China residence 2026 — work, study & family permits

China’s economic strength and world-class universities attract millions of foreigners each year. To stay legally for work, study, or family reasons, non-Chinese citizens must obtain a residence permit after entry. The residence permit replaces short-term visas and serves as a national ID for foreign residents. Residence is only the beginning — explore your route to China citizenship 2026 — naturalisation, marriage & descent to understand the long-term perspective.

Key terms

National Immigration Administration (NIA): national authority; local processing is handled by city/district Exit-Entry Administration (EEA) under Public Security.

Foreigner Work Permit (FWP): digital permit with A/B/C classification issued for employment; required before residence filing.

Residence permit (work/study/family/private): in-country status replacing the entry visa for stays > 180 days; appears as a passport sticker.

Accommodation registration: 24-hour police registration after arrival and on each address change (hotels register guests automatically).

Medical examination report: health check from a designated international travel health center, needed for first issue and some renewals.

Tax & social insurance (五险一金): payroll, social security and housing fund records often checked for work-route renewals.

FWP categories A/B/C: talent/role classification influencing validity and renewal ease.

Residence types

• Work (Z → work-type residence): for employees hired by a Chinese entity with a valid FWP (A/B/C). Validity 1–2 years; renewals require active contract, tax and insurance proof.
• High-level talent (R): for top experts invited by national/provincial programmes. Multi-year residence, expedited processing, sometimes spousal work facilitation.
• Intra-city employer change: not a separate category, but a frequent scenario: update the FWP to the new employer and then swap/renew the residence permit (see Employer change).
• Study (X1 → study residence): for degree programmes > 180 days. Annual extensions with enrollment letter, attendance and accommodation registration.
• Family reunion (Q1): for family of Chinese citizens/permanent residents. Q1 converts to residence (≥1 year); employment is not automatic.
• Private affairs (S1): for dependents of foreign residents (spouses, children, elderly parents). Typically 1 year; linked to the principal holder’s validity.
• Entrepreneur / start-up (work/private mix): founders can combine company registration + FWP or long S1 with documented venture activity in pilot zones; some cities issue flexible residence during ramp-up.
• Journalist (J1): accredited resident correspondents; validity matches assignment; separate media accreditation applies.
• Humanitarian / medical: limited, case-by-case residence for treatment or family care with approved hospital evidence.
• Permanent residence (D): long-term (“green card”) for investors, high-level talent, spouses with extended cohabitation, or sustained tax/employment contributors; adjudicated separately.

Routes & timelines

Step-by-step

1. Enter on the correct visa (Z/R/X1/Q1/S1) and collect original invitation/approval documents.
2. Register your accommodation within 24 hours (new registration each time you change address).
3. Complete medical exam (first issue or when required) at a designated center.
4. For work routes: activate/renew the Foreigner Work Permit (A/B/C), then prepare the residence application.
5. Book EEA appointment; submit passport, registration, medical, contracts/enrollment, insurance, photos and notarised Chinese translations where needed.
6. Provide biometrics and track any “补充材料” (supplement) requests.
7. Collect residence permit sticker; check dates, category and employer/school name for accuracy.
8. Register dependents (Q1/S1) within their visa validity; align renewal cycles within the family.

Documents

Core set (all routes): passport, entry visa, accommodation registration, photos, medical report (if required), insurance.

Work: Foreigner Work Permit card/approval, labour contract, employer licence + tax & social insurance proofs.

Study: enrollment letter, attendance transcript, tuition receipt (if requested), dorm/lease proof.

Family (Q1/S1): marriage/birth certificates (legalised), Chinese spouse/PR ID or principal holder’s residence, proof of cohabitation.

Permanent (D): multi-year tax records, salary slips, title deeds/long leases, employer letters, or family cohabitation history.

Non-Chinese documents require notarised Chinese translations and legalisation. To prevent refusals for untranslated records, use certified translation support (B) before filing.

Costs

Residence permit fees vary (≈ CNY 400–800) depending on duration and region. Medical and translation costs are separate. For cross-country planning, explore tools and templates in our Residency & Citizenship section (C) to compare timelines and checklists.

Renewals

File renewals 30 days before expiry. Work routes must show active FWP, tax/insurance records and a current contract. Study requires enrollment/attendance; family routes need proof of relationship and cohabitation. Late filings risk fines or exit holds. Keep old and new residence stickers photocopied for HR and lease updates.

Employer change (work route)

1. Sign the new offer; obtain a release/termination letter from the current employer.
2. Transfer/update the Foreigner Work Permit to the new employer (status change in the FWP system).
3. File residence permit change/renewal reflecting the new employer; keep the old permit valid until the new one is issued.
4. Update accommodation registration if your address changes (within 24 hours).

Tip: avoid gaps — time the FWP transfer and residence renewal within the same month to keep payroll and insurance continuous.

Compliance calendar

• Every move: new accommodation registration within 24 hours.
• Quarterly: verify payroll taxes and social insurance postings match your contract.
• 60 days before expiry: medical (if needed) + gather renewal proofs; book EEA slot.
• At job changes: FWP transfer first, then residence update.
• Family: sync dependent renewals with the principal holder to avoid status mismatch.

Integration

EEA offices look for steady employment or study records, compliant tax/insurance, and stable residence history. In top-tier cities, documented contributions (published research, patents, senior roles, community involvement) can strengthen high-level talent and permanent residence cases. Functional Mandarin greatly helps with landlord, hospital and banking procedures.

What changed in 2026

In 2026, China expanded its digital residence permit system with QR-verification, streamlined online renewals in major cities, and added a fast-track for skilled professionals under the R category. Family permit processing time was shortened to 7 days in pilot regions.

Did you know?

Foreigners who contribute to scientific innovation or economic development can receive a 5-year residence permit directly, bypassing annual renewals.

Common mistakes

• Applying for the wrong visa category (e.g., tourist instead of work).
• Failing to register address within 24 hours.
• Submitting foreign documents without notarised translation.
• Ignoring renewal deadlines.
• Changing employers without notifying authorities.
• Using expired medical reports or contracts.
• Assuming permanent residence is automatic after 5 years — it requires separate approval.

FAQ

Expert opinion

Plan each move around your next renewal window: align employer changes, address registrations and medical checks so your file reads as one continuous, compliant story. That’s what turns a routine renewal into a fast-track outcome.

— Wei, Asia Immigration Consultant, VelesClub Int.

Next steps

Planning to stay long-term in China? Get a free consultation with VelesClub Int. to build your permit strategy and ensure full compliance. Start on our main platform or visit the Residency & Citizenship section to explore procedures and prepare your application confidently.