The Ministry of Public Security has instructed that foreigners serving in the following government-affiliated institutes and scientific and research centers will be able to apply for permanent residency in China:

- State laboratories

- State engineering laboratories

- State engineering research centers

- Technology centers of nationally recognized enterprises

- State engineering technology research centers

- Foreign-funded research and development centers

Applicants can inquire whether certain enterprises or government-affiliated institutes have been approved in the above-mentioned sectors through departments in charge of the organizations.

Foreigners who have attained the level of vice-professors and researchers or above serving in the sectors, and have worked for at least four years and lived in China for three years with tax records, will be able to apply for permanent residency permits at the municipal-level entry and exit management departments. They must submit related materials as stipulated in the Measures for Administration of Examination and Approval of Foreigners’ Permanent Residence in China.

The “Foreigner’s Permanent Residence Permit” is a valid identification certificate for foreigners who have obtained permanent residence status in China, and can be used independently.

Foreigners with permanent residence status in China are permitted to enter and leave the Chinese territory with their valid passports and the “Foreigner’s Permanent Residence Permit”, and no extra work permit is required for them to work in China.

Foreigners who obtain permanent residency have the same rights as Chinese people when they invest in businesses, purchase property, conduct financial services, apply for driving licenses, admit their children to Chinese schools, as well as in terms of transportation and hotel check-in.

The implementation of the permanent residency system for foreigners has played a key role in attracting high-level foreign expertise and investors to China, and promoting economic and social development.

The Ministry of Public Security has demanded local public security organizations get contact with relevant enterprises and government-affiliated institutes in this regard and promote the new policy.

Notice that lists necessary application materials will be made known to the applicants and the approval procedures will be regulated, to ensure qualified and efficient services.

The public security departments are required to decide whether to approve the application within six months after they have accepted the application.