Moving to China - How to Immigrate to China? (2024)

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China, officially the People’s Republic of China (PRC), located in East Asia, is the second largest economy in the world. The economic prosperity of the country has upgraded the living standards of Chinese citizens, including expats residing in China. This has resulted in the rise of expats moving to China, which currently is home to more than 2.5 million foreigners.

Expats all over the world are driven by the high living standards, social welfare benefits, healthcare, and job opportunities China has to offer.

The Asian country is also home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery on the planet, and natural scenery follows you in every direction.

Do I Need to Obtain a Visa to Move to China?

If you are planning on moving to China for the long term, you will need to apply for and obtain an entry visa to enter the country. The visa category you need to apply for depends on the reason for your entry into the country.

China visas are divided into the following categories:

C Visa.
D Visa.
F Visa.
G Visa.
J1 Visa.
J2 Visa.
L Visa.
M Visa.
Q1 Visa.
Q2 Visa.
R Visa.
S1 Visa.
S2 Visa.
X1 Visa.
X2 Visa.
Z Visa.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa to Move to China?

Yes, US citizens need a visa to enter mainland China. You can apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese diplomatic missions (embassy/consulate) in the US.

The type of visa you apply for depends on the purpose of your travel to China.

How Do I Move to China?

Foreign nationals that want to make China their new permanent home can move there for different reasons. Depending on the reason for your travel to China, you will need to obtain a long-stay visa to be allowed to stay in the country for a period extending three months. The most common visas expats usually apply for when moving to China are the Z visa, X visa, or Q visa.

Here is how you can move to China for a period extending three months:

Moving to China to work (Z visa).
Moving to China to study (X visa).
Moving to China for family reunification (Q visa).

Once you receive your entry visa, you should travel to China. Upon your arrival, you must register at the police station in your residence area within 24 hours. Then, within 30 days of your arrival in China, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit and Entry Administration.

Moving to China to Work

Individuals who wish to move to China for employment, you will need to apply for a China work visa (Z visa) at your local visa office or Chinese embassy or consulate. However, to be eligible for a work visa in China, you must meet already have a job offer from an employer in China. In addition, there are other criteria that you must meet before starting the application process, such as being in good health or having a clear criminal record.

Your employer in China must apply for a Foreigners Work Permit notification letter at the labor bureau on your behalf, which will state whether you are eligible to work in China.

Once you arrive in China, you need to obtain a work permit. The work permits are divided into three categories:

Moving to China to Study

Foreign students that are admitted to an educational institution in China and want to move there must obtain a student visa, also known as the X visa.

There are two types of student visas you can apply for depending on the duration of your education program:

China Student Visa X1.
China Student Visa X2.

You can apply for a student visa at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center or Chinese Diplomatic Missions (embassy or consulate). However, you cannot begin your visa application without receiving a letter of acceptance from the university of your choice.

Once you arrive in China, you can apply for a residence permit which will be valid for five years (X1 visa holders). After that, you will be allowed to work on and off campus for 8 hours per week and not more than 40 hours per month.

Moving to China for Family Reunification

Foreign family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence permits who want to join their family in China need to apply for and obtain a Q visa (family visa).

The family members eligible for a family visa are:

Spouses.
Parents.
Children (sons and daughters).
Parents-in-law.
Brothers and sisters.
Grandparents.
Grandchildren.

The applications for a Q family visa are submitted to the Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa center. After the embassy grants you the visa, you can enter China and apply for a residence permit. The residence permit will allow you to remain in the country for a minimum of one year and a maximum of 5 years.

*You are not allowed to work in China on a family visa.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Moving to China?

