Designed for shorter visits to see family — typically under 180 days. Less paperwork than a full residence permit, but more limited. Commonly used by retirees who spend part of the year in China and part abroad.
Best for
- ✓ Retirees splitting time between China and home country
- ✓ Extended family visits under 180 days per year
- ✓ Those who do not intend to work in China
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I overstay my permit?
Fines start at ¥500 per day for overstays of 1–10 days (capped at ¥5,000). Overstays of 11–30 days carry fines of ¥500–¥2,000 and possible administrative detention. Beyond 30 days: fines up to ¥10,000, deportation, and a 1–5 year entry ban. Beyond one year: a 5–10 year ban and possible criminal referral. Penalties compound daily and must be paid in full before any new permit can be issued.
Does my residence permit count toward permanent residence eligibility?
It depends on the permit category. Work and family-category residence permit years count fully toward the 5-year continuous residence requirement for PR. Short Stay permits (30 days) and Private Affairs permits do not. See the "Aiming for permanent residence?" section on this page for the full pathway.