Former PRC Citizens
Special Note for Former PRC Citizens: If you are a former Chinese citizen who naturalized abroad, the permanent residence card allows you to return to China long-term without giving up your current citizenship. This is particularly beneficial for retirees who maintain ties to both countries.
- 1
Confirm your eligibility category:
- Decide whether you qualify through family reunion, overseas Chinese PhD/talent route, investment, employment, elderly relative, or other categories outlined above.
- Check the specific city-level implementation rules of the National Immigration Administration (NIA) in the place where you plan to live, as thresholds and required evidence can differ.
- 2
Enter China with the correct status (if outside China):
- Apply at a Chinese embassy/consulate for an appropriate visa (for example: work visa, family reunion visa, talent visa, or D visa where available) using your <strong>foreign</strong> passport.
- Former PRC citizens must not attempt to use old Chinese IDs or passports; China does not recognize dual nationality, so you apply strictly as a foreign national.
- 3
Register residence and obtain a residence permit (if required):
- Within 24 hours (hotel) or 24–72 hours (private residence), register your address at the local police station or through your accommodation provider.
- If you hold a long-term visa (e.g., Z, S, Q, R), convert it into a residence permit at the Exit-Entry Administration (EEA) of the Public Security Bureau (PSB) within the time limit indicated on your visa.
- 4
Pre-consult with the local Exit-Entry Administration:
- Bring your passport and a brief explanation of your situation (especially your former Chinese nationality) to the EEA in the city where you live.
- Ask for the latest checklist for <strong>permanent residence for overseas Chinese / foreign nationals</strong> and confirm any special documents needed from former PRC citizens.
- 5
Prepare the full application dossier:
- Collect all general, category-specific, and former-nationality-specific documents listed above.
- Arrange notarizations, translations into Chinese, and consular legalizations as instructed by the EEA.
- 6
Submit the application in person:
- Go to the designated EEA office (usually at municipal or district PSB) with your original passport and documents.
- Fill in and sign the permanent residence application form, declare your former nationality truthfully, and provide biometrics (fingerprints, photo) if required.
- Pay the application fee as determined by local rules.
- 7
Verification and background checks:
- The PSB/NIA will verify your identity, background, criminal record, tax and residence history, and your previous Chinese nationality status.
- Former PRC citizens may be asked for additional clarification on how and when they acquired foreign nationality and how former Chinese documents were cancelled.
- 8
Approval and card collection:
- Processing times vary but are often several months; you may receive a receipt to use along with your passport while the application is under review.
- Once approved, collect your <strong>Foreigner's Permanent Residence ID Card</strong> in person at the EEA. Confirm that your name (in both Chinese and Latin script), nationality, and personal data are correct.
- 9
Post-approval obligations:
- Use the permanent residence card for registration, banking, and travel within China as instructed; continue to abide by Chinese laws and maintain your registered address information.
- Renew your card when it approaches expiry according to NIA guidance.