Residence & citizenship
Chinese D Permanent Residence Visa
The entry visa for foreign nationals who have been approved to settle permanently in China.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Verify current permanent-residence eligibility thresholds (investment amounts, years of residence, tax-record periods) on the official NIA page before publishing specific figures.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official China government website before you apply.
- Official name
- D visa (permanent residence)
- Route type
- Entry visa for approved permanent residents
- Legal basis
- Regulations of the PRC on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners
- Purpose
- Issued to persons who come to China for permanent residence
- Official wording from the NIA regulations page
- Prerequisite
- Permanent residence already approved (Confirmation Form issued by the Ministry of Public Security)
- Number of entries
- Single entry
- The D visa is used once to enter and take up permanent residence
- After entry
- Collect the Foreigner's Permanent Residence ID Card within 30 days
- The ID card, not the D visa, then governs your residence and entry/exit
- Where to apply
- Chinese embassy/consulate abroad, via COVA
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals whose permanent-residence application in China has been approved
- Applicants qualifying through investment, employment/professional, exceptional-contribution, spousal or family-dependency pathways
Requirements
- Approval of the permanent-residence application by the competent authority
- A valid passport and completed application form with photo
How to apply
- Qualify and apply for permanent residence in China through the relevant pathway
- Once approved, apply for the D visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad
- Enter China and collect the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
Documents you may need
- The original Confirmation Form of Permanent Residence Status for Foreigners issued by the Ministry of Public Security
- Original passport plus a photocopy of the bio-data page
- Printed, signed COVA confirmation page and a recent passport photo
Frequently asked questions
No. The D visa is the residence visa you use to enter China after permanent residence has been approved. Within 30 days of arriving you obtain the Foreigner's Permanent Residence ID Card - the document often called China's 'green card' - which then authorises your permanent residence and your entry and exit without renewing a visa.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.