The China (D) Residence Visa, commonly referred to as the "Chinese green card," is a document issued to foreign nationals who intend to reside permanently in China. This visa is notoriously difficult to obtain, as it requires meeting strict eligibility requirements and passing rigorous screening procedures.

The China (D) Residence Visa grants foreign nationals the right to live, work, and study in China for an indefinite period. It also provides various privileges, such as the ability to enter and exit the country without the need for additional visas and to enjoy many of the same rights as Chinese citizens.

To be eligible for a China (D) Residence Visa, foreign nationals must meet certain requirements, including having a valid reason for wanting to reside in China, such as investment or employment, and possessing a certain level of education and expertise in a particular field. They must also have a clean criminal record and a good reputation in their home country.

The application process for the China (D) Residence Visa is lengthy and complex. Applicants must first submit a formal application, along with various supporting documents, to the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate. The application will then be reviewed by Chinese authorities, who will conduct a series of interviews and background checks to determine the applicant's eligibility.

Despite the challenges associated with obtaining a China (D) Residence Visa, there are many foreign nationals who are eager to secure this coveted document. The visa offers numerous benefits, including the ability to live and work in one of the world's largest and most dynamic economies and to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and modern amenities of China.

The China (D) Residence Visa is a highly sought-after document that grants foreign nationals the right to reside permanently in China. While the visa is difficult to obtain, those who are eligible and committed to the process can enjoy many benefits and opportunities in this fascinating and rapidly changing country.

Eligibility and Requirements for China (D) Residence Visa

The China (D) Residence Visa, also known as the "Chinese green card," is a document that grants foreign nationals the right to reside permanently in China. However, the process of obtaining this visa is notoriously difficult, and applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria and requirements.

Eligibility for a China (D) Residence Visa:

• A valid reason for wanting to reside in China: Applicants must provide a valid reason for wanting to live in China, such as investment, employment, or family reunification.

• Education and expertise: Applicants must have a certain level of education and expertise in a particular field. They must possess specialized skills or talents that can contribute to China's economic or social development.

• Clean criminal record: Applicants must have a clean criminal record and not have committed any serious crimes in China or their home country.
  
  
• Good reputation: Applicants must have a good reputation in their home country and in China.

• Financial stability: Applicants must have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family in China.

Requirements for a China (D) Residence Visa:

• Application form: Applicants must complete the official application form for a China (D) Residence Visa and submit it to the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate.

• Supporting documents: Applicants must provide various supporting documents, such as a passport, a resume, a criminal background check, and proof of financial resources.
  
  
• Interview and investigation: Applicants must undergo a series of interviews and investigations conducted by Chinese authorities to determine their eligibility for the China (D) Residence Visa.

• Time requirements: Applicants must meet the required length of residency in China to be eligible for the China (D) Residence Visa. The exact length of residency depends on the applicant's situation and the discretion of Chinese authorities.

In conclusion, obtaining a China (D) Residence Visa is a challenging and rigorous process. Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria and provide various supporting documents, as well as undergo interviews and investigations conducted by Chinese authorities. Despite the difficulties, the China (D) Residence Visa offers foreign nationals the opportunity to live and work in one of the world's largest and most dynamic economies, and to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and modern amenities of China.

Required Documents for China (D) Residence Visa

If you are planning to apply for a China D Visa, you will need to prepare the following required documents:

Passport

You must have an original passport with at least one blank visa page, and it should be valid for at least six months.

Passport photocopy

One photocopy of the data and photo pages of your passport is required.

Visa Application Form

You will need to fill out one Visa Application Form (Form V.2013) truthfully, correctly, and completely. The application form must be typed in black capital letters, and hand-written forms are not accepted.

Photo

One recently-taken, color, passport photo against a light background is required.

Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status

An original and a photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China are required.

Proof of Legal Status of Residency

A copy of status proof, such as a certificate of residence, employment, student, or another legal status, is also required.

