So you had an awesome time in China and are thinking of living there. Maybe you have a boyfriend or girlfriend and China and are interested in paying him or her a visit (for a looong, looong time!). Here’s how to go about getting a Permanent Resident Visa for China.
Permanent Residence (Type D Visa) is issued to a foreigner who comes to reside permanently in China.
To view more Chinese visas, click here.
Get a Foreigner’s Permanent Resident Status Confirmation Form issued by the Chinese public security authorities.
Applicants may entrust their friends or relatives in China to apply for the permanent resident certificate from the entry-exit administration department of the local public security bureau.
D Visa holders must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China.
Each consulate might require slightly different documents to apply for the visa. First, go to the website of the consulate that is responsible for your jurisdiction.
- If you’re inside the U.S, you can find your jurisdiction here.
- If you’re outside of the U.S., at this site here.
Once at the homepage of your consulate, you will see a link somewhere on the homepage that says “Visas” or “Consular Information.” Click on the link.
Continue to follow the links to find the information on the visa. You will normally see a link that either says “How to Apply for a Visa” or “How to Apply” or, simply, “Permanent Resident Visa.” Gather the required documents.
An example of the required documents can be found here.
Find out what fees you need to pay for the visa. The fees will be listed on your consulate website.
The consulates enable expedited processing of visas if you pay an additional fee.
Submit your documents and the fees to the consulate.
Congratulations! After a period of waiting, the Chinese Consulate/Embassy will give to you your brand new Chinese visa.
Frequently asked questions on visas for China are answered here.
Don’t get sick! Check vaccination requirements here at the CDC.
- These visas are small green books.
- Don’t forget to register with your local Public Security Bureau (PSB) upon arrival.
Further Reading
Want Professional Visa Help? If you are a U.S. citizen and want professional help with getting a visa, check out my post on the 4 Best Travel Visa Services in the United States.
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