Moving to China

Must meet Category A ('high-end foreign talent') criteria under the Classification Rules for Foreigners Working in China: internationally recognised awards/achievements, senior academic or management posts, or high points score incl. salary multiples of local average. Multiple-entry, 5-10 year validity, 180 days per stay; spouse and minor children get matching relative visas; converts to work permit + residence permit in-country.

Tier A (high-end talent): points >=85 or qualifying achievement lists - no quota, green channel. Tier B (professionals): points 60-84, bachelor's + 2 yrs experience typical - quota-managed. Tier C (general/temporary): <60 points, short-term/seasonal - tightly quota-restricted. Employer sponsorship mandatory; permit tied to employer and location. (PR: PR possible after 4 years in senior roles (see PR pathway))

The NIA's Guidelines for Approval of Foreign Nationals' Eligibility for Permanent Residence in China (2023) require the applicant to abide by Chinese laws, be in good health, have no criminal record and meet one of: (I) direct and stable investment in China with good tax payment records for three consecutive years; (II) a post as deputy general manager, factory deputy director or above, or an associate senior professional title such as associate professor, or the equivalent salary, for at least four consecutive years, with at least three years' residence within the four and good tax records; (III) significant and outstanding contribution to China and especially needed by the country; (IV) the spouse and unmarried children under 18 of an applicant under (I)-(III); (V) the spouse of a Chinese citizen or of a foreign permanent resident, married at least five years, with at least five consecutive years' residence of no less than nine months a year and a stable income and domicile; (VI) an unmarried applicant under 18 dependent on their parents; (VII) an applicant aged 60 or over with no direct relatives abroad, living with a direct relative in China, with five consecutive years' residence of at least nine months a year and a stable income and domicile. Fees: CNY 1,500 application, CNY 300 card; decision within six months of acceptance. (PR: this IS the PR pathway)