FAQ about foreigners applying for permanent residence in China.

The Chinese green card is the common name for "Foreigner's Permanent Residence Permit", and is a legal identification document for foreigners who have obtained permanent residence qualifications to stay in China. Foreigners holding a Chinese green card will have no restrictions on their stay in China. They can enter and leave China with their passports and green cards without having to apply for a visa. Certificate holders can enjoy corresponding public services and conveniences when handling affairs such as finance, education, medical care, transportation, accommodation, work, taxation and social insurance, property registration, and litigation. However, applying for a "foreigner's permanent residence ID card" is not an easy task. Many people do not know their own situation and at the same time they are not clear about the conditions to be met, thus reducing the success rate of the application. Let's share some frequently asked questions, so as to answer your questions. Q: Do foreigners still need a valid visa to enter China after they have applied for permanent residence? A: No need. You may enter or leave China with a valid passport and Foreigner's Permanent Residence Certificate without applying for a visa. Q: Foreigners who have successfully applied for permanent residence in Guangzhou, can they work in Shenzhen or other provinces or cities? A: Yes, they can, and do not need to apply additional work permit of other provinces and cities. Q: How to solve the problem of the accompanying children of foreigners with permanent residence right to go to school？ A: In terms of children’s education, they can enjoy the relevant education policies if they are in conformity with the conditions. The educational administrative department of the place of where they reside shall handle the formalities of admission or transfer to school in accordance with the principle of local enrollment, and shall not charge any fees other than those stipulated by the country. Q: Can foreigners purchase social security in China with their "Alien Permanent Residence ID Card" as a valid identity certificate? A: Yes, they can. Q: I used to hold Chinese nationality. Do I need to provide any additional evidence in addition to the usual application documents when applying for permanent residence? A: Additional proof of naturalization of the current country and cancellation certificate of Chinese nationality is required. Q: I used to hold Chinese nationality. Can I regain my nationality after applying for permanent residence? A: Yes, you can apply for restoration of nationality after you get the notice of renunciation. Q: Will the permanent residence status qualification expire after reaching the age of 18? A: After reaching the age of 18, the permanent residence status will not expire, and you can go to the immigration department to go through the certificate renewal procedures before the expiration of the certificate. Q: If foreigners have worked in Guangdong for four consecutive years, can they apply for permanent residence in China? A: Yes. Foreigners who have worked in Guangdong for 4 consecutive years and have actually resided in China for at least 6 months each year within the four years; foreigners with annual wage income (before tax) of more than 400000 yuan and paying wage personal income tax of more than 70000 yuan per year for four consecutive years can apply for permanent residence in China upon the recommendation of their work units.