the renewal or replacement of the Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents.

Handling authorities in Changsha:

1. Changsha Municipal Government Affairs Service Center (Service windows D16, D17 and D18 in the north hall on the second floor)

Address: No. 20, Section 1, Jinxing North Road, Yuelu District, Changsha

Tel: 0731-12367

2.The Population and Entry-Exit Reception Hall of Changsha Municipal Public Security Bureau 

Address: No. 30, Jindun Road, Yuhua District, Changsha 

Office hours: Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays) 

              9:00-12:00; 13:30-17:30 (from July 1 to September 30) 

              9:00-12:00; 13:00-17:00 (from October 1 to June 30 next year) 

5. Handling Process

Receiving - Review, Examination and Approval - Finishing

Chinese source: Hunan One-step Approval Process Platform of Changsha Municipal People's Government official website

1.For the applying for the extension, renewal, reissue of visa or residence certificate, and stay permit, foreigners shall go through relevant procedures in the Exit-entry Administration Department of the public security bureau in person. The applicant must have a “face-to-face” in person interview, unless they are under 16 or over 60, or, due to a physical disability, it would be inconvenient to travel or apply in person, for an extension of residence permit. For these applicants, a family member, or a service agency, may represent the applicant and submit the application on their behalf. A copy of the representative’s identification card is required. It is possible, even in these instances, that the Exit-Entry Administration Department may require the applicant to be present in person in which case the applicant will be notified that an interview is necessary and that the applicant must attend the interview in person.

2.In applying for a residence certificate, foreigners shall go through relevant procedures in the Exit-entry Administration Department of the public security bureau in person. If the applicant falls under the category of high-level talent needed by our country and their expertise is urgently needed, in line with the first item of preceding paragraph, the host institution or individual, relatives of the applicant or related service institutions can apply on behalf of the applicant.

3.Applying for visas, foreigners shall be subject to related inquiries of Exit-entry Administration Department of the public security organ. Related institutions (or individuals) shall cooperate if the Exit-entry Administration Department of the public security organ verifies relevant information with the host institution (individual). The Exit-entry Administration Department of the public security bureau may refuse to issue visas according to law if the applicant, related institutions, or individuals, without any justified reason, fails to be interviewed within the agreed time in line with the notification of Exit-entry Administration Department of public security bureau.

4.Applying for visas, foreigners shall submit their valid passports or other international travelling documents, fill in Visa Application Form, submit a photo conforming to specialized requirements and relevant certification materials concerned objects of application.

5.Exit-entry Administration Department of public security organ shall accept and issue a receipt for applications conforming to requirements for acceptance after being reviewed, and make decision to issue or not within the validity of the receipt. The receipt of application of visa and stay permit is valid within 7 working days of the acceptance date; the receipt of application of residence certificate is valid within 15 working days as of the acceptance date.

Office Time/Address 

In Changsha, the application files are accepted by the Entry-Exit Administration of the Public Security Bureau. 

The Entry-Exit Administration Reception Hall of the Changsha Municipal Public Security Bureau [长沙市公安局人口与出入境接待大厅]

Address: No. 30, Jindun Road, southwest side of the intersection of Xiangzhang Road and Guitang Road, Yuhua District, Changsha [长沙市雨花区香樟路与圭塘路交汇处西南侧金盾路30号]

Office hours: Monday-Friday (except statutory holidays)

9:00-12:00; 13:30-17:30 (July 1-September 30)

9:00-12:00; 13:00-17:00 (October 1-June 30 next year)

Telephone: 0731-82290001; 0731-12367

Chinese Source: Hunan Public Security Online Service

I. According to Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, where foreigners stay in hotels in China, the hotels shall register their accommodation in accordance with the regulations on the public security administration of the hotel industry, and submit foreigners' accommodation registration information to the public security organs in the places where the hotels are located.

For foreigners who reside or stay in lodgings other than hotels, they or the persons who accommodate them shall, within 24 hours after the foreigners' check-in, go through the registration formalities with the public security organs in the places of residence.

II. Foreigners who reside or stay in lodgings other than hotels shall file accommodation registration at the police stations of the local public security organs in the places of their residence. Where there are police offices or foreigner service stations of the public security organs in the places of their residence, they may also file their accommodation registrations in such agencies. Universities admitting foreign students or organizations providing accommodations to foreigners, may file foreigners' accommodation registrations with the local public security organs on behalf of the foreigners and in the capacity of accommodation providers according to the law.

III. According to Article 76 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, to foreigners who reside or stay in lodgings other than hotels but who fail to go through registration formalities in accordance with the provisions in the second paragraph of Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, a warning shall be given and a fine of not more than CNY 2,000 may also be imposed.

