What is the difference between a residence permit and a visa for foreigners?

1. The scope of use is different. A residence permit is a residence document that a foreigner applies to the Chinese Exit-Entry Administration Department after entering China with a relevant visa. The words “FOREIGNER’S RESIDENCE PERMIT” are marked directly above the residence permit, and the reason for residence (PURPOSE FOR RESIDENCE) represents the type of residence permit.

The words "work", "private affairs" or "reunion" in the "Purpose of Residence" column are the three types of residence permits mentioned in the announcement on September 23. Visas are usually issued by Chinese embassies and consulates abroad. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Immigration Administration of the People's Republic of China.

2. Different objects:

Family members of Chinese citizens who apply for residence in China due to family reunification;

Families of foreigners with permanent residence qualifications in China Members;

Or people who apply for entry and residence due to foster care and other reasons.

Many foreign Chinese apply for a Q2 short-term (no more than 180 days) family visit visa. Although foreigners holding a Q2 visa can also apply for a residence permit if they are in China, can they directly rely on it? This type of visa needs to be confirmed before returning to the country.

This update announcement on the entry of foreigners still only applies to some foreigners who live in China for work or study all year round and already hold specific types of residence permits. It remains to be seen when other overseas Chinese holding multi-year round-trip visas for family visits or family reunions will be able to enter China.

Currently, my country only allows foreigners holding the following three types of residence permits to enter:

1. Work-type residence permit, issued to people working in China;

2. Private affairs residence permit is issued to the spouses, parents, children under 18 years old, spouse's parents, and other personal matters of foreigners who are staying in China for work, study, etc. to visit relatives for a long time Persons who need to stay in China for business purposes;

3. Reunion residence permit, issued to family members of Chinese citizens who need to stay in China for family reunion and foreigners with Chinese permanent residence qualifications Family members, as well as people who need to stay in China for foster care and other reasons.

Legal Basis

Article 20 of the "Construction Contract Interpretation 1" (According to actual settlement of changes in project quantity, original 1.19) If the parties have a dispute over the quantity of the project, the settlement shall be based on the actual amount of the project during the construction process. Formation of visa and other written documents confirming. If the contractor can prove that the contractor agrees to its construction, but fails to provide visa documents to prove the amount of work, it can confirm the actual amount of work based on other evidence provided by the party.