Job Discussion Forums

[senor boogie woogie]

Hola!

I heard from an Australian teacher at my school that I can change my visa status from a Z visa to a D visa. The D visa supposedly is like a residency permit, since I have a wife.

I would like to know more about the laws here in China, but I do not know what resources to choose here. I want and desire to stay here. My wife and I are trying to have a baby. We want to buy a house in Hangzhou. I do not want to live in America.

I also want some freedom with employers, like I would in the USA. I do not wish to get tied down with one employer or contracts that might go bad, which would force me to come into play with immigration. I have not had any problems yet, but I get worried.

Would this new visa work?

SENOR

[davis]

Hola Senor. I wish I knew more on this subject also because I have a Chinese wife and would like to maybe start a biz one day and buy a place. I do know a guy who's been here 9 years and is married. I'm not sure if he goes to HK every six motnhs or what. Plus he's from England so may be under different guidelines. I'll try and ask around and if I find anything out I'll let you know. Adios

[Roger]

That makes 3 that are in the same boat, guys! Iknow that a resident's visa exists, but in almost 5 years, I have not come any closer to getting it than you!
It appears this is primarily targeted at Huaqiao people, that is overseas-born Chinese that want to retain their overseas passports while permanently staying in China.
And, senor, when buying a property, you know how careful you have got to be, I assume!
You cannot buy just anywhere. The developer MUST have a permit that states unmistakably that he is legally allowed to sell to a foreign national!
And, also by buying a property your wife automatically becomes co-owner! We don't expect to divorce, but we never know...

[noyb]

Yeah, the "D" visa, although at first glance seems applicable to anybody, is rarely, if ever, given to anybody but overseas Chinese.

As for buying property, at least in Guangzhou it is practically unrestricted. A foreigner can buy in his / her own name without including spouse. You can even get a mortgage in your own name without including your spouse other than to show his / her income as proof of financial ability to afford the house.

Again, this is in Guangzhou. I'm not sure of other places.