Applying for China Permanent Residence (PR)—also known as the China Green Card or the new “Five-Star Card”—requires meeting specific health and medical standards established by Chinese authorities.
These requirements ensure that foreign applicants meet China’s public health standards while providing a comprehensive assessment of the applicant’s overall health status.
This guide provides the latest information on health criteria, required medical examinations, designated facilities, and preparation tips based on the most current regulations as of 2025.
1. Why China Requires Medical Examinations for PR Applicants
China enforces medical requirements to ensure that applicants:
✔ Do not carry infectious diseases that pose a public health risk
✔ Are in good physical health to live and work productively
✔ Are mentally fit, ensuring they can integrate into society
✔ Have no history of severe illnesses that could require extensive medical resources
These assessments help protect public health while ensuring that permanent residents can contribute to Chinese society without major health concerns.
2. Official Health Check Requirements
According to the National Immigration Administration’s guidelines, all permanent residence applicants must submit a health certificate that meets specific 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
3. 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.
Source: Ikky In China
4. Required Medical Examinations
The standard health check for PR applicants includes the following comprehensive examinations:
4.1 Physical Examination
- Height, weight, blood pressure
- General physical condition assessment
- BMI calculation
4.2 Laboratory Tests
- Blood tests (including HIV, hepatitis B/C, syphilis)
- Urinalysis
- Blood type determination
4.3 Imaging Studies
- Chest X-ray (tuberculosis screening)
- Additional imaging as required based on initial findings
4.4 Specialized Assessments
- Vision and hearing tests
- Mental health evaluation
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) for applicants over 40
4.5 Infectious Disease Screening
- COVID-19 related tests (requirements may vary by region)
- Other communicable disease screening
Source: Ikky In China
5. Regional Variations in Health Requirements
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
It’s essential to check with the local Exit-Entry Administration Bureau for region-specific requirements.
6. Cost Considerations
Health examination fees vary by location and specific tests required:
| City Tier | 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
7. Preparation Tips for Your Medical Examination
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
Digital Documentation Requirements
Since 2023, China has implemented a mandatory digital application tracking system that affects how health documentation must be submitted:
- Maximum 5MB per document
- PDF format with OCR capability
- Digital signature requirements
- Two-factor authentication for submission
Source: National Immigration Administration Digital Services Guide
8. 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)
9. After the Health Check
Upon completion of all required examinations:
- Results are typically available within 3-7 working days
- The official health certificate will be issued if all tests are passed
- This certificate must be submitted with your permanent residence application
- Certificates are valid for 6 months from the date of issue
10. What If You Don’t Pass?
If your health check reveals disqualifying conditions:
- You’ll receive detailed information about the specific issue
- Minor conditions may require treatment and re-examination
- For serious conditions, you may need to postpone your application
- Some conditions may qualify for medical waivers (case-by-case basis)
11. 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
Source: Ikky In China
12. Healthcare Access After Obtaining PR
Once you’ve obtained permanent residence, you’ll have access to China’s healthcare system:
| Insurance Type | Eligibility for PRs | Monthly Contribution (2025) | Coverage Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance | Employed PRs | 8-12% of salary (employer: 6-10%, employee: 2%) | Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient |
| Urban-Rural Resident Medical Insurance | Self-employed/non-employed PRs | ¥2,000-3,500 annually | Basic coverage, higher out-of-pocket costs |
| Supplementary Medical Insurance | All PRs | Varies by plan | Covers gaps in basic insurance |
Source: Ikky In China
13. 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.
Additional Resources
- National Immigration Administration of China – Official government website for immigration policies
- China Visa Application Service Center – Information on visa and residence permit requirements
- China Foreign Affairs Ministry – Consular Services – Official information on immigration procedures
- International SOS China – Medical assistance and information for expatriates
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