China — Complete Emigration Guide 2026
1,408,280,000 people · Capital: Beijing · Eastern Asia
Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis
Overview
China is located in Eastern Asia, with a population of 1,408,280,000. Its currency is the Chinese yuan. Our database tracks 43 visa pathways for China, each linked to a named source.
See also: China country profile
Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.
Visa Pathways (43)
Sponsored Employment (4)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreigner's Work Permit | — | €50 | 12 mo | 30d |
| Private Business for Foreigners (Foreign Home Servant) | — | €50 | 12 mo | 7d |
| Residence Permit for Work | — | €50 | 24 mo | 15d |
| Z Visa — Work (Foreigner Work Permit System / Z-Visa + Residence Permit) | — | €28 | 12 mo | — |
Skilled Independent (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Talent Applicants | — | €50 | 12 mo | — |
Entrepreneur & Business (4)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Affairs for Foreigners | €643/mo | €50 | 12 mo | — |
| Private Business for Foreigners (Entrepreneur) | — | €50 | 12 mo | — |
| Private Business Residence Permit for Foreigners (Endorsed with Entrepreneur) | — | €50 | 12 mo | 7d |
| Short-Term Working Task for Foreigners | €6,429/mo | €50 | 6 mo | — |
Investment / Golden Visa (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — Category 1 Direct Investment (Order 74) | €3,923/mo | €195 | 120 mo | 60d |
Study (4)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Students of Chinese Origin | €321/mo | €50 | 12 mo | — |
| Residence Permit for Study | — | €50 | 12 mo | — |
| X1 Visa — Long-Term Study (>180 Days, Degree Programmes) | €1,286/mo | €28 | 12 mo | 30d |
| X2 Visa — Short-Term Study (≤180 Days) | €1,929/mo | €28 | 6 mo | — |
Research & Academia (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K Visa — Young Foreign Science and Technology Talent (October 2025) | €321/mo | €257 | 12 mo | 30d |
Family Reunification (7)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Reunion Residence Permit (Fosterage) for Foreigners | — | €50 | 36 mo | — |
| Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — Category 5 Spouse of Chinese Citizen / Foreign PR | €642/mo | €195 | 120 mo | 30d |
| Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — Category 7 Elderly Dependant Relative (60+) | €535/mo | €195 | 120 mo | 30d |
| Q1 Visa — Family Reunion of Chinese Citizen / Foreign PR Holder (Long-Term) | €535/mo | €126 | 60 mo | 30d |
| Residence Permit for Personal Matters | — | €50 | 12 mo | 15d |
| Residence Permit for Reunion | — | €50 | 24 mo | 180d |
| S1 Visa — Long-Term Family of Foreign Worker / Student in China | €535/mo | €126 | 12 mo | — |
Ancestry & Descent (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Nationality by Descent (Jus Sanguinis) — Nationality Law Art 4-5 | — | — | — | — |
Permanent Settlement (4)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D visa | €43,589/mo | €129 | 120 mo | 180d |
| Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — Category 2 Senior Professional / Academic | €4,359/mo | €195 | 120 mo | 30d |
| Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — Category 3 Major / Outstanding Contribution | — | €195 | 120 mo | — |
| Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — Category 6 Unmarried Minor Child of Chinese Citizen / PR | €2,179/mo | €195 | 60 mo | 30d |
Naturalisation & Citizenship (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Nationality by Naturalisation — Nationality Law Art 7-8 + 16 | — | €26 | — | — |
| Restoration of Chinese Nationality — Nationality Law Art 13 | — | €26 | — | — |
Extraordinary Talent (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-End Talent Visa (R Visa) | — | €28 | 60 mo | — |
Media & Journalists (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journalist Visa (J1, long-term) | — | €50 | 12 mo | — |
| Journalist Visa (J2, short-term) | — | €28 | 6 mo | 30d |
Business Visit (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Visa — Business / Commercial Activities | €514/mo | €28 | 12 mo | — |
Tourism & Short Stay (7)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F Visa — Non-Commercial Exchange / Investigation / Visit | — | €28 | 6 mo | 15d |
| Hainan Free Trade Port — 30-Day Visa-Free (59 Countries) | — | — | 1 mo | — |
| L Visa — Tourist (Single / Double / Multiple Entry) | — | €28 | 3 mo | — |
| Port Visa (Article 20 EELA) — Urgent Entry, Single-Entry 30-Day | — | €28 | 1 mo | 30d |
| Q2 Visa — Short-Term Family Visit (Chinese Citizen / Foreign PR Relatives) | — | €126 | 6 mo | 30d |
| S2 Visa — Short-Term Family of Foreign Worker / Student / Private Affairs | — | €126 | 6 mo | — |
| Unilateral Visa Exemption — 38 Countries, 30-Day Stay | — | — | 1 mo | — |
Transit (3)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (54-Country, 60-Port, Multi-Region) | — | — | 12 mo | 30d |
| C Visa — Crew Member (Aviation / Maritime / Rail Transport) | — | €28 | 12 mo | 30d |
| G Visa — Transit Through China (Third-Country Destination) | — | €28 | 3 mo | — |
Cost of Living
| Item | China | W. Europe Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | €650 | €1,200 | -46% |
| Rent (3BR) | €1,650 | €2,000 | -18% |
| Groceries | €180 | €350 | -49% |
| Transport | €25 | €80 | -69% |
| Utilities | €45 | €150 | -70% |
| Dining (meal) | €4 | €15 | -73% |
Salary & Employment
| Sector | Median (gross, €/yr) |
|---|---|
| Construction | €16,000 |
| Education | €12,000 |
| Engineering | €28,000 |
| Finance | €35,000 |
| Healthcare | €10,000 |
| Hospitality | €8,000 |
| IT | €22,000 |
| Retail | €7,000 |
Shortage Occupations
- Software Engineer (IT)
- Data Scientist (IT)
- Manufacturing Engineer (Engineering)
- Logistics Manager (Logistics)
Tax
Healthcare
Education
| University | QS Rank | English Progs | Tuition (Intl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tsinghua University | 12 | 320 | €8,500 |
| Peking University | 19 | 285 | €8,000 |
| Fudan University | 34 | 210 | €7,500 |
| Shanghai Jiao Tong University | 46 | 195 | €7,800 |
| Zhejiang University | 54 | 175 | €7,200 |
Practical Info
Banking
Driving
Phone & Internet
Credentials
Quality of Life
Official sources
The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 39 of the 39 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against, and 46 financial requirements below carry the exact quote from the official source. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.
