How do foreigners apply for a long-term residence visa in China?

According to the State Council's Measures for the Administration of Examination and Approval of Foreigners' Permanent Residence in China,

The conditions for foreigners to obtain permanent residency in China are as follows.

Measures for the administration of examination and approval of foreigners' permanent residence in China

(Approved by the State Council on February 3, 2003 and promulgated by Decree No.74 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 5, 2004)

Article 1 In order to regulate the administration of examination and approval of foreigners' permanent residence in China, these Measures are formulated in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) on the Administration of Entry and Exit of Foreigners and its implementing rules.

Article 2 The permanent residence of foreigners in China means that the duration of foreigners' residence in China is unlimited.

Article 3 The Alien's Permanent Residence Permit is a legal identity document for foreigners who have obtained the permanent residence qualification in China to stay in China, and can be used independently.

Article 4 Foreigners who have obtained the qualification of permanent residence in China shall enter and leave China with valid passports and permanent residence permits for foreigners.

Article 5 The organs that accept foreigners' applications for permanent residence in China are the municipal people's government organs with districts and the municipal and county bureaus directly under the Central Government. The organs that examine foreigners' applications for permanent residence in China are the departments and bureaus of all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government; The organ that examines and approves foreigners' applications for permanent residence in China is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 6 Foreigners applying for permanent residence in China shall abide by the laws of China, be in good health and have no criminal record, and meet one of the following conditions:

(a) direct investment in China, investment stability for three consecutive years, good tax record;

(2) Having served as deputy general manager or deputy factory director or above in China, or having served as an associate professor or associate researcher or above and enjoying the same treatment, having served continuously for four years, having resided in China for not less than three years in four years, and having a good tax record;

(3) Having made significant and outstanding contributions to the special needs of China and the country;

(4) Spouses of persons referred to in items 1, 2 and 3 of this paragraph and their unmarried children under 18;

(5) The spouse of a China citizen or a foreigner who has obtained the permanent residence qualification in China, whose marriage relationship has lasted for five years, has lived in China for five years continuously, has lived in China for not less than nine months every year, and has a stable living guarantee and residence;

(6) Unmarried children under the age of 18 who take refuge in their parents;

(seven) no immediate family members abroad, take refuge in the immediate family members in China, and have reached the age of 60, and have lived in China for five consecutive years, and have lived in China for not less than nine months every year, and have a stable living guarantee and residence.

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