IV. Hotels which fail to file accommodation registrations for foreigners based on these regulations shall be penalized according to the Law of the People's Republic of China on Penalties for Administration of Public Security. Where hotels fail to submit foreigners' accommodation information to public security organs, they shall be subject to a warning, and for severe violations, a penalty fine of not less than CNY 1,000 and not more than CNY 5,000 shall be imposed depending on the severity of their violations.

Notice: The English version is only for reference. To learn more, please refer to the authoritative Chinese version.

Source: National Immigration Administration

Updated on Nov.11, 2022

Foreign exhibitors and visitors are allowed to apply for visa extensions on-site at the China International Import Expo, local authorities said.

Overseas exhibitors and visitors who need to extend their stay in Shanghai due to preliminary exhibition arrangements and follow-up business negotiations can complete visa extensions at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) where the expo is taking place, said the exit-entry administration of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau.

Short-term staff who come to participate in the exhibition, and need to apply for residence permits after entering the country, can also submit applications at the overseas personnel service station of the exhibition center, it added.

"It's convenient. I did not expect to be able to deal with visa extensions at the exposition site," said Marco Russo, an Italian jewelry exhibitor.

"This is our second year at the expo. China's open market has a huge attraction," said Russo. "After getting our visas extended, we will have more time to explore the Chinese market and visit dealers after the event."

The service station has also opened a green channel for foreigners who have lost or damaged their passports and are eager to leave the country, offering services such as reporting the loss of passports and reissuing visa documents.

This year's CIIE will likely welcome 400,000 visitors from home and abroad, making it one of the largest events across the world in 2020.

Source: Xinhua

The foreign permanent residence ID card, or the Chinese "green card", is a valid identity certificate for foreigners whose residence period in China is not limited. 

The organs that accept applications for foreign permanent residence ID card in our province are the departments or bureaus of public security at the level of municipality or autonomous prefecture in the place of applicant’s long-term residence.  

Foreigners applying for permanent residence in China must abide by Chinese laws, be in good health, have no criminal record and meet at least one of the following criteria:

1.Made a direct and stable investment in China resulting in stable operations and a good tax-paying record for three consecutive years.

2.Hold the post of deputy general manager, deputy factory director or above; or of associate professor, associate research fellow and other associate senior titles of professional post or above, or enjoying the equivalent treatment, for at least four consecutive years, with a minimum period of residence in China for three cumulative years within four years, and with a good tax-paying record.

3.Made a great and outstanding contribution to China or being specially needed by China.

4.Be the spouse or unmarried child under 18 years old of a person in I, II, OR III.

5.Be married to a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with permanent residence status in China, for at least five years, with at least five consecutive years of residence in China and at least nine months of residence in China each year, and having stable source of subsistence and dwelling place.

6.Be an unmarried person under 18 years old who comes to live with parents in China. 

7.Be at least 60 years old, with no direct relatives abroad and have sponsoring relatives in China stayed in China for at least five consecutive years with at least nine-month residence in China each year and have stable source of subsistence and dwelling place.

Foreigners who have been approved to stay permanently in China shall reside in China for at least three months each year. The validity period of the Foreign Permanent Residence ID card is five or ten years.

The public security organ shall decide whether to approve or reject the application for permanent residence permit within 6 months of receiving the application.

Materials all applicants must submit:

1. Application Form for Foreigner’s Permanent Residence in China;

2. A copy of valid passport or other certificate;

3. A health certificate issued by a health quarantine agency designated by the Chinese government or by a foreign health quarantine agency recognized by the relevant Chinese government or by a foreign health quarantine agency recognized by the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate;

4. A certificate of No Criminal Conviction in the main living area of foreign countries (more than 2 years’ residence) certified by Chinese embassies in foreign countries; 

5. Four recent full-face color photos (2 by 2 inches, bareheaded) of the applicant; and,

6. Other relevant materials or special materials required for different application categories.

Other requirements:

For those who made a direct and stable investment in China resulting in stable operations and a good tax-paying record for three consecutive years:

The Amount of Investment

1. Investment in any industry encouraged under the Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries:  at least $500,000;

2. Investment in western China or any key county under poverty alleviation efforts or development program: at least $500,000;

3. Investment in Central China: at least $ 1 million; and,

4. Investment in China: at least $ 2 million;

Special materials:

1.A certificate of approval for the foreign-invested enterprise;

2.Certificate of registration and joint annual inspection certificate;

3.Report on the verification capital and personal tax payment receipt; and,

4.In the case of a foreign-invested enterprise in encouraged fields, a letter of confirmation.

