What you need to know

If your visa says you must get a residence permit after you enter China, apply within 30 days of the day you entered. You apply in person at the public security entry-exit administration of the place where you will live. The fee is CNY 400, 800 or 1,000 depending on how long the permit lasts.

Who has to apply

A foreigner who needs to stay in China for a reason other than diplomatic or official business can apply for a residence permit. The 30-day rule applies to anyone whose visa states that a residence permit must be obtained after entry, not only to Z visa holders.

What to bring

  • A valid passport or other international travel document.
  • The visa application form, filled in, with one photo that meets the photo standard.
  • Documents that support the purpose of your stay.

For a work-type permit, the supporting documents depend on your visa. If you entered on a Z visa, bring the work permit proof issued by the local human resources and social security or foreign expert authority, plus the letter from your employer. If you entered on another visa, the guide asks for documents showing you meet the criteria for high-level talent, urgently needed specialists or investors.

Documents in a foreign language have to be translated into Chinese.

Health certificate

For a permit valid for more than 1 year, add a health certificate from the local health inspection department or from a medical institution at county level or above. It must show that you do not have a serious mental disorder, infectious pulmonary tuberculosis or another infectious disease that is a major risk to public health.

How long the permit lasts

For work, the permit can run up to 5 years for high-level talent, urgently needed specialists and investors, up to 2 years for people who work for a registered employer with a good record, and up to 1 year for others.

Fee

CNY 400 for a permit valid under 1 year. CNY 800 for 1 year to under 3 years. CNY 1,000 for 3 to 5 years.

How the application goes

  1. You apply in person. People under 16, people 60 or older and people who cannot move easily may have someone apply for them.
  2. The office checks the documents and gives you a receipt if the application is complete.
  3. The office may check your application by interview, phone call or visit.
  4. The receipt is valid for no more than 15 working days from the day of acceptance, and the office decides within that time.
  5. You collect the permit in person at the office, with the receipt.

Where to go

Residence permits are handled by the entry-exit administration of the public security bureau at city level or above. In Hainan that means the office in the city where you live, for example Haikou. Confirm the address, opening hours and whether you need an appointment with the office before you go; published addresses and hours differ between sources, so this guide does not give them.

Sources are listed below with the date the page was opened.

Practical facts

Steps

  1. Check your visa. If it says you must get a residence permit after entry, apply within 30 days of the day you entered.[1]
  2. Apply to the public security entry-exit administration of the place where you will live, in the city where you plan to stay.[1]
  3. Bring a valid passport or other international travel document, the completed visa application form with one photo that meets the photo standard, and documents that support the purpose of your stay.[1]
  4. If you entered on a Z visa, add the work permit proof issued by the local human resources and social security or foreign expert authority, and the letter from your employer.[1]
  5. If you want a permit valid for more than 1 year, add a health certificate from the local health inspection department or a medical institution at county level or above.[1]
  6. Have supporting documents in a foreign language translated into Chinese.[1]
  7. Apply in person. People under 16, people 60 or older and people who cannot move easily may have someone apply for them.[1]
  8. Keep the receipt. It is valid for no more than 15 working days from acceptance, and the office decides within that time. Collect the permit in person with the receipt.[1]
Fee
CNY 400 to 1,000 The fee depends on the validity: CNY 400 under 1 year, CNY 800 from 1 year to under 3 years, CNY 1,000 from 3 to 5 years.[1]

Official sources