China is a popular destination for foreign workers, students, and entrepreneurs, and obtaining a residence permit is an important step in staying legally in the country. A residence permit serves as an official documentation of an individual’s legal stay in China and allows them to live, work, study or conduct business in the country. It also entitles them to enjoy various benefits and services, such as health care, banking, and access to public transportation.
中国是外国工人、学生和企业家的热门目的地，获得居留许可是合法居留的重要一步。居住证是个人在中国合法居留的正式文件，允许他们在中国生活、工作、学习或开展业务。它还使他们有权享受各种福利和服务，如医疗保健、银行和公共交通。
The purpose of this guide is to provide an updated and comprehensive resource for foreigners who want to obtain a residence permit in China in 2023. The guide will cover the different types of residence permits available, the eligibility requirements, the application process, renewal and extension procedures, common issues and solutions, and frequently asked questions. This guide is designed to help foreigners navigate the complex process of obtaining a residence permit and avoid common mistakes and pitfalls. By following the information and advice in this guide, foreigners can ensure that their stay in China is legal, safe, and hassle-free.
本指南旨在为希望在2023年获得中国居留许可的外国人提供最新的综合信息。该指南将涵盖不同类型的居住许可、资格要求、申请流程、续期和延期程序、常见问题和解决方案以及常见问题。本指南旨在帮助外国人在获得居留许可的复杂过程中游刃有余，避免常见的错误和陷阱。通过遵循本指南中的信息和建议，外国人可以确保他们在中国的逗留合法、安全、无忧。
Types of Chinese residence permits
中国居留证类型
China offers different types of residence permits to foreigners based on their purpose of stay. The following are the four main types of residence permits available in China:
中国根据外国人的居留目的向他们提供不同类型的居留许可。以下是中国可提供的四种主要类型的居住证：
Work Permit
工作许可证
The work permit is issued to foreigners who have secured employment in China. The permit is usually sponsored by the employer, and it allows the holder to legally work and reside in China. The work permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. Foreigners who hold a work permit can also bring their family members to China on a dependent visa.
工作许可证发放给在中国找到工作的外国人。该许可证通常由雇主赞助，并允许持有人在中国合法工作和居住。工作许可证有效期为一年，可以每年更新一次。持有工作许可证的外国人也可以持家属签证带家属来中国。
Student Visa
留学签证
The student visa is issued to foreigners who have been admitted to a Chinese educational institution for studies. The visa is usually valid for one year, and it allows the holder to reside in China for the duration of their studies. Foreign students are also allowed to work part-time during their studies, subject to certain restrictions.
学生签证发放给被中国教育机构录取的外国人。签证通常有效期为一年，持有人可以在学习期间在中国居住。外国学生在学习期间也可以做兼职，但有一定的限制。
Business Visa
商务签证
The business visa is issued to foreigners who are visiting China for business purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiations. The visa is usually valid for one year and allows multiple entries into China. However, it does not permit the holder to work or conduct any business activities in China.
商务签证发放给因商务目的访问中国的外国人，如参加会议、会议或谈判。签证通常有效期为一年，允许多次入境。但是，它不允许持有人在中国工作或进行任何商业活动。
Family Visa
家庭签证
The family visa is issued to the family members of foreigners who hold a work permit or a student visa. The visa allows the holder to reside in China with their family members and is usually valid for one year. The family members include spouses, children, and parents.
家庭签证发放给持有工作许可证或学生签证的外国人的家庭成员。该签证允许持有人与其家人一起在中国居住，有效期通常为一年。家庭成员包括配偶、子女和父母。
Eligibility for Residence Permit
申请居留许可的资格
Basic Requirements
基本要求
To be eligible for a residence permit in China, foreigners must meet certain basic requirements, which include:
要获得在中国的居留许可，外国人必须满足某些基本要求，包括：
1.Valid Passport: Applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining.
1.有效护照：申请人必须持有有效护照，有效期至少为六个月。
2.Good Health: Applicants must pass a medical examination to prove they are healthy and do not have any infectious diseases.
2.身体健康：申请人必须通过体检，证明自己身体健康，没有任何传染病。
3.No Criminal Record: Applicants must have a clean criminal record and must not have been deported or denied entry to China before.
3.无犯罪记录：申请人必须有清白的犯罪记录，并且之前不得被驱逐出境或拒绝入境。
4.Appropriate Visa: Applicants must hold the appropriate visa for the purpose of their stay in China, such as a work visa, student visa, or business visa.
4.适当的签证：申请人在中国停留时必须持有适当的签证，如工作签证、学生签证或商务签证。
Additional Requirements for Each Type of Permit
每种许可证的附加要求
In addition to the basic requirements, each type of permit has specific additional requirements that must be met. These requirements are as follows:
除了基本要求外，每种类型的许可证都有必须满足的特定附加要求。这些要求如下：
1.Work Permit: To be eligible for a work permit, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and at least two years of work experience in a relevant field. The employer must also provide a letter of invitation and a valid business license.
1.工作许可证：申请人必须具有学士学位或更高学历，以及至少两年相关领域的工作经验，才有资格获得工作许可证。用人单位还必须提供邀请函和有效的营业执照。
2.Student Visa: To be eligible for a student visa, applicants must have been admitted to a Chinese educational institution and must provide an admission letter from the institution.
2.学生签证：申请人必须已被中国教育机构录取，并提供该机构的录取通知书，才有资格获得学生签证。
3.Business Visa: To be eligible for a business visa, applicants must provide an invitation letter from a Chinese company or organization and must prove that they are visiting China for legitimate business purposes.
3.商务签证：申请人必须提供来自中国公司或组织的邀请函，并证明他们是出于合法的商业目的访问中国，才有资格获得商务签证。
4.Family Visa: To be eligible for a family visa, applicants must provide proof of their relationship with the person who holds a work permit or student visa, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
4.家庭签证：为了有资格获得家庭签证，申请人必须提供他们与持有工作许可证或学生签证的人的关系证明，如结婚证或出生证。
