If you work in a Chinese company or have your own company in China, you may experience the complexity of visa renewal in China. Therefore, you should consider applying for a Chinese green card, which can save your time and energy, and extend your stay in China.
Who is eligible for a green card in China, which is necessary, and what is involved in the process?
1. Who can apply for China’s green card?
China’s “green card” is China’s permanent resident identity card. Compared with work visas, foreigners can extend their residence time. Foreigners applying for permanent residence in China must be in good health, have no criminal record, and meet at least one of the following conditions:
Become a direct investor in China, and invest at least 500000 US dollars in the Western or poor areas of China, 1 million US dollars in the central region, 2 million US dollars in other regions, and have invested for at least three consecutive years.
Technical workers in senior positions in government departments or laboratories involved in “key national projects” have worked in China for at least four years.
Work in key industries or areas supported by the state. Make great contributions to China, or possess unique skills.
Come to China to stay with your family, marry for at least five years, or have family members of Chinese citizens.
2. What are the advantages of having a green card in China?
The main benefit is a long period of validity. Foreigners without Chinese green cards must renew their residence permits every year. In addition, the green card can save time and trouble, can easily enter and leave China, or can be used as a separate legal document to stay in Beijing. In addition, holders of Chinese green cards should work freely and abide by all Chinese labor laws. In the fields of investment, housing purchase, and education, green cardholders enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as Chinese citizens living in the cities where they live. These cards can also be used as identification when buying train tickets or booking hotel rooms. However, Chinese green card is not equal to Chinese nationality. Chinese green card holders are not entitled to vote,
3. How to apply for China green card?
Provincial public security departments accept applications for permanent residence in China. Applicants or unmarried parents under the age of 18 can apply for permanent residency in person or entrust a third party to submit the application on their behalf. If a third party applies for permanent residency, the third party must hold a power of attorney for the applicant. Applicants residing abroad may submit their initial application to the Chinese Embassy in their country of origin and complete application upon arrival in China. During the application process, applicants may be required to produce various documents, such as passports, marriage certificates, tax receipts and China investment certificates.
4. How long does it take to approve the application?
The public security organ shall decide the result of the application within six months after receiving the application. If approved, a green card valid for 10 years will be provided for adults and 5 years for minors.
5. How much does it cost?
The application fee for permanent residence is 1500 yuan (approximately $220) per person. If the application is approved, an additional 300 yuan will be charged to obtain a permanent residence permit, so the total fee is 1800 yuan.
If the applicant already has a permanent resident permit, but has to renew, modify the information or update the permit, the holder must reapply for the new permit at a fee of 300 yuan. In case of loss or damage, the permit holder must pay a replacement fee of 600 yuan.