With the development of China’s economy, the influx of many international talents has led to the rapid growth of domestic enterprises’ demand for foreign talents. Due to the increasing number of foreign talents coming to China for employment, China has issued a new policy for foreigners to work in China, which has been officially implemented since April 1, 2017. According to the law, to work in China and obtain labor remuneration, you must obtain a foreigner’s work permit in China (Foreigner’s Work Permit, which was called an employment permit before the implementation of the policy of combining the two certificates of foreigner’s employment certificate and foreign expert certificate).
There are many complicated and time-consuming steps for foreigners to work in China, mainly applying for work visas, registering for temporary accommodation, and then applying for work permits and residence permits. To avoid complicated application steps, we recommend a way to work in China without a work visa, which is to apply for permanent residence in China.
Benefits of Permanent Residency in China:
1. Foreigners with permanent residency can accept a job without needing to apply for work permits and residence permits.
2. China Green Card frees you from the bureaucratic stress and uncertainties of applying for, renewing, and cancelling a work visa.
3. Another benefit of having permanent residency is the privilege of endless and better career opportunities. Unlike work visa holders who need sponsorship from their employers, as a Green Card holder, you have legal rights to work in any company of your choice.
There are several fast-track options for foreigners to apply for permanent residence:
1. Permanent Residence through Family Reunion
Permanent Residence for Couples Reunion: Those people who are married to a Chinese citizen (having registered Chinese permanent citizenship), or to a foreigner who has the qualification for permanently staying in China can apply for permanent residence in China if they meet all the following four requirements.
(1) Those people who are married to a Chinese citizen (having registered Chinese permanent citizenship), or to a foreigner who has the qualification for permanently staying in China.
(2) They have been married for 5 years.
(3) They have lived in China for 5 consecutive years and stayed in mainland China for no less than 9 months every year.
(4) They have stable life security and accommodations in China.
2. Permanent Residence for Working Staff
Beijing: Those who have worked in Beijing continuously for 4 years with an annual salary income (before tax) exceeding RMB500,000, have paid annual individual income tax exceeding RMB100,000, and stay in mainland China for no less than 6 months every year in these 4 years can apply for permanent residence in China with the present employer’s recommendation.
Shanghai: Those who have worked in Shanghai continuously for 4 years with an annual salary income (before tax) exceeding RMB600,000, have paid annual individual income tax exceeding RMB120,000, and stay in mainland China for no less than 6 months every year in these 4 years can apply for permanent residence in China with the present employer’s recommendation.
Shenzhen: Those who have worked in Shenzhen continuously for 4 years with an annual salary income (before tax) exceeding RMB400,000, have paid annual individual income tax exceeding RMB70,000, and stay in mainland China for no less than 6 months every year in these 4 years can apply for permanent residence in China with the present employer’s recommendation.
4. Permanent Residence for Senior/Professional Staff
Applicants are eligible for permanent residence if they are employed in the following 5 types of organizations and hold positions of chairman, vice chairman, general manager, deputy general manager, or have titles of associate professor, associate researcher and above, and have worked consecutively for 4 years (residence in China no less than 3 years), and have good tax records:
(1) Research institutes of the State Council or Shanghai Municipal People’s Government or public institutions with administrative management or functions
(2) Key universities (“211 Project” schools and the first batch of admissions colleges)
(3) Enterprises and institutions that undertake the task of national key projects or major scientific and technological projects
(4) High-tech enterprises, encouraged foreign-invested enterprises, foreign-invested advanced technology enterprises or foreign-invested product export enterprises
(5) Enterprises and institutions like national laboratories, national key laboratories, national engineering laboratories, national engineering research centers, national accredited enterprise technology centers, national engineering technology research centers.
4. Permanent Residence for Foreigners Holding Residence Permits for Work (Marked “High Qualified Person”)
Foreign high-level experts (talents) who are accredited by a competent national or municipal administration or employed by science and technology innovation companies designated by a competent department of Beijing/Shanghai as professionals with expertise can apply for permanent residence in China with the present employer’s recommendation if they have acquired an employment-typed residence permit noted with “Talents” and have worked in Beijing/ Shanghai for over 3 years.
Application process for permanent residency:
1. Apply to the public security organ of the municipal people’s government.
2. After accepting the application, carry out relevant investigations and report to the provincial public security organ for review if the application meets the requirements.
3. Those who meet the requirements after review shall be reported to the National Immigration Administration for approval. After the approval, the National Immigration Administration will issue a foreigner’s permanent residence ID card.
Processing time of permanent residency:
The time varies from place to place, currently 4-6 months in Guangzhou; 6-12 months in Beijing; 6-9 months in Shanghai.