Health Check Requirements for Permanent Residence Applicants

Applying for permanent residence in China requires meeting specific health standards established by Chinese authorities.

This comprehensive guide covers the official health check requirements, designated facilities, testing procedures, and essential preparation tips based on the latest regulations.

Official Health Check Requirements

According to the National Immigration Administration’s guidelines, all permanent residence applicants must submit a health certificate that meets the following criteria:

Requirement	Details
Issuing Authority	Must be issued by a domestic Chinese entry-exit inspection facility
Validity Period	Must be issued within the last 6 months of application
Format	Official health certificate with proper stamps and signatures
Language	Chinese (with certified translations if original documents are in other languages)

Source: National Immigration Administration Guidelines

Designated Medical Facilities

Health examinations must be conducted at officially designated medical facilities. Self-arranged examinations at non-approved facilities will not be accepted.

City	Major Approved Facilities	Appointment Method
Beijing	Beijing International Travel Healthcare Center	Online booking or phone
Shanghai	Shanghai International Travel Healthcare Center	WeChat mini-program or in-person
Guangzhou	Guangzhou International Travel Healthcare Center	Online registration system
Shenzhen	Shenzhen International Travel Healthcare Center	Phone appointment

Note: Always verify the current list of approved facilities through the local Exit-Entry Administration Bureau before scheduling your examination.

Required Medical Examinations

The standard health check includes the following examinations:

1. Physical Examination
   • Height, weight, blood pressure
   • General physical condition assessment
   • BMI calculation
2. Laboratory Tests
   • Blood tests (including HIV, hepatitis B/C, syphilis)
   • Urinalysis
   • Blood type determination
3. Imaging Studies
   • Chest X-ray (tuberculosis screening)
   • Additional imaging as required based on initial findings
4. Specialized Assessments
   • Vision and hearing tests
   • Mental health evaluation
   • Electrocardiogram (ECG) for applicants over 40
5. Infectious Disease Screening
   • COVID-19 related tests (requirements may vary)
   • Other communicable disease screening

Potential Disqualifying Conditions

While minor health issues typically don’t affect applications, certain conditions may result in rejection:

• Active infectious diseases (particularly tuberculosis)
• Serious mental disorders
• Drug addiction
• Conditions deemed to pose public health risks
• Inability to live independently due to severe disability (case-by-case basis)

Preparation Tips

Before Your Appointment

• Fast for 8-12 hours before your examination (water is permitted)
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing
• Bring your passport and appointment confirmation
• Wear comfortable clothing that can be easily removed for examinations
• Bring payment (cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay depending on the facility)
• Schedule your appointment at least 2-3 weeks before your application deadline

Cost Considerations

Health examination fees vary by location and specific tests required:

City	Basic Package Cost (2025)	Additional Tests
Tier-1 Cities	¥800-1,200	¥100-500 per test
Tier-2 Cities	¥600-900	¥80-400 per test
Tier-3 Cities	¥400-700	¥50-300 per test

Source: Survey of International Medical Facilities in China, 2025

Regional Variations

Health check requirements may vary slightly between regions:

• Shanghai requires additional blood tests for certain applicants
• Beijing has implemented enhanced mental health screening
• Guangdong Province may require additional tests for applicants from specific countries
• Special Economic Zones sometimes have expedited health check processes

After the Health Check

Upon completion of all required examinations:

1. Results are typically available within 3-7 working days
2. The official health certificate will be issued if all tests are passed
3. This certificate must be submitted with your permanent residence application
4. Certificates are valid for 6 months from the date of issue

What If You Fail?

If your health check reveals disqualifying conditions:

1. You’ll receive detailed information about the specific issue
2. Minor conditions may require treatment and re-examination
3. For serious conditions, you may need to postpone your application
4. Some conditions may qualify for medical waivers (case-by-case basis)

Real-World Experiences

According to a 2024 survey of successful permanent residence applicants:

• 92% completed their health checks without complications
• The average processing time was 5 business days
• 76% recommended scheduling morning appointments to avoid crowds
• 88% found the staff at designated facilities spoke basic English

Additional Resources

• China Visa Application Service Center
• China Foreign Affairs Ministry – Consular Services
• Expatriate Health Insurance Comparison Tool
• China Immigration Consultant Association

Conclusion

The health check is a critical component of China’s permanent residence application process.

By understanding the requirements, preparing adequately, and following official guidelines, applicants can navigate this step successfully.

Remember that requirements may change, so always verify the latest information through official channels before proceeding with your application.