Expanded Residence Permit Eligibility and Simplified Application Process for Expats in China
The National Immigration Administration, under the guidance of Jia Tongbin, the director of the foreigner management department, announced new provisions during a State Council briefing aimed at simplifying the visa and residence process for foreigners in China. Individuals who have been awarded work visas with a minimum duration of one year for two consecutive times are now eligible to apply for residence permits that can last up to five years.
Additionally, foreign personnel working in renowned companies and research institutions, including their scientific research and innovation team members, are eligible to apply for these extended residence permits. Upon acquiring the specified residence permit, qualifying individuals may also be considered for permanent residency in China based on certain criteria.
In a move to foster mobility and continuous learning among foreign professionals, the administration has facilitated job adjustments within their respective organizations across different regions without the need for reapplication for residence permits. This flexibility extends to those engaged in academic pursuits or further education in Chinese universities.
Jia Tongbin further elaborated on the procedural improvements for foreigners applying for residence permits for various purposes such as investment, entrepreneurship, work, and study. Notably, during the application process, the retention of applicants’ passports by the exit and entry administration is no longer required post-verification, allowing individuals to utilize their passports for other needs until they need to collect their residence permit.
Moreover, the process has been streamlined for when authorities handle visa applications. If a foreign applicant’s necessary records, like accommodation registration or the employing company’s business license, are accessible through inter-departmental information sharing platforms, the requirement for physical document verification is waived.
The immigration bureau is committed to enhancing the user experience on its service platforms by introducing features for online appointments, application tracking, and access to visa information, thereby making the visa process more efficient for foreigners.
In alignment with national objectives to attract global talent and investment, the National Immigration Administration is dedicated to collaborating with pertinent departments to foster a premier business environment, further simplifying the immigration process for foreign professionals.
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