Country

Pathways to Residence in China

China

China’s covered routes include employer-supported work, university study, and family residence. Q1 family reunion concerns relatives of a Chinese citizen living in China or a foreign permanent resident; S1 covers certain close relatives of a temporary foreign worker or student. Hong Kong and Macao have separate immigration systems, and a mainland permission does not authorize living or working there.

Ways to qualify

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Career & business

For people with a job offer, in-demand skills, or a business to build. Most of these routes lead to settlement, and in time to citizenship.

China Work Residence A qualifying job in China can support a Z visa and work-related residence. The employer must arrange the work authorization; the entry visa alone is… residency

Family

For joining a partner, parent, or child who already lives there — or claiming citizenship through marriage.

China Citizen Family Residence China’s Q1 route supports a family reunion lasting more than 180 days with a Chinese citizen living in China or a foreign permanent resident there. residency China Foreign Resident Family Residence China’s S1 route can support a stay of more than 180 days for certain close relatives of a foreign worker or student living in China. residency

Study

Routes to study there, and often to stay on and work after you graduate.

China Student Residence China’s X1 student visa is for study lasting more than 180 days. A qualifying university admission leads to an entry application and then student… residency