Permanent residence draft rules published

The Ministry of Justice on Thursday published draft rules on foreigners’ permanent residence in order to solicit public opinion.

The draft rules are meant to further the country’s opening up to the world, standardize the administration of foreigners’ permanent residence in China and protect the legal rights of aliens who have obtained permanent residence.

Foreigners with internationally acknowledged achievements in the fields of economics, science and technology, education, culture, health and sports will be able to apply for permanent residence, according to the draft rules.

Foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to China’s economic and social development, including engaging in public welfare activities and promoting exchanges between China and other countries, can apply upon the recommendations of relevant national departments or provincial-level governments, they said.

Talented foreigners in urgent demand in some industries or regions of the country who are recommended by relevant authorities — including university professors and senior managers in high-end enterprises — may apply for permanent residence, they added.

The draft regulations stipulate that foreigners whose investment in China is at least 10 million yuan ($1.42 million) or who invest in an area under the country’s encouragement measures with the amount of investment, tax payments and the number of Chinese citizens employed meeting prescribed standards, are eligible to apply.

Eligible applicants also include spouses of Chinese citizens.

The draft rules added a new section regarding conditions under which foreign employees in China can apply for permanent residence, including foreigners with doctoral degrees or diplomas from an internationally renowned university who have worked in China for at least three years and have resided in China for at least a year.

The draft rules require permanent foreign residents to live in China for at least three months each year.

Departments under the State Council and government at all levels should provide convenience for permanent foreign residents when they need banking, education, medical and transportation services, according to the draft rules.

Aliens with permanent residence may pass through channels for Chinese citizens when entering or leaving the country. They can purchase commercial housing in China, and are eligible to use the housing fund, they said.

Permanent foreign residents or their children who move with them can receive compulsory education in China at no charge.

Organizations and individuals can submit their feedback on the draft regulations until March 27 via the ministry’s official website or by email.