- China has outlined seven categories of foreign nationals who may qualify for permanent residence, according to conditions published by the National Immigration Administration on 12 October 2026
- Eligible applicants include investors, senior professionals, spouses of Chinese citizens and older foreigners with family ties in China
- Applicants must meet specific requirements, which may include minimum residence periods, stable income, a clean criminal record and a good tax payment history
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China has outlined seven categories of foreign nationals who may qualify for permanent residence, offering clearer guidance on who can apply and the conditions they must meet.
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The eligibility conditions were published by China’s National Immigration Administration on 12 October 2026. They cover specific groups rather than providing a general pathway for all foreign nationals.
Who qualifies for permanent residence in China?
The rules cover seven main categories of foreign nationals:
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- Foreign investors who have made stable direct investments in China and maintained a good tax record for at least three consecutive years.
- Senior professionals and executives who meet specified employment and residency requirements, including at least four consecutive years working in China.
- Foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to China or are considered especially needed by the country.
- Spouses and unmarried children under 18 of people who qualify under the first three categories.
- Foreign nationals married to a Chinese citizen or a Chinese permanent resident, provided they meet the required marriage, residence and financial conditions.
- Unmarried children under 18 who are financially dependent on a parent.
- Foreign nationals aged 60 and above who have no direct relatives abroad and live with a direct relative in China, subject to residence and financial requirements.
What conditions must applicants meet?
Requirements vary by category, but applicants generally must comply with Chinese laws, be in good health and have a clean criminal record.
Some applicants must also demonstrate stable income, a fixed place of residence and a good tax payment history. For certain spouses and older applicants, the rules require five consecutive years of residence in China, with at least nine months spent in the country each year.
China’s immigration authority also says foreign nationals who have made remarkable contributions to the country’s economic and social development may be considered for permanent residence.
Meeting one of the listed categories does not automatically guarantee approval. Applicants must satisfy the relevant requirements and undergo the applicable approval process.
The full conditions are available through the official website of China’s National Immigration Administration.
TUKO.co.ke reported that Singapore allows foreigners in six categories to apply for permanent residence, including spouses of citizens, foreign investors and certain international students.
The country assesses applications based on eligibility requirements linked to family relationships, economic contributions and the applicant’s circumstances.
The length of time an applicant has lived in Singapore is also considered.
Source: Legit.ng
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