Qiu Yuanping, member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and Director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, recently revealed that the "Regulations on the Administration of Permanent Residence for Foreigners" are currently in the legislative process. This will lower the threshold for foreign nationals of Chinese origin to apply for permanent residence status through regulatory and institutional reforms. In the interview, Qiu Yuanping also summarized a series of important measures taken by China since the 18th National Congress to facilitate the return of overseas Chinese for innovation and entrepreneurship, including:
1. In 2016, the state promulgated the "Regulations on the Administration of Entry and Exit of Foreigners," introducing special visa categories specifically for overseas Chinese to facilitate their return to China for family visits, work, and exchanges;
2. Last year, the "Permanent Residence Permit for Foreigners in China," which had been in use for 10 years, was upgraded to the "Permanent Residence Identity Card for Foreigners in China," granting holders almost the same legal status as Chinese resident identity card holders, excluding political rights;
3. For overseas talent coming to China for entrepreneurship, China has also begun to provide visas and residence permits with longer validity periods, while lowering the threshold for them to apply for the Permanent Residence Identity Card for Foreigners in China. This is currently being implemented in select areas such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, and will be gradually expanded to a wider scope in the future;
4. Effective February 1, 2018, public security departments have implemented more convenient visa and residence policies for foreign nationals of Chinese origin. For those visiting relatives, conducting business, engaging in scientific, educational, cultural, or health exchange activities, or handling private affairs, domestic entry-exit management agencies may issue 5-year multiple-entry visas in accordance with regulations; for those requiring long-term residence, 5-year residence permits may be issued accordingly.
Conditions for Applying for a Chinese "Green Card"
According to Article 6 of the "Administrative Measures for the Approval of Permanent Residence of Foreigners in China," foreigners applying for permanent residence in China must abide by Chinese laws, be in good health, have no criminal record, and meet one of the following conditions:
1. Having made direct investment in China, with stable investment for three consecutive years and a good tax payment record;
2. Having held positions such as deputy general manager, deputy factory director, or higher, or possessing a senior professional title such as associate professor or associate researcher, or enjoying equivalent treatment, having held the position for at least four consecutive years, having resided in China for a cumulative period of no less than three years within those four years, and having a good tax payment record;
3. Having made significant and outstanding contributions to China or being specially needed by the state;
4. The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 18 of the persons referred to in items 1, 2, and 3 of this paragraph;
5. The spouse of a Chinese citizen or a foreigner who has obtained permanent residence status in China, provided the marriage has subsisted for at least five years, the applicant has resided in China for at least five consecutive years, resides in China for no less than nine months each year, and has a stable source of livelihood and a residence;
6. Unmarried children under the age of 18 who are dependent on their parents;
7. Persons who have no immediate family members abroad, are dependent on immediate family members in China, are at least 60 years old, have resided in China for at least five consecutive years, reside in China for no less than nine months each year, and have a stable source of livelihood and a residence.
Currently, Qiu Yuanping stated that the "Regulations on the Administration of Permanent Residence for Foreigners" are in the legislative process and will lower the threshold for foreign nationals of Chinese origin to apply for permanent residence status through regulatory and institutional reforms. Overseas Chinese affairs departments will continue to promote the introduction of more policies and regulations that benefit overseas Chinese, enhance their sense of gain and happiness, and effectively safeguard and realize their legitimate rights and interests. It is worth noting that this is the first time Chinese officials have revealed plans to legislate a lower threshold for foreign nationals of Chinese origin to apply for a green card.
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