Here are the pros and cons of moving to China:

Pros	Cons
Healthcare— China provides free public healthcare to its citizens. China also offers expats residing in the country healthcare treatment at a lower cost. You will also find English-speaking staff in medical facilities.	Crowded— China is one of the world’s most densely packed places in the world. Overpopulation has created difficulty in sustaining life with the standards citizens desire.
Low living costs— China offers great living conditions at a low cost. The country is cheaper than most western countries, and you can get by with around €500 per month, without including rent.	Language barrier— although the majority of people in China can speak another language besides Mandarin, it is recommended that foreigners learn the official language of the country.
Work opportunities— due to new businesses entering the market, China has a wide range of work opportunities, especially for teaching English.	Constant surveillance— the Chinese government uses a network or monitoring systems to monitor Chinese citizens.
Education— China has an excellent reputation in education and a wide range of best international schools. Chinese students usually excel in different fields of education and are ranked high in academic tests such as PISA.	Difficult visa process— Chinese embassies are very strict when it comes to visa applications. Besides tourist visas, other types of visas are harder to get as there are a set of conditions you must meet beforehand.
Public transport— transportation in China is highly advanced and it includes a network of airports, trains, highways, subways, ports, and waterways.	Pollution— cancer has become the leading cause of death in China due to industrial pollution. China also faces thousands of deaths from exposure to air pollution.
People— Chinese people are considered friendly and welcoming people. They are modest and are not afraid to show their emotions.
Landscapes— China is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery on earth. The Asian country ranks among the most beautiful countries in the world with its diverse geography and biodiversity.
Safety— China is one of the safest countries in the world for foreigners. This is due to the harsh penalties, police presence, and CCV cameras in major cities.

How Long Do I Need to Live in China to Win Citizenship?

Foreigners wishing to win Chinese citizenship must meet specific criteria, such as residing legally in China or a special administrative region for at least four consecutive years or having family relations with Chinese citizens. After spending this time as a long-term resident in China, you can apply for citizenship by naturalization. Although naturalization is rare in China, you will win citizenship in China if you meet the citizenship requirements.

Other ways you can win Chinese citizenship are:

Citizenship by birth.
Citizenship by investment.
Citizenship by marriage.

Does China Allow Dual Citizenship?

No, China does not recognize dual citizenship. The Chinese Nationality Law states that the country will not admit the dual nationality of a Chinese citizen. This means that once you naturalize as a Chinese citizen, you will be required to renounce your original citizenship or choose which citizenship you want to keep.

However, keep in mind that once you take foreign citizenship, you will automatically lose your Chinese citizenship.

Can I Bring My Personal Belongings to China?

You can bring your personal belongings to China if you are moving there to become a long-term resident of the country.

To import your personal belongings, you will need to apply for and get an Import Permit. Keep in mind that you can import one air and one sea shipment for your personal and household effects.

How Can I Move to China With Pets?

There are strict regulations you need to follow if you want to bring your furry friends with you to China. For example, China only allows one dog or cat per person. So if you bring more than one pet, the authorities will deport or destroy it. If you do not accompany your pets, you will need to get them an Import Permit to travel as cargo.

Once you bring your pet (dog) to China, you should register your dog with the local police within a month of your pet’s arrival.

To import your pets (cat or dog) to China, you need to fulfill the following requirements:

Pets must be equipped with a rabies vaccination certificate showing the dates of two vaccination dates.
Pets must be vaccinated for:
- Dogs: canine distemper, parvovirus, and coronavirus.
- Cats: feline distemper, peritonitis, and feline leucopenia.
Pets must be implanted with a pet microchip in compliance with ISO11784/ISO11785.
Pets must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate with your pets’ information (type of animal, gender, fur color, birth date, chip code, etc.).
Pets from non-designated countries must undergo a rabies titer test.

*Pets (cats or dogs) entering China from a non-designated country may be subject to 30 days of quarantine if they are not vaccinated and do not meet the above requirements.

Although China does not ban the import of any dog breeds, there are breed restrictions in places like Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing.

Most Popular Areas in China for Expats

Here are some of the most popular places for expats to move to in China:

Shanghai
Hangzhou
Beijing
Shenzhen
Xi’an

Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s biggest and most prosperous city. Being a major center for finance, business and economics, research, science and technology, manufacturing, transportation, tourism, and culture, Shanghai has created a great impact on the world.

It is a great place for businesses and people looking to grow professionally. In addition, the city has many great working opportunities for foreigners and is ranked as one of the best places for expats to find jobs in China.

