Moving to China in 2025: visa types, required documents, citizenship procedure and useful tips for expats

Q: Is it difficult to immigrate to China?

You will need the right documents to move there. You can move there for work, study, or other commercial activities. But you will need to make sure you get the right visa, especially if you plan to work in China.

Q: Is moving to China a good idea?

Living in China has many advantages, especially the fact that expats often earn good salaries and can easily explore Asia. However, living in a culture that is very different from the West can be confusing and frustrating.

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Main page / News / Moving to China in 2025: visa types, required documents, citizenship procedure and useful tips for expats

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21 Jan. 2025

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Moving to China in 2025: visa types, required documents, citizenship procedure and useful tips for expats

Expats

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Residence permit

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China

Features of life in China for expats
Ways to immigrate to China
Types of visas for entry into China:
Package of documents for obtaining a visa to China in 2025
How to obtain Chinese citizenship in 2025
Peculiarities of employment for expats in China
The number of migrants living in China

Every year, more and more expats dream of moving to China for permanent residence, because the country offers favorable conditions for living, working and relaxing. Learn more about the features of life in the country, the necessary documents for obtaining a visa and the conditions for obtaining Chinese citizenship in 2025

Order a consultation with a migration specialist to avoid unpleasant situations during the move

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China is rapidly developing high-tech country. The number of people wishing to move to China is increasing every year. However, emigration to China is not an easy task, because the migration service thoroughly checks all applications, and you need to have good reasons to move. Obtaining Chinese citizenship is even more difficult.

Read more about the available ways to migrate to China in 2025, the necessary package of documents for moving to China, as well as a lot of useful information about the life of a foreigner in this country.

Features of life in China for expats

Foreigners who decide to live in China face numerous challenges and restrictions that require careful preparation.

1. The issue of housing is one of the first problems when moving

In China, there are special lists of hotels, houses and apartments where foreigners are allowed to live. Illegal residence can lead to eviction and heavy fines.

2. Registration

All foreigners must register their place of residence within 24 hours of arrival at the nearest police station.

3. Language barrier

Knowledge of Chinese is another essential requirement for a comfortable stay in the PRC. Few people speak English, so for full communication it is necessary to know Mandarin Chinese. This will avoid many difficulties in everyday life.

4. Ecology

China's environment can also be a serious obstacle for many foreigners. Locals do not drink tap water, and wearing masks is a common practice not only to protect against disease but also against air pollution. People with weak immune systems or allergies may find it difficult to adapt to such conditions.

5. Medicine

Medical services in China are paid. In case of emergency, a post-payment system is in place, which requires preparation for unforeseen expenses. Therefore, it is worth having insurance or a reserve of funds in case of medical situations.

6. Telecommunications

Mobile communications and the Internet in China are expensive and have certain limitations. For example, active use of a smartphone can cost $ 20-30 per month with a connection speed of 256 Mbps. Some familiar services, such as Google, may not be available without using a VPN.

7. Cost of living

Your living expenses will largely depend on the region you choose. In large cities such as Shanghai or Beijing, costs can reach $ 1,500 per month. Living in less expensive areas such as Guangzhou will be much cheaper, although salaries are also lower there.

Despite its possible drawbacks, living in China can be comfortable and interesting. The high level of economic development, developed infrastructure and low crime rate create favorable conditions for living in this country.

For details on the cost of living in China in 2025, including costs for rent, food, transportation, and monthly budget, please visit the link.

Ways to immigrate to China

According to the laws of the People's Republic of China, to enter the country, a foreigner must have grounds for entry or provide details of a resident guarantor who undertakes to take responsibility for the migrant:

1. Student visa

One of the easiest ways to move for young people (under the age of 33). Many universities in China offer grants to study Chinese language, economics and management. Students who come on a grant are entitled to a monthly stipend, a place in a dormitory, and tuition reimbursement. Tuition at your own expense (excluding living expenses) can range from $2500 to $10,000 per year at public universities, and from $10,000 to $30,000 at private ones.

2. Employment by invitation

The employer acts as a guarantor. To enter the country, a business visa of type Z is issued, which is issued after obtaining a work permit in the PRC. You don't have to be a highly qualified surgeon or programmer to receive an invitation: you can often find requests for nannies, animators, photographers, and artists.

3. Starting your own business

This option allows you to obtain a multiple-entry business visa, and after four years of stable work and timely payment of taxes, a residence permit. The main condition is that the company is obliged to provide jobs for the population.

4. Real estate in China

Having your own apartment gives you the right to obtain a temporary residence visa with the right to work in China and the need to extend the validity of the document. The reason for obtaining a residence permit may be an investment in real estate from USD 1 million.

5.Investment in the economy

Investments can be made in public and private organizations, government bonds and infrastructure development. The minimum contribution for obtaining a residence permit is $500 thousand at the start and further investment for 3 years.

6.Family reunification

Marriage, first-line family ties, birth of a child in the country or in the family of a Chinese citizen allow for a residence permit.

7. Volunteering and services to the state

Preferential categories for obtaining a residence permit include experts with a unique field of activity, scientists, developers of innovative projects, and representatives of artistic professions.

Types of visas for entry into China:

1. Tourist visa (L-visa)

This type of visa is intended for those who plan to visit China for tourism, recreation or meeting with friends and relatives. Usually, such visas are issued for a short period of time.

2. Business visa (M-visa)

This visa is required for individuals who have business purposes in China, such as negotiations, participation in conferences, etc.

3. Work visa (Z-visa)

If you plan to work in China, you will need a work visa. This type of visa requires additional documents, such as an invitation letter from a Chinese employer.

4. Student visa (X-visa)

Students who plan to study in China need to obtain an X-visa. To do this, they need to have an acceptance from a Chinese educational institution.

