What Is A Resident Permit?
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Republic of China Foreigner Resident Permit is issued to foreigners staying in China for more than one year. On March 26, 2020, due to the fast-spreading of the COVID-19 epidemic worldwide, the Ministry of foreign affairs and State Administration of Immigration of the People’s Republic of China announced temporarily suspending the entry of foreigners holding valid Chinese visas and residence permits.
On September 23, 2020, according to the current COVID-19 epidemic situation and control needs, the Ministry of foreign affairs of the People’s Republic of China and the State Administration of Immigration announced that foreigners holding valid residence permits for work, private affairs, and reunion can enter China.
WHEN TO APPLY
Those foreigners who hold valid visas entering China and need to apply for a residence permit should apply to the Entry Administration in the place where you intend to reside for a foreigner’s residence permit within 30 days of entering China.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Foreigners applying for resident permits valid for more than one year shall submit the physical health certificate issued by the local health and quarantine department or by the health and medical department at or above the county level. This certificate confirms that the applicant does not suffer from serious mental disorders, infectious tuberculosis, or other infectious diseases that may cause significant harm to public health. The following supporting materials shall be submitted as required:
– WORK CATEGORY: Those who enter the country with a Z visa shall submit the work permit certificate issued by the local human resources and social security authorities, foreign experts, and other competent departments, as well a the certification letter issued by the work unit;
– STUDY CATEGORY: Those who enter the country with an X1 visa shall submit a letter from the school indicating the study period and the admission or admission certificate. A resident permit that is consistent with the period of the study is required.
– JOURNALISTS: Those who enter China with a J1 visa shall submit the letter issued by the Foreign Affairs Department of the provincial government and the press card issued by the foreign affairs department. A resident permit with a residence period of no more than one year may be issued.
– REUNION: Those who enter the country with a Q1 visa shall submit the identity certificate of the visited person and a letter explaining the relationship of family members. Foreigners who enter China with other visa types shall also submit proof of family membership. For those under the age of 18 and those over 60, resident permits with a residence period of no more than 3 years may be issued. For those under the age of 18, the deadline of the residence period shall not exceed the date of their 18 years; For other personnel, resident permits with a residence period of no more than 2 years may be issued.
– PRIVATE AFFAIRS: For those who enter the country with an S1 visa, family visitors shall submit letters and residence certificates issued by the visited person explaining the relationship between relatives (spouse, parents, spouse’s parents, and children under the age of 18). A resident permit consistent with the period of residence of the visited person in China may be issued. Other personnel shall submit supporting materials related to handling private affairs. A resident permit with a residence period of no more than one year may be issued.
From 0:00 on September 28, 2020, foreigners with valid Chinese work, private affairs, and reunion residence permits are allowed to enter the country, and relevant personnel does not need to apply for visas again. If the above three types of residence permits held by foreigners expire after 0:00 on March 28, 2020, the holder may apply for corresponding visas to Chinese embassies and consulates abroad on the strength of the expired residence permit and relevant materials under the condition that the reasons for coming to China remain unchanged. The above personnel shall strictly abide by the Chinese epidemic prevention management regulations.
It was announced on March 26 that other measures will continue. China will gradually and orderly resume personnel exchanges between China and foreign countries on the premise of ensuring epidemic prevention safety.