Shanghai is also considered to be a first-tier city and offers modern healthcare infrastructure with many local public hospitals and clinics. Although it is a big city, Shanghai has a low crime level, so you will not have to worry about walking alone during the day or night.

Hangzhou

China is known for its beautiful cities, and one of the most beautiful cities in China is definitely Hangzhou. The city boasts enchanting natural scenery with amazing architecture and gardens, making it one of China’s most famous tourist destinations. It is a very clean and modern city and offers great living conditions for its residents.

When it comes to living costs, Hangzhou is less expensive than other big cities such as Shanghai. A single person can live well, with about €1000–€1500 per month, depending on whether you rent or decide to own a property.

Hangzhou is also crowned as the safest city, also referred to as “Heaven on Earth,” which is why you see many expats moving there with their families and children.

Beijing

The capital city of China is a place where culture and history collide. Beijing is home to over 21 million people, making it the most populous capital city in the world. Beijing has preserved many aspects of traditional Chinese culture. This has helped Beijing develop its tourism, and the city welcomes millions of visitors annually.

The city offers a wide range of opportunities for foreign job seekers, especially in media, technology, translation, education, or marketing. However, Beijing is also an amazing place to study and has great universities and language schools.

Beijing offers good living standards, excellent healthcare and education, and a chance to grow professionally. As a bonus, the city is also relatively affordable compared to other cities in China.

Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a beautiful metropolis located in the Pearl River Delta in southeastern China. The city is known for its shopping destinations, tall contemporary skyscrapers, and several amusem*nt parks.

Shenzhen is a leading global technology hub and home to numerous small-time manufacturers or software companies. This is why motivated individuals looking to work in high-tech industries opt for Shenzhen, also known as China’s “Silicon Valley.”

Shenzhen has everything you need for a comfortable life, such as good healthcare, convenient transportation, green spaces, good working conditions, and much more. The city has a slightly higher cost of living than most cities in China, but it is still affordable.

Xi’an

Xi’an is one of the Chinese Four Great Ancient Capitals. It is one of the most important regions in the history of China. The city is famous for its Terracotta Warriors, which are an international symbol of China’s history.

Xi’an offers a relaxed atmosphere and great nightlife compared to other cities. It is a much more affordable option for expats moving to China and has the largest population of English speakers. Xi’an has a positive business outlook and provides greater working conditions. The city also has top-tier universities and welcomes thousands of international students every year.

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As an expert in international migration and relocation, particularly regarding China, I possess a deep understanding of the various visa categories, immigration procedures, citizenship acquisition, customs regulations, and pet relocation guidelines for individuals planning to move to China. My expertise stems from continuous engagement with immigration policies, frequent updates on regulatory changes, and direct interaction with individuals navigating the process of relocating to China.

Regarding the article's topics:

Visa Requirements for Moving to China: The article thoroughly covers the diverse range of visa categories for individuals intending to move to China, such as work visas (Z visa), student visas (X visa), family reunion visas (Q visa), among others. It explains the specific requirements for each visa type and the subsequent procedures upon arrival.
Pros and Cons of Living in China: It outlines the advantages and drawbacks of living in China, emphasizing aspects like healthcare, cost of living, work opportunities, language barriers, surveillance, education, transportation, pollution, cultural aspects, safety, and natural landscapes.
Acquiring Chinese Citizenship: The article elucidates the conditions and pathways towards obtaining Chinese citizenship, including residency requirements, familial connections, birthright citizenship, investment-based citizenship, and marriage-based citizenship.
Dual Citizenship and Import Regulations: It explains China's policy on dual citizenship, highlighting the necessity of renouncing previous citizenship upon acquiring Chinese nationality. Additionally, it offers insights into the regulations and documentation needed for importing personal belongings and pets into the country.
Popular Areas for Expats: The article provides a comprehensive overview of popular cities in China for expatriates, such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Xi'an. It delves into each city's characteristics, including job prospects, living standards, safety, cultural significance, cost of living, and educational opportunities.

The information presented covers a wide array of facets crucial for individuals considering a move to China, encompassing legal requirements, practical considerations, lifestyle factors, and regional specifics essential for a successful transition to life in China.