5. Transit Visa (G-Visa)

If you are flying through China to transit to another country, you may need a transit visa. This visa allows you to stay in China for a limited period of time to continue your journey.

Choose the visa according to your travel purpose and plans in China.

Package of documents for obtaining a visa to China in 2025

Before applying for a visa to China, you must prepare the following documents:

1. Original passport;

2. Original or scan of the previous or second passport, if any. If there is only one valid passport, you must provide a certificate from the Internal Revenue Service stating that there is only one passport;

3. Copy of all pages of the civil passport;

4. Completed personal data;

5. Digital photo measuring 3.5 by 4.5 cm on a white background;

6. Certificate from the place of work, copy of the registration of a private entrepreneur or a certificate from a bank confirming the presence of an amount of at least $ 2,000;

7. Documents confirming the purpose of the trip (if any).

It is important to prepare all these documents in advance to avoid delays in the visa process.

Once the documents are collected, you should apply for a visa. This can be done through the consular department of the People's Republic of China or through an authorized agency.

It is important to remember to pay the visa fee before submitting your application. The fee may vary depending on the type of visa and the country you are applying from. For some types of visas, such as business or work visas, a personal interview at the consulate may be required.

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the outcome of your application. If your application is approved, you will need to visit a consulate or agency to obtain a visa, which will be affixed to your passport.

How to obtain Chinese citizenship in 2025

China's immigration service thoroughly checks foreigners due to overpopulation, a strict legal system, high unemployment, and the difficulty of learning the language.

According to the Law on Citizenship of the People's Republic of China, there are two ways to obtain Chinese citizenship:

- by birth

- by naturalization.

1. Chinese citizenship by birth

Every child automatically receives a Chinese passport in two cases:

- if one of the parents has Chinese citizenship, regardless of the child's place of birth;

- if the child is born in China, provided that both parents permanently reside in Chinese territory.

2. Chinese citizenship through naturalization

Foreigners and stateless persons can be granted Chinese citizenship through naturalization in the following cases:

- Permanent residence in China;

- The presence of close relatives among Chinese citizens;

- Direct investment in the local economy for 36+ months;

- At least 4 years of experience in an important position, such as directors, scientists;

- Significant contributions to the interests and development of China;

- Other legitimate grounds.

Procedure for obtaining Chinese citizenship

The process of obtaining Chinese citizenship requires the submission of relevant documents. First, a special form is filled out, to which the originals and copies of the necessary documents are attached. They can be sent by mail or in person to the Ministry of Public Security branch or through consular offices.

Each application is considered individually, and the tax administration may request additional information. The procedure can take more than a year, and the result is not guaranteed. China's migration policy is strict, and refusals occur frequently.

The consideration and approval of applications is carried out by the Ministry of Public Security of China. In Hong Kong, this task is assigned to the Immigration Department. It should be borne in mind that this is a complex and lengthy process that requires diligence and patience on the part of the applicant.

To successfully obtain Chinese citizenship, it is important to consider several key factors

- First of all, the stay in the country must be legal. This may include business activities, official employment, higher education or scientific activities.

- The second important factor is a stable and legal source of income that provides an adequate standard of living for the applicant and his family.

- It is also important to comply with Chinese law, regularly pay taxes and have an impeccable criminal record.

- The residence of close family members and the presence of relatives among the Chinese can also positively influence the decision to grant citizenship.

- Additional factors are permanent residence in China, proficiency in the Chinese language, no criminal record and a firm intention to live in China after obtaining citizenship.

- Finally, Chinese citizenship is mainly obtained by businessmen, highly specialized specialists, and scientists, which indicates the high requirements and competitiveness of this process.

For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, take the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world.

Peculiarities of employment for expats in China

The work culture in China is different from what expats from Western countries may be used to. Long working days, 50 to 60 hours per week, are the standard, and overtime is considered the norm, especially if it contributes to collective success. Collectivism plays an important role in Chinese society, so considering the needs of the group is a priority.

Another important feature is the hierarchical structure. One should be careful in expressing disagreement with management and always follow protocol, especially to those higher up the hierarchical chain. Although it may seem unusual for some expats, understanding these cultural differences helps to avoid conflicts and maintain harmony in the workplace.

The number of migrants living in China

According to official data from the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics, there were more than 4.7 million foreigners living in China at the end of 2024, of which more than half a million were students who choose China for their education.

Even during the short-term downturn caused by the pandemic, the number of expats in China continues to grow steadily. Among the factors contributing to this are a growing economy, affordable housing and low living costs, and the country's rich cultural and historical heritage.

Most foreigners choosing China for permanent residence come from Asian neighboring countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. However, a significant number of emigrants also come from Western countries, mainly from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Tajikistan and the Dominican Republic.

This trend demonstrates the attractiveness of China as a place to live and develop, as well as the wide range of opportunities the country offers for foreigners in all spheres of life.

From the bustling metropolises of Shanghai and Beijing to the ancient city of Xi'an, expats moving to China can expect a high standard of living, career prospects and good opportunities to get acquainted with Chinese culture and cuisine, the main thing is to obtain all the necessary documents.

As a reminder! The healthcare system in China is undergoing significant changes, transforming into a comprehensive network of medical services and institutions. Traditional Chinese medicine is harmoniously combined with Western treatment methods here. We have already told you how foreigners can get medical services during a trip to China.

Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

To ensure a safe move to China, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration abroad.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in China;

Legal advice on immigration to China;

Travel insurance for foreigners in China;

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.

Frequantly

asked questions

Can I live in China as a foreigner?

Foreigners who enter China on a visa and plan to work and live in China must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of their date of entry in accordance with the relevant requirements.

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