Types
| Type | Who | Typical validity | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work-type | Foreign nationals holding a work permit | Aligned to the work permit, often one year or more | Work permit first |
| Private affairs (dependant) | Spouse, minor children, sometimes parents of a permit holder | Matches the principal holder | Relationship documents required |
| Study | Long-term students | Per programme | Admission and enrolment evidence |
| Family reunion | Foreign relatives of Chinese citizens or permanent residents | Assessed case by case | Relationship and sponsorship evidence |
Documents
- Valid passport and visa with complete entry records
- Foreigner work permit
- Temporary residence registration form from the local police station or hotel
- Medical certificate where required for a first application
- Recent compliant photographs
- For dependants: marriage or birth certificates, notarised and legalised
- Employer's application letter and business licence copy
Three timing traps
- Permit before residence permit: renew the work permit first, then the residence permit. Reversing the order triggers requests for additional documents.
- Start about 30 days early: appointment queues, not document problems, cause most overstays.
- Register your address: temporary residence registration is required within 24 hours of arrival (72 hours in rural areas) and its absence blocks the residence application.
Longer term and permanent residence
Foreign nationals with a sustained employment, tax and residence record may qualify for permanent residence. The assessment covers years of residence, tax record, salary, education and criminal record, under rules set by the national immigration administration and applied by local offices. Eligibility depends on the individual file.
Validity periods, extension limits and permanent residence criteria are set by the authorities and may change. The exit-entry administration's current requirements prevail.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a work permit and a residence permit?
The work permit answers whether you may work in China and is issued by the foreign talent administration. The residence permit answers whether you may reside and re-enter, and is issued by exit-entry. You need both valid at the same time.
How early should I renew?
About 30 days before expiry. Overstaying is an offence that can lead to fines, detention or departure orders, and it damages later visa and residence applications.
Can my family come with me?
A spouse and minor children normally can, with notarised marriage and birth certificates. Dependant permit holders do not automatically have work rights.
Do I need a new residence permit after changing jobs?
Yes. Once the work permit is changed or reissued, the residence permit particulars must be updated or the permit reapplied for. The old document cannot simply be carried over.
What if I lose my residence permit?
Report the loss to the police and obtain a report, then apply for replacement at exit-entry. Avoid leaving China during replacement to prevent re-entry problems.
Tell us the situation first, then we talk options
Send us your entity type, location and what you need done. We will set out the documents required, which steps need you in person, and a realistic timeline.
Where we workFoshan · Guangdong · China
We serve all five districts of Foshan, and act for clients elsewhere in Guangdong and overseas on the same process.
This page reflects publicly available information as of October 2026. The competent authority's latest requirements prevail.
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