ChinaResidence

China residence permit for foreigners

Foreigner's residence permit (work, study, family, private affairs)

In short

A long-stay visa only lets you enter China. To live there you must obtain a foreigner's residence permit from the exit-entry administration of the local public security bureau within 30 days of entry. Work-type permits are valid for 90 days to five years and non-work permits for 180 days to five years.

checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Work type 90 days–5 years; non-work types 180 days–5 years
Processing time
Decision within 15 days of a complete application
Work
Only with a work-type residence permit
Path to permanent residence
Years on residence permits count towards the residence conditions for permanent residence
Where to apply
Inside China at the exit-entry administration of the public security bureau where you live

Types of residence permit

The permit type follows the purpose of the visa you entered with: work (Z, R), study (X1), family (Q1, S1), private affairs (S1 for other personal matters) and journalism (J1). D visa holders entering for permanent residence complete their formalities in the same 30-day window. Holders of a valid residence permit do not need a visa to leave and re-enter China while it is valid.

How to apply

Apply in person at the exit-entry administration of the public security bureau at county level or above where you live, with your passport, photo, the accommodation registration form from the police, and documents for your purpose: work permit, admission and enrolment certificate, or family documents. Fingerprints and other biometrics are taken. The authority examines and decides within 15 days.

  1. Enter China with the correct long-stay visa.
  2. Register your accommodation with the local police within 24 hours if you are not in a hotel, and keep the registration form.
  3. Collect the purpose documents from your employer, school or family member.
  4. Apply within 30 days of entry at the local exit-entry administration and give fingerprints.
  5. Collect the passport with the residence permit, normally within 15 days, and diarise the renewal date.

Renewal and changes

Renewals are filed within the 30 days before the permit expires. If a registered item such as your passport number or reason for residence changes, you must apply to the exit-entry administration within 10 days. Overstaying or staying with an expired permit leads to fines, detention or deportation.

When a permit is refused

A residence permit is not issued if the visa purpose is not supported, the applicant provides false information or documents, the applicant fails to meet the requirements for the intended activity, or has violated Chinese law. If the permit is refused, you must leave China before your current stay ends.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport with the long-stay visa (Z, X1, Q1, S1, R, J1, D)

Work

  • Purpose documents: work permit, enrolment certificate, or family relationship documents and the host's ID

Other

  • Completed application form and photo
  • Accommodation registration form from the local police station

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Other

  • Health check certificate where required locally

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I miss the 30-day deadline?

Staying beyond the visa's terms without a residence permit is illegal residence, which can lead to fines, detention and deportation. Apply as soon as you arrive.

Do I need a visa to travel abroad and return?

No, a valid residence permit allows multiple exits and re-entries during its validity.

Can I work with a study residence permit?

Only work-study within the rules for foreign students and with the approval of your school.

How long is a residence permit valid?

Work permits 90 days to five years; study, family and other non-work permits 180 days to five years.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for China

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Duration of stay printed on the visa (short-stay visas allow up to 180 days per entry)

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: X2: up to 180 days; X1: entry visa followed by a residence permit valid 180 days to 5 years

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Entry visa; the work residence permit is valid from 90 days to 5 years
  • Skilled worker visa Processing time: Set by the mission or visa application centre where you apply

Family

Residence

China visa guide