Previous Chinese Passport or Chinese Visa

If you used to be of Chinese citizenship, you must submit the original and a copy of the data page of the last Chinese passport or a copy of the previous Chinese visa on the previous foreign passport when applying for a Chinese visa with a new passport. If the name on your current passport differs from that on the previous passport, an official document of name change should also be submitted.

Please note that the embassy may require additional documents, depending on your individual circumstances.

In conclusion, preparing the required documents for a China D Visa can be a complex process, but ensuring that you have all the necessary paperwork ready can greatly increase your chances of success in obtaining the visa.

Application Process for China (D) Residence Visa

The application process for a China (D) Residence Visa is as follows:

Gather Required Documents:

The applicant needs to collect all the required documents, which typically include a valid passport, visa application form, a recent passport-size photo, and any additional documents as required by the Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country.

Schedule an Appointment:

The applicant should schedule an appointment with the Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country to submit their visa application.

Submit the Application:

The applicant should submit their visa application and all required documents to the Chinese embassy or consulate on the scheduled appointment date.

Pay the Visa Fee:

Applicants are required to pay a visa fee upon submitting their application. The fee varies depending on the applicant's nationality, the type of visa, and the duration of the visa.

Wait for Processing:

After submitting the application, the applicant needs to wait for the Chinese embassy or consulate to process the application. The processing time varies, but typically takes around 4-5 working days.

Collect Visa:

Once the visa application is approved, the applicant will be notified to collect their visa from the Chinese embassy or consulate. They may need to provide additional documents such as flight tickets or proof of accommodation before their visa is issued.

Register with Local Authorities:

Within 30 days of arriving in China, the applicant must register with the local Public Security Bureau to obtain a Residence Permit.

Processing Time & Fee for the China D Visa

If you are planning to apply for a China R Visa, you should be aware that the average processing time is four working days. However, the exact processing time may vary depending on the country where you submit your visa application. Some countries may take longer to process your application, while others may have a quicker turnaround time.

It is important to factor in the processing time when planning your travel to China, and to apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel dates to avoid any last-minute complications.

Country of Nationality	Multiple Entries (6 Months)	Multiple Entries (12 Months or more)
American citizen	USD 140	USD 140
Canadian citizen	USD 80	USD 80
Romanian citizen	USD 149	USD 149
Argentine citizen	USD 145	USD 145
Brazilian citizen	USD 142	USD 142
Panamanian citizen	USD 60	USD 60
Citizen of other countries	USD 73	USD 110

Work and Activity Restrictions for China (D) Residence Visa Holders

Holders of China (D) Residence Visa are permitted to engage in work and other activities within the scope of their approved visa. However, they are required to abide by the specific work and activity restrictions attached to their visa.

For example, a holder of a D visa for employment purposes may only engage in work for the employer specified in their visa application. They are also required to obtain a work permit and a residence permit from the relevant authorities within 30 days of their entry into China. Failure to do so may result in fines, detention, or deportation.

Similarly, a holder of a D visa for study purposes is only allowed to engage in activities related to their approved course of study. They are not permitted to work in China unless they obtain the relevant permits and authorizations from the Chinese government.

It is important for holders of a China (D) Residence Visa to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of their visa. Any violation of the restrictions may result in serious consequences, including fines, detention, or deportation.

Renewing or Extending a China (D) Residence Visa

Foreigners who wish to renew or extend their China (D) Residence Visa must submit an application to the local exit and entry administration bureau 30 days before the expiration of their current visa. The application process is similar to that of the initial application and requires the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and one blank visa page.
• A completed application form for a residence permit with a recent photo attached.
• The original and photocopy of the foreigner's temporary residence registration form.
• An invitation letter from the applicant's employer or sponsor.
• A certificate of health examination issued by a designated hospital or clinic.
• Other documents required by the local exit and entry administration bureau.

Once all documents are submitted, the local exit and entry administration bureau will review the application and issue a decision within seven working days. If the application is approved, the foreigner will need to go to the bureau to have their fingerprints taken and collect their new residence permit.

It's important to note that foreigners holding a China (D) Residence Visa must not engage in any activities beyond the scope of their approved residence status. Any unauthorized work or activity could result in legal consequences and revocation of their visa.