China Eases Requirements For Foreigner Permanent Residency Applications

In February 2016, China's General Office of the State Council issued its Opinion on Strengthening Management of the Service for Foreigners' Permanent Residency ("Opinion"), setting out a framework for the development of less restrictive requirements for permanent residency (Green Card) applications in China by foreigners, and more generous benefits.

The Opinion provides that Chinese authorities will establish more flexible and practical standards for foreigners who apply for permanent residency, including with respect to qualifying thresholds for an applicant's salary, tax payment history and credit rating.  Applicants no longer need to be at a career level senior to deputy general manager/associate professor.  In addition, the Opinion eliminates the requirement that applicants must provide a "significant contribution to China".