How to Prove Your Marriage for China Permanent Residency

Applying for China Permanent Residency as a foreign spouse requires thorough documentation and understanding of current policies.

This guide covers official requirements, documentation needs, and practical advice based on the latest regulations.

Current Marriage-Based Permanent Residency Requirements

According to the National Immigration Administration, foreign spouses of Chinese citizens must meet these criteria:

Requirement	Details
Marriage Duration	Legally married for at least 5 years
Residence History	Minimum 5 consecutive years in China (at least 9 months per year)
Financial Stability	Stable income meeting local minimum requirements
Housing	Suitable accommodation (owned or rented)
Criminal Record	No criminal record in China or abroad

Marriage Certificate
- Chinese marriage certificate (公证结婚证)
- Foreign certificates require an Apostille, a Chinese Embassy authentication (if your country is not part of the Hague convention) and a certified translation
Identity Documentation
- Chinese spouse’s hukou and ID card (original and copies)
- Applicant’s valid passport and residence permit
- Recent standardized photos (2 inches, white background)
Residence Verification
- Property ownership certificate or notarized rental agreement
- Utility bills showing both names (covering at least 12 months)
- Police registration records of residence

Document Type	Requirements
Income Proof	Tax returns for past 3 years
Employment	Work permit and employment contract
Bank Statements	Joint accounts showing 6+ months of transactions
Assets	Property deeds, investment certificates

Pre-Application Consultation: Schedule appointment at local Public Security Bureau immigration office
Document Submission: Submit complete application package
Biometric Collection: Fingerprinting and photo
Interview: Both spouses may be interviewed separately
Processing: Typically 6-12 months
Decision: Written notification of approval or rejection

Requirements may vary by location. Check with local immigration offices in:

Rejection Reason	Solution
Insufficient residence time	Ensure accurate calculation of physical presence days
Incomplete documentation	Use our comprehensive checklist below
Suspected marriage fraud	Provide additional relationship evidence
Financial concerns	Include supplementary income/asset documentation

If marriage-based criteria cannot be met, consider:

For complex cases, consult:

The 2023 Immigration Policy Reform introduced several changes:

For the most current information, always verify with official government sources.