For those who hold the post of deputy general manager, deputy factory director or above; or of associate professor, associate research fellow and other associate senior titles of professional post or above, or enjoying the equivalent treatment:

Employer requirements

1.An institution subordinate to any department of the State Council or to the people's government at the provincial level;

2.A key college or university;

3.An enterprise or government-sponsored institution implementing a national key engineering project or major scientific research project; and,

4. A high-tech enterprise, foreign-invested enterprise in encouraged fields, advanced technology enterprise with foreign investment or export-oriented enterprise with foreign investment.

Special materials

1.A certificate of position or professional title issued by the employer;

2.Foreign Expert Card or Foreigner Employment Card;

3.A certificate of registration and certificate of annual inspection of his employer, certificate of personal tax payment; if the employer is a foreign-invested enterprise, a certificate of approval for the foreign-invested enterprise and joint annual inspection certificate are required;

4.If the employer is an enterprise or institution carrying out a national key engineering project or major scientific research project, a certificate of the project issued by the authority at the provincial or ministry level;

5.If the employer is a high-tech enterprise, a high-tech enterprise certificate; and,

6.If the employer is a foreign-invested enterprise in encouraged fields, advanced technology enterprise with foreign investment or export-oriented enterprises with foreign investment, a certificate of such.

For those who made a great and outstanding contribution to China or being specially needed by China:

Special Material:

A letter of recommendation and related certificates issued by the authority of the Chinese government.

For the spouse or unmarried child under 18 years old of a person in I, II, OR III:

Special materials:

1.Marriage certificate in the case of a spouse; and,

2.Birth certificate or proof of parenthood in the case of an unmarried child under 18 years old, and an adoption certificate in the case of an adopted child.

For those who married to a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with permanent residence status in China:

Special materials:

1. Chinese spouse’s registered permanent residence certificate or foreign spouse's Foreigner's Permanent Residence Card;

2. Marriage certificate;

3. A notarized certificate of source of subsistence; and,

4. House lease certificate or ownership title.

For an unmarried person under 18 years’ old who comes to live with parents in China:

Special materials:

1. Chinese parent's household registration certificate or foreign parent's Foreigner's Permanent residence card; and,

2. Birth certificate or proof of parenthood and adoption certificate in the case of an adopted child.

For those who are at least 60 years old, with no direct relatives abroad and have sponsoring relatives in China stayed in China:

Special materials:

1.Household registration certificate of the Chinese citizen or Foreigner's Permanent Residence card;

2.A notarized certificate of kinship;

3.A certificate stating that the applicant has no direct relatives abroad;

4.A notarized certificate for financial source or notarized certificate of financial guarantee by the sponsor; and,

5.A notarized house lease certificate or ownership title of the applicant or sponsor.

Other frequently asked questions:

1.Where should I submit my application?

The public security organ of the city with subordinate districts, or the branch or county bureau of public security of the municipality directly under the Central Government, in the place where the principal investment was made or of long-term residence.

2.Can somebody else submit the application for me?

If applying through an agent, a power of attorney issued by the applicant must be submitted, which needs to be authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate in the country concerned.

3.How long will it take for my application to be approved?

Within six months from the date of receipt of the application.

4.How long is the permanent residence card valid?

10 years, or five years for foreigners under 18.

In view of the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the world, China has decided to temporarily suspend the entry into China by foreign nationals holding visas or residence permits still valid to the time of this announcement, effective from 0 am, March 28, 2020. Entry by foreign nationals with APEC Business Travel Cards will be suspended as well. Policies including port visas, 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, Hainan 30-day visa-free policy, 15-day visa-free policy specified for foreign cruise-group-tour through Shanghai Port, Guangdong 144-hour visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong or Macao SAR, and Guangxi 15-day visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups of ASEAN countries will also be temporarily suspended. Entry with diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas will not be affected. Foreign nationals coming to China for necessary economic, trade, scientific or technological activities or out of emergency humanitarian needs may apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates. Entry by foreign nationals with visas issued after this announcement will not be affected. 

The suspension is a temporary measure that China is compelled to take in light of the outbreak situation and the practices of other countries. China will stay in close touch with all sides and properly handle personnel exchanges with the rest of the world under the special circumstances. The above-mentioned measures will be calibrated in light of the evolving situation and announced accordingly. 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China

National Immigration Administration

Residents of the Hong Kong and Macao special administration regions can apply to renew and reissue their Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents on the Chinese mainland beginning Oct 10, and collect the permit within seven days, the immigration authority said on September 28, 2020. 

Applicants can apply to the exit and entry administration departments at or above county-level, and the application procedures are the same as in Hong Kong and Macao, according to the national Exit and Entry Administration.

