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Where to Submit Your China Permanent Residency Application

Ikky Ma April 12, 2025
Where to submit your China permanent residency application

Applying for China Permanent Residency (often referred to as the “China Green Card”) is a significant step for expatriates seeking long-term settlement in China.

Since the comprehensive immigration reforms of 2023, the application process has evolved substantially, introducing a points-based system and digital application tracking.

This guide provides current, evidence-based information on submission locations, eligibility criteria, and key steps to navigate the process successfully.

Understanding China’s Permanent Residency Framework

China’s permanent residency system operates under the Regulations on Examination and Approval of Permanent Residence of Aliens in China (外国人在中国永久居留审批管理办法), last amended in February 2023 by the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

The current system features:

  • A points-based evaluation system for different application categories
  • Regional implementation variations with specific quotas
  • Digital application tracking through the NIA portal
  • Enhanced post-COVID health monitoring requirements

Key Statistics on China PR Applications

YearApplications ReceivedApproval RateProcessing Time (Average)
202212,45329%8-12 months
202318,27634%7-10 months
202424,89138%6-9 months

Source: National Immigration Administration Annual Report 2024

Eligibility Categories and Point Requirements

Before beginning the application process, identify which eligibility category best matches your situation:

Application CategoryMinimum Points RequiredKey Point Factors
High-skilled talent85Education, salary, patents/publications
Investment-based70Investment amount, job creation, tax contribution
Family reunion60Duration of marriage, language proficiency
Extraordinary contribution90Awards, recognition, economic impact

Where to Submit Your Application

You must submit physical documents to the Exit-Entry Administration Department of the municipal public security bureau in your city of residence (or where your spouse’s hukou is located, in the case of family reunion).

RegionAnnual Quota (2024)Processing TimeLocal RequirementsAddress
Shanghai3,5006-8 monthsAdditional financial stability proof36 Xuelin Road, Pudong New Area
Beijing3,2007-9 monthsHigher income thresholdsNo. 2, Dong Avenue, An Ding Men, Dongcheng District
Guangzhou2,8005-7 monthsIndustry-specific preferences155 Jiefang South Road, Yuexiu District
Shenzhen2,1006-8 monthsTechnology sector focus4016 Jiefang Road, Luohu District
Hainan1,8004-6 monthsLower investment thresholds8 Guoxing Avenue, Meilan District, Haikou

Required Documentation

All applications require comprehensive documentation that must be properly authenticated and translated.

Basic Documentation

  • Valid passport with at least six months validity
  • Recent passport-sized photographs (2 inches × 1.5 inches with white background)
  • Completed application form (Form QW-01)
  • Proof of current legal residence in China
  • Health certificate from an authorized Chinese hospital (completed within six months)
  • Criminal record check from your home country (authenticated and translated)

Category-Specific Documentation

Document TypeAuthentication RequiredValidity PeriodTranslation Requirements
Birth certificateYes – ApostilleNo expirationCertified Chinese translation
Academic credentialsYes – Ministry of Education6 monthsCertified Chinese translation
Criminal recordYes – Home country authority6 monthsCertified Chinese translation
Financial statementsBank seal required3 monthsCertified Chinese translation
Investment proofNotarized3 monthsCertified Chinese translation

Financial Requirements

Financial thresholds have increased substantially since 2023, with different requirements by region and category:

CategoryMinimum Annual IncomeMinimum AssetsTax Payment History
Skilled professional¥600,000¥2,000,0003 years
Investor¥800,000¥10,000,0002 years
Family reunion¥450,000¥1,500,0002 years

Application Process

Step 1: Health Examination

Schedule an examination at an authorized hospital following the preparation guidelines:

Examination ComponentPreparation RequiredCommon Disqualifiers
Blood tests8-hour fastingInfectious diseases
Chest X-rayNo metal objectsTuberculosis
Mental health assessmentNo psychoactive medications 48 hours priorSevere psychiatric conditions

Step 2: In-Person Submission

Attend your scheduled appointment at the local Exit-Entry Administration Bureau with all original documents and pay the application fee (¥1,500).

Step 3: Interview Process

Prepare for the mandatory interview, which eliminates approximately 22% of applicants according to 2024 statistics.

Step 4: Application Processing

Track your application status through the digital platform. Processing times vary by region and category (typically 6-9 months).

Step 5: Card Collection

Upon approval, collect your Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card at the designated service center and pay the card issuance fee (¥300).

Post-Approval Requirements

Maintaining permanent residency status requires ongoing compliance:

RequirementFrequencyDocumentation
Physical presenceMinimum 183 days annuallyEntry/exit records
Address registrationWithin 10 days of any changeLease/property documents
Annual reportingEvery calendar yearOnline submission
Card renewalEvery 10 yearsUpdated documentation

Appeal Process for Rejected Applications

If your application is rejected, formal appeal options are available:

Appeal StageTimeframeSuccess Rate (2024)Requirements
Administrative reviewWithin 30 days18%Written submission with new evidence
Administrative litigationWithin 60 days12%Legal representation required
ReapplicationAfter 12 months31%Address all previous rejection reasons

Professional Assistance

Complex cases benefit significantly from professional guidance, with represented applications showing a 27% higher approval rate.

Conclusion

Navigating China’s permanent residency application process requires meticulous attention to detail, awareness of recent policy changes, and strategic preparation.

By following the guidelines in this comprehensive guide and consulting official sources, applicants can significantly improve their chances of success in obtaining this increasingly valuable status.

For the most current information, regularly consult the National Immigration Administration and your local Public Security Bureau’s Foreign Affairs Division.

About the Author

Ikky Ma

Administrator

This page features all articles and posts by Ikky, the owner of the blog named ikkyinchina.com

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