As China continues to draw international talents and visitors, understanding the nuances of residency services becomes vital. This article is designed to assist foreigners in China with essential residency procedures, including extending visas and obtaining residence permits. Our guide aims to provide clear and practical advice to simplify these often complex processes, ensuring a smooth and compliant stay in China.

Visa extension

For foreigners entering China with a visa, if the original reason for entry has not yet been terminated or if for other legitimate reasons that require you to stay beyond the expiration date specified in the visa without the need to change the type of visa, you may apply for extending the visa. Documents required for visa extension are as follows:

(I) Valid passports or other international travel documents;

(II) A completed Foreigner Visa Application Form, and a 33×48mm bareheaded color ID photo taken recently against a white background (free on-site photography is available);

(III) Supporting documents concerning the reason for the visa extension application; 

(IV) Supporting documents concerning other relevant procedures.

For the application documents required for visa extension, processing procedures and methods, fee basis and standards, etc, you can visit the official website of China's National Immigration Administration and refer to the Guide on Visa Extension, Change and Reissuance for Foreigners under "Services", the requirements for the photos for travel documents can be found in the Guidelines for Travel Documents Photographs in the "Services" section. Additionally, you can find the office address and contact information of local exit-entry reception halls in "Office Enquiries" under "Services". You can also dial 12367 for further information.

Residence permit

Foreigners who, after entering China, need to reside within the territory of the country due to reasons other than diplomatic or official matters shall apply for a residence permit and its extension, change or re-issuance in person at the exit and entry administration authority of China's public security organs to complete relevant formalities. For a foreigner who is a high-level talent or urgently-needed professional, or is under 16 years old or over 60 years old, or with disabilities due to illness or other reasons, the inviting entity/individual, families or relatives of the applicant or a specialized service agency may file the application on behalf of the applicant. Documents required for residence permit application are as follows:

(I) Valid passports or other international travel documents;

(II) A completed Foreigner Visa Application Form, and a 33×48mm bareheaded color ID photo taken recently against a white background (free on-site photography is available);

(III) Supporting documents concerning the reason for the residence permit application;

(IV) Supporting documents concerning other relevant procedures.

For the application materials and requirements, the basic process and method of handling, the time limit and other specific details about residence permit application, foreigners can visit the official website of China's National Immigration Administration and refer to the Service Guide on Issuance of Residence Permit for Foreigners under "Services", the requirements for the photos for travel documents can be found in the Guidelines for Travel Documents Photographs in the "Services" section. Additionally, you can find the office address and contact information of local exit-entry reception halls in "Office Enquiries" under "Services". You can also dial 12367 for further information.

Website address of the National Immigration Administration: https://www.nia.gov.cn

Source: National Immigration Administration

This article is updated on April 22, 2024.