Permanent Residence Visa
China
Last updated: December 22, 2025
5-10 years (renewable)
$210
12-14 months
High
About this Visa
China's permanent residence visa (also called "Green Card") lets you live in China indefinitely without renewing your visa each year. You get a plastic ID card valid for 5-10 years. It's designed for skilled workers, investors, and family members of people already living in China. This visa is especially useful if you want to work, own a business, or stay long-term without visa hassles. Once approved, you don't need to apply for work permits or worry about visa expiration dates. This is a very competitive visa. Only 30-40% of applicants succeed. You need strong proof of money and stable work or investment history.
Key Benefits
- Work anywhere without a work permit
- Enter China anytime with your ID card (no visa stamps needed)
- Bring spouse and children under 18
- Send kids to school like Chinese citizens
- Buy property for your own home
- Use banking and finance services like citizens
- Contribute to and withdraw from retirement accounts
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Deputy manager level or professor title with 4+ years experience (worker category)
- OR invest ¥10+ million and run business 3+ years (investor category)
- OR PhD holder, scientist, tech innovator, or international awards (high-skilled category)
- OR spouse/child under 18 of approved applicant (family category)
- OR special contributor with international awards or important research
- No criminal record required
- Good health (no serious diseases like TB or HIV)
- Must follow Chinese laws
- Age 16+ (younger children can apply as dependents)
- No language requirement
Financial Requirement
For workers in Shanghai: Earn at least ¥886,100 per year (~$126,000 USD). Work there 4 years straight with significant tax payments. For investors: Invest ¥10+ million (~$1.42 million USD) and run a successful business for 3 years.
Documents
- Valid passportMust have 6+ months validity
- Health certificateMedical exam from approved hospital
- Criminal record proofFrom your home country, less than 6 months old
- Criminal record in ChinaIf you've lived in China before
- Application formFilled out in English or Chinese
- 2 passport photosRecent, white background
- Employment letterIf applying as worker
- Investment proofIf applying as investor
- Marriage/birth certificateIf applying with family
- Proof of incomeBank statements, tax records, salary letters
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.