Application for permanent residence status in China for foreign spouses of Chinese or foreign nationals
Updated:Aug 21,2014 11:45 AMenglish.gov.cn
According to Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners, Rules Governing the Implementation of the Law of the PRC on the Entry and Exit of Foreigners and Regulations on Examination and Approval of Permanent Residence of Foreigners in China,
Eligibility:
The applicant should be the spouse of a Chinese citizen or of a foreign national who has permanent residence status in China.
The applicant and his or her spouse should be married for a minimum of five years. The applicant should be a resident of China for a minimum of five consecutive years - and a minimum of nine months each year.
The applicant should have a fixed and legal residence and a stable source of income.
Documents required:
1. Valid foreign passport or alternate approved travel document.
2. Health certificate issued by a medical institution designated by the Chinese government or issued by foreign medical institutions certified by a Chinese embassy or consulate.
3. Document offering proof the applicant does not have a criminal record, issued by a Chinese embassy or consulate.
4. Four 2-inch photos.
5. A certificate of long-term household registration of the Chinese spouse or the Permanent Residence Permit of the foreign spouse, marriage certificate, notarized certificates of living guarantees, certificate of house ownership or lease, certificates or other documents issued by foreign organizations must be certified by the Chinese embassy or consulate in the country of issuance.
Procedure:
Submission of completed application form for permanent residence in China.
Fees:
Application fee: 1500 yuan ($234.8) per person
Certification fee: 300 yuan per certificate
Processing times:
The public security organ decides to approve or not to approve the application within six months from the day the foreign applicant submits the application for a permanent residence permit.
Responsible departments:
Applications for permanent residence in China relating to foreign nationals are received by the public security organ at the city level, checked by the municipal public security organs, reviewed by public security departments at the provincial level or by the authorities of autonomous regions and municipalities - and examined and approved by the Ministry of Public Security.
As an expert in immigration and residency matters, particularly in the context of China, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the application process for permanent residence status in China for foreign spouses. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the relevant laws, regulations, and procedures governing the entry and exit of foreigners in China.
The information provided in the article is in accordance with the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners, Rules Governing the Implementation of the Law of the PRC on the Entry and Exit of Foreigners, and Regulations on Examination and Approval of Permanent Residence of Foreigners in China. Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article:
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for permanent residence status, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Spousal Relationship: The applicant should be the spouse of either a Chinese citizen or a foreign national with permanent residence status in China.
- Marriage Duration: The applicant and their spouse must be married for a minimum of five years.
- Residency Requirement: The applicant should have been a resident of China for a minimum of five consecutive years, with a minimum of nine months each year.
Required Documents:
Several documents are required for the application, including:
- Passport: A valid foreign passport or an alternate approved travel document.
- Health Certificate: Issued by a designated medical institution in China or certified by a Chinese embassy or consulate if issued by a foreign medical institution.
- Criminal Record Clearance: Document offering proof that the applicant does not have a criminal record, issued by a Chinese embassy or consulate.
- Photos: Four 2-inch photos.
- Proof of Relationship and Residency: This includes a certificate of long-term household registration of the Chinese spouse or the Permanent Residence Permit of the foreign spouse, marriage certificate, notarized certificates of living guarantees, certificate of house ownership or lease, and other relevant documents certified by the Chinese embassy or consulate.
Application Procedure:
The applicant needs to complete the application form for permanent residence in China. The submission is followed by a review process, and the public security organ decides to approve or reject the application within six months from the submission date.
Fees:
There are fees associated with the application:
- Application Fee: 1500 yuan ($234.8) per person.
- Certification Fee: 300 yuan per certificate.
Processing Times:
The public security organ aims to make a decision within six months from the day the foreign applicant submits the application for a permanent residence permit.
Responsible Departments:
Applications are received by the public security organ at the city level, checked by municipal public security organs, reviewed by public security departments at the provincial level or by the authorities of autonomous regions and municipalities, and finally examined and approved by the Ministry of Public Security.
In summary, the process for obtaining permanent residence status in China for foreign spouses involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, submitting required documents, paying associated fees, and undergoing a thorough review process conducted by various levels of public security authorities.
