Job Discussion Forums

igorG · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 1473 Location: asia

The regulations state that foreigners who have lived on mainland China for 5 or more years may be eligible for a D visa, which permits one to stay on as a resident. It seems, however, that few if any obtain such a privilege, which can be bought with a substential investment in the country. So, do any members on have such a privilege? If so, how difficult has it been to get it? Is a home purchase enough to obtain the visa? Did you need an employer to vouch for you?

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

I've read on Dave's and heard people say they 'know someone' who got the permanent residency card but I've never met anyone who had one. I suspect that it takes an enormous investment in China to even be considered for one. Probably need much more than a house and a job as an English teacher. But, I'm just guessing.

.

igorG · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 1473 Location: asia

My guess as well. The PSB has told me to stick (it) to my wife, a local, and that way i'll be able to live in my own home in China.

lee_barttwater · Joined: 28 Jan 2011 Posts: 35

daCabbie · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 244

In order to qualify for permanent residence status, you must fulfill at least one of the following criteria:

I. Be a high-level foreign expert holding a post which promotes China's economic, scientific and technological development, or social progress.

II. Have made outstanding contributions of special importance to China

III. Have made a large direct investment of over US$ 500,000 in China

IV. Have come to China to be with your family, such as spouse, dependent minors or senior citizens.

Number IV. is not correct. From what I understand, dependents and family members are given one year RP or L visa depending on where you live.

If I had $500,000 would I be here? Idea

flyingscotsman · Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Posts: 339 Location: Suzhou, China

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I wouldnt have thought teachers would qualify, and from reading through the above posts this would be the case. I have a friend who has recently gone to ChengDu on an ex-pat package (One month FT pay = his daily rate!) and I guess guys like that, provided they stick around, could end up getting residency.

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

Technical note, I don't think the "D" visa is in play in more. It was replaced with the permanent residency system in 2004.

I have seen reliable-looking first- and/or second-hand accounts of permanent residency being acquired at shanghaiexpat.com and at chinese-forums.com.

You don't need to have invested a ton of money. From what I understand, guanxi will do you no good whatsoever. The sticking point for teachers is a requirement of "stable" employment/income. The one-year contracts that teachers get are the problem. You need an open-ended contract or, at least, one that lasts a few years.

igorG · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 1473 Location: asia

A really good point above. The stability is why i have inquired. I have a home, or should i say my wife and i, and i have a job. However, both seem to be connected to some sort of agreement (s). We all know how teachers come and go and how, by the strike of a few keys, the internet can replace us. It's worrying that even my wife, a local, could opt for the internet, if she gets enough of me. Smile

Beyond1984 · Joined: 13 Dec 2007 Posts: 462

" From what I understand, dependents and family members are given one year RP or L visa depending on where you live." -daCabbie

I've heard that the L visa can be renewed locally, without leaving the country. I've also heard that the L visa does not allow one to work legally.

I've been in contact with a lawyer who tells me that the D visa, or something like permanent residency, is available to those 60 and above who have bought an apartment here. I don't think that one can work legally on this visa. Confused

I'm turning 195 soon, and have been lucky in getting my Z visa renewed for the last several years. I'll stick with the Z as long as possible. Cool

-HDT

igorG · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 1473 Location: asia

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

Well, the permanent residency sticker would go in your passport, which would have to be renewed at some point. From what I have read it is a local thing. You have to get the clearance from the city you or your family are in.

Again it would be nice if someone with direct experience could tell us.

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

daCabbie · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 244

D stands for Does Not Exist. At least it does not exist for the general public.

If you are Bill Gates, Warren Buffett or Einstein maybe you could get one.

The rest of us are out of luck.

I know a Brazilian woman who has been here forty plus years, owns a home in Beijing and has had two children here. Neither her nor her children have permanent residence status. The father works for GE, so they get a 2 years RP.

If you really want it, hire a lawyer and wait for the people to line up with an open hand..... Three years later....???

Keep the little wife or the boss happy. It's cheaper and less complicated.