Permanent Residence (Chinese Green Card)
🇨🇳 China visas · Work
What it is
China's permanent residence card, commonly called the "Chinese Green Card." Extremely selective with very few approvals annually. Multiple pathways including long-term employment (4 consecutive years), investment (USD 500,000+), family, and outstanding contributions.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Permanent (10-year card, renewable)
- Processing time
- 6 to 12+ months
- Path to permanent residence
- Direct route
- Dependants
- Yes
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (受理外国人永久居留申请时，每人)
- CNY 1,500
- Application fee (核发证件时，每证)
- CNY 300
- Application fee (有效期满或内容变更申请换发/补发，每证)
- CNY 300
- Application fee (丢失补领或损坏换领，每证)
- CNY 600
Key requirements
- Employment track: 4 consecutive years of work + 6 months/year residence + stable income and tax record
- Investment track: accumulated investment of USD 500,000+ (stable for 3 years) or USD 2,000,000+ in western/central regions
- Family track: spouse of Chinese citizen with 5+ years marriage and residence
- High-level talent track: significant contributions (national awards, key projects)
- No criminal record
- Clean tax history
- Medical examination
Working on this visa
Permanent residents may live AND work in China on the permanent residence card itself - no separate work permit or visa is needed, and the card plus passport serves for exit and entry.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 4 August 2026.