Applying for permanent residence in China, commonly known as the Chinese “green card,” requires meticulous preparation and documentation.
As one of the world’s most selective permanent residence programs, the Chinese authorities demand thorough evidence of your eligibility, background, and intentions.
This guide outlines the essential documents you’ll need to prepare for a successful application, organized by category and purpose.
Core Documentation Requirements
Regardless of which eligibility pathway you’re pursuing, certain fundamental documents are required for all China permanent residence applications:
1. Application Form
The official permanent residence application form (typically Form QW-01) must be completed in Chinese.
The form requests personal information, contact details, passport information, and your basis for applying.
Complete all sections accurately, as inconsistencies may lead to delays or rejection.
2. Valid Passport
You must submit your original passport along with photocopies of all pages containing information. Your passport should have:
- At least six months validity remaining
- At least two blank visa pages
- No damage or unauthorized modifications
For applicants with multiple nationalities, all passports must be disclosed and submitted.
3. Biometric Photographs
Recent passport-sized photographs meeting these specifications:
- 2 inches × 1.5 inches (48mm × 33mm)
- White background
- Full face view with neutral expression
- No head coverings (except for religious purposes)
- Taken within the last six months
Most applications require 4-8 identical photographs, though requirements may vary by region.
4. Health Certificate
A comprehensive health examination certificate from an authorized Chinese hospital or medical institution, completed within six months of your application. The examination typically includes:
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- General physical examination
- Tests for infectious diseases
Only certificates from designated hospitals are accepted, and results are typically valid for six months.
5. Criminal Record Check
A police clearance certificate from your country of citizenship and any country where you’ve resided for more than 12 months in the past five years. This document must:
- Be issued within the last six months
- Be authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate in the issuing country
- Be translated into Chinese by an authorized translation service
Some regions may also require a local police clearance certificate from your place of residence in China.
Pathway-Specific Documentation
The additional documents required depend on your eligibility pathway:
For Investment-Based Applications:
- Business license of your invested enterprise in China
- Capital verification report from a certified Chinese accounting firm
- Tax payment certificates for at least three consecutive years
- Investment certificates and proof of fund transfers
- Company articles of association
- Annual audit reports
- Evidence of the company’s contribution to local economic development
- Proof of employment creation (if applicable)
For Employment-Based Applications:
- Employment contract with a Chinese employer
- Work permit and residence permit history
- Salary certificates or tax payment records showing income above the threshold
- Professional qualifications and certificates
- Letters of recommendation from your employer
- Evidence of special skills or expertise beneficial to China
- Academic credentials (degrees, diplomas, transcripts)
- Publications, patents, or other evidence of professional achievements
For Family Reunion Applications:
- Marriage certificate (for spousal applications)
- Birth certificate (for parent-child relationships)
- Household registration book of the Chinese citizen family member
- Identity card of the Chinese citizen family member
- Proof of relationship authentication
- Financial support documentation
- Housing certificate or property ownership documents
- Evidence of genuine relationship (photos, correspondence, travel records)
For Extraordinary Contribution Applications:
- Awards or recognition certificates
- Letters of recommendation from relevant Chinese government departments
- Documentation of contributions to China’s development
- Evidence of international recognition in your field
- Publications, research papers, or project reports
- Media coverage of your achievements
- Testimonials from recognized authorities in your field
Document Authentication and Translation
All foreign documents must undergo a three-step process:
1. Notarization in the country of origin by an authorized notary public
2. Authentication by the Chinese embassy or consulate in the issuing country
3. Translation into Chinese by an authorized translation service in China
This process can take several months, particularly for documents from multiple countries, so begin early. Some documents may require additional steps, such as apostille certification, depending on bilateral agreements between China and your home country.
Regional Variations in Documentation
Document requirements may vary slightly between different regions in China, with major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou sometimes implementing their own supplementary requirements. Always confirm the specific documentation needs with your local Exit-Entry Administration Bureau before finalizing your application package.
Document Organization and Presentation
How you present your documents can impact the efficiency of your application review:
- Organize documents according to the checklist provided by the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
- Include a table of contents for easy navigation
- Use dividers or tabs to separate different document categories
- Provide both original documents and photocopies as required
- Ensure all translations are attached to their original documents
- Number pages sequentially for reference
Conclusion
Preparing documentation for a China permanent residence application requires attention to detail, advance planning, and thorough understanding of the requirements.
Begin collecting and authenticating documents at least six months before your intended application date to allow sufficient time for processing, authentication, and translation.
Remember that document requirements may change as China continues to reform its immigration policies.
Regularly check with official sources or consult with immigration specialists to ensure your application meets the most current standards.
With complete and properly prepared documentation, you significantly improve your chances of successfully obtaining permanent residence in China.