If you’ve spent a length of time living in China, you’ve surely heard about that mystical permanent residence card for foreigners otherwise known as a Chinese green card or “外国人永久居留证”. But up until November last year, Chinese green cards were simply just a myth for most expats, with nobody actually knowing how to get one or who even qualifies.
Then, on November 14 the clouds suddenly parted and a glimmer, if ever so vague, of what this green card actually is was presented. In a statement in Washington D.C. Deputy Director of China's Ministry of Public Security's Exit and Entry Administration announced that China is considering relaxing restrictions on the green card and widening the scope of who qualifies.
Photo: southcn.com
Another miracle happened on December 12 when this time, the Central Organization Department, Human Resources and Social Security and 23 other ministries jointly issued new guidelines outlining the rights of foreign “green card” holders – this esteemed group of foreign individuals would enjoy the same rights as Chinese, it was declared. At last, some information was there to behold, but scepticism among the foreign community reigned nonetheless.
Despite the grandiose announcements of several months back, most foreigners in China still don’t have a clue how to go about getting one of these golden tickets that promise the end of visa hassle forever. So without further ado, we’ve compiled and translated instructions on who can apply for a Chinese green card. Perhaps you don’t meet the requirements just yet, but if you plan to make China your permanent home, you can start working towards fulfilling the requirements now. Oh, and do remember that this being China, rules and instructions tend to be overtly ambiguous and are subject to change.
The types of green cards available
1) Green Card for Investors: immigrants who’ve invested over 2 million USD
Have you invested over 2 million USD in China over three or more years? This category may be for you! According to paragraph 1 of article 6 of the “Permanent Residence for Foreigners Methods”, foreign citizens who have directly invested in China for three successive years and who have a clean tax record can apply for the green card. Four types of investments are accepted in this category:
2) Green Card for Technical Personnel: Someone with senior titles
This category is open for those who are deputy general managers, deputy directors, associate professors or have other high-ranking titles. To qualify, you must have held this position for four full consecutive years and within those four years you must have spent an accumulative time of three years in China and paid taxes. The following four work units qualify:
3) Green Card for People with Special Skills or Needed by the State: The most convenient option
This one, which is being called the easiest or most convenient category to apply through, grants a green card to those who have helped promote economic development or have made outstanding contributions to society. Talents who are deemed of great value to the country or who have special skills or are reputed in the technology sector are also welcome to apply through this category.
4) Family Reunion Green Card: Must be a spouse for at least 5 years
This is one is divided into three sub-categories:
To keep up to date on the most recent updates of developments, check out the website of the Central People’s Government http://english.gov.cn/service/immigrating.htm. We also strongly urge you to read all about the new (stricter) extry/exit rules that go into effect on July 1, 2013 here.
Source: 163.com; shanghai.gov.cn
Related links
China to Relax Restrictions on Chinese “Green Card” for Foreigners?
The War on Illegal Foreigners: Beijing as Ground Zero
China Drafts Up Special New Visas for Foreign-Born Chinese
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Keywords: permanent residence card for foreigners
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I have a foreign experts honorary award give to me by the Chinese government, will that get me a green card
May 23, 2013 21:31 Report Abuse
i have spent over one million on computer parts will that qualifier for investing
May 23, 2013 21:27 Report Abuse
Nothing mysterious about the "green card" (permanent residence card), just have to follow the rules, submit odious paperwork, eventually get the card. I've got mine since mid-2011, and it is actually quite handy in various situations (anywhere when a local would slap their 'shifenzheng' ID card). As for the rules, they are pretty clear (when compared to other Chinese rules) and it is possible to meet them (I did), just not for your average TEFL (TOFL?) certificate holder, or those who can't even read the rules (i.e. the "Dear sirs, I hav China girlfreind tree monts, please give green crad" type), mei banfa...
May 23, 2013 13:13 Report Abuse
Yep no change. You can't work on "spouse visa" you need a permanent residence card. You can't have a permanent residence card unless you own a house with your name on the title You can't afford to buy a house without a job You can't get a job without... a permanent residence card.. repeat in a circular fashion (yea I know I am glossing over normal work permits, but no need to be dicks to families)
May 21, 2013 09:55 Report Abuse
Soon. Soon i will be able too stay forever.... God that is depressing.
May 20, 2013 19:38 Report Abuse