Those applying need to submit required materials and pay registration fees through the application windows at exit and entry departments and can choose to collect the permit through the mail or in person. Also, people with urgent needs can use the "green channel", allowing them to get the travel permit that day.

Applicants can search registration sites, make appointments for processing and inquire about the processing progress through the online service platform provided by the administration. At present, there are over 3,000 immigration administration registration sites at or above county-level available for applicants.

The permit is a legal entry and exit document for Hong Kong and Macao residents to enter and exit the mainland. Since the return of Hong Kong and Macao to the motherland, the number of Hong Kong and Macao residents who enter and exit the mainland has been growing, said Yin Chengji, the administration’s deputy director.

In the past, Hong Kong and Macao residents whose travel permits expired or were lost or damaged during their stay on the mainland had to return to Hong Kong or Macao to apply for a replacement, which resulted in an unnecessary cost in time and was an economic burden, Yin said.

Residents from Hong Kong and Macao made 215 million trips to and from the mainland in 2019, which is 2.5 times the number in 1996, Yin added.

Additionally, the administration has taken a series of measures to ensure the security, efficiency and orderly issuance of travel documents. The whole procedure will adopt information management, and the administration can realize synchronous and real-time interaction with the certification data of Hong Kong and Macao. Meanwhile, it also will adopt a special network to ensure the security of information data transmission, said Bao Yongqiang, deputy director of the administration’s Information Technology Institute.

China announced on Sept 23 that it will reopen entry by foreign nationals holding three categories of valid Chinese residence permits.

The announcement was jointly made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Immigration Administration.

In view of the current COVID-19 situation and the need of epidemic prevention and control, adjustments are now made to the Announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Immigration Administration on the Temporary Suspension of Entry by Foreign Nationals Holding Valid Chinese Visas or Residence Permits issued on March 26, 2020, according to the announcement on Sept 23.

Starting 0:00 am, Sept 28, 2020, foreign nationals holding valid Chinese residence permits for work, personal matters and reunion are allowed to enter China with no need for applying for new visas, it said.

Holders of the above three categories of residence permits, which expired after 0:00 am, March 28, may apply for relevant visas by presenting the expired residence permits and relevant materials to the Chinese embassies or consulates on the condition that the purpose of the holders' visit to China remains unchanged, according to the announcement on Sept 23.

The above-mentioned personnel shall strictly abide by the Chinese regulations on epidemic prevention and control.

Other measures in the announcement issued in March will continue to apply.

The Chinese government will continue resuming people-to-people exchanges in a step-by-step and orderly manner while ensuring effective epidemic control, per the announcement on Sept 23.

New measures have been introduced to cut the minimum waiting time for foreigners seeking residence permits in Beijing by five days.

The measures were introduced on Aug 1, according to the Exit-Entry Department of the municipal Public Security Bureau.

Previously, it took at least 15 working days to secure a residence permit, but under the new policy this has been reduced to 10, said Che Yan, director of the bureau’s Administration Department.

Che didn’t say whether all foreigners’ residence permit applications will be processed in 10 working days. But he said more staff members using improved technology will be handling this work.

“We’ll definitely cut the time that we hold foreigners’ passports,” he said.

The documents required for residence permit applicants－including passports, photographs and application forms－will not change, Che said. Neither will the fees.

A foreigner must submit an application to extend a permit 30 days before the old one expires. Changes to a foreign resident’s living or working details, such as marital status or phone number, must be updated with the bureau within 10 days, he said.

Liu Jiewei, a police officer responsible for handling foreigners’ visas, outlined those likely to benefit most from the new policy.

These are foreigners holding positions ranked from vice-president upward in overseas investment enterprises, or who are technology experts with companies at Beijing’s Zhongguancun Science Park, who are members of the government-backed 1,000 Talent Plan or the national Recruitment Program of Global Experts.

For example, Liu said foreign experts now have to renew their residence permits annually if they want to live in Beijing continually, but the new policy allows certain overseas experts to extend their permits by two to five years.

Foreign experts can obtain a multiple-visit or talent visa that may allow them to stay for not more than 180 days on each visit, Liu said.

“We will strictly verify qualifications for the program,” he said, adding that the bureau will rely heavily on documents provided by the Zhongguancun Science Park, a State-designated pilot zone for global talent.

Ada Jen, a government affairs manager at the International School of Beijing, said she is glad to see the changes and thinks they are “hugely convenient” for foreigners in Beijing to obtain longer stays and multiple-entry visas for work.

“It’s great to hear that the police will shorten the time for which they keep our passports to issue residence permits, which can sometimes take a month and make it impossible for us to travel,” Jen said.

“The faster the police handle our applications, the more convenient it will be for us to work and live in Beijing,” she said.