- s.nia.gov.cn · 6 pathways · verified 2026-06-24
- en.nia.gov.cn · 5 pathways · verified 2026-06-23
- en.nia.gov.cn · 4 pathways · verified 2026-06-08
- en.nia.gov.cn · 4 pathways · verified 2026-06-22
- english.beijing.gov.cn · 3 pathways · verified 2026-06-25
- en.nia.gov.cn · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-23
- en.nia.gov.cn · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-08
- english.beijing.gov.cn · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
- en.nia.gov.cn · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
- pg.china-embassy.gov.cn · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
- en.tj.gov.cn · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-08
- wb.nanjing.gov.cn · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-24
Verified requirements — exact official citations
Each figure below was verified verbatim against the official page linked, on the date shown.
Private Business for Foreigners (Entrepreneur) · 3 verified requirements
Requirement: “Entrepreneur RP; bank deposit ≥CNY 50,000; age 18-70 medical req for >1yr permit” — english.beijing.gov.cn
Minimum investment: “Personal domestic deposit certificate or bank statement (more than CNY 50,000), required of applicants planning for investment or starting innovative enterprises in Beijing. Converted 50,000 CNY at 7.755647 CNY/EUR = 6,446.92 EUR.” — english.beijing.gov.cn, 2026-07-08
Savings / proof of funds: “personal domestic deposit certificate or bank statement (more than CNY 50,000)” — english.beijing.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Residence Permit for Study · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Study RP; duration = enrollment; health cert required for >1yr; fee CNY 400/800/1000” — s.nia.gov.cn
Savings / proof of funds: “X1 visa shall submit a letter from the school/university indicating the term of study, and a letter of admission or enrollment. Foreigners entering China with other categories of visa shall submit supporting materials issued by competent authorities.” — s.nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-06
Residence Permit for Reunion · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “外国人居留许可：不满一年，400元/人·次” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Minimum income: “Regulations on Examination and Approval of Permanent Residence of Aliens in China... Article 6(5): spouses of Chinese citizens or of aliens having obtained permanent residence in China, whose marriage has lasted for five years, and who have lived in China for five years in a…” — en.nia.gov.cn
Family Reunion Residence Permit (Fosterage) for Foreigners · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Fosterage (minors under 18): up to 3yr; official fee CNY 400/800/1000 by duration tier” — s.nia.gov.cn
Minimum income: “For foreign child of Chinese of foreign nationality or overseas Chinese who is under the age of 18 and in custodial care in China ... may issue a residence permit with a validity period of no more than 3 years ... The applicant shall also submit a letter of child custody ... [no…” — s.nia.gov.cn
Personal Affairs for Foreigners · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Personal affairs RP; max 1yr; fee CNY 400; no financial thresholds stated” — english.beijing.gov.cn
Minimum investment: “personal domestic deposit certificate or bank statement (more than CNY 50,000)” — english.beijing.gov.cn
Residence Permit for Personal Matters · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Private affairs RP; max 1yr general; retirees 60+ with property up to 3yr; fee CNY 400” — s.nia.gov.cn
Minimum income: “For foreigners entering China with S1 visa for the purpose of visiting family, the applicant shall submit a letter explaining the kinship (spouse, parents, spouse's parents, minor children below 18) from and the residence permit of the person being visited. A residence permit…” — s.nia.gov.cn
Short-Term Working Task for Foreigners · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Short-term working task; requires employer/work assignment; fee CNY 400” — english.beijing.gov.cn
Minimum investment: “personal domestic deposit certificate or bank statement (more than CNY 50,000)” — english.beijing.gov.cn
Foreign Talent Applicants · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “外国人居留许可：不满一年，400元/人·次” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — Category 6 Unmarried Minor Child of Chinese Citizen / PR · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “外国人永久居留申请费1500元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
S1 Visa — Long-Term Family of Foreign Worker / Student in China · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “一次签证（非对等国家）206元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
M Visa — Business / Commercial Activities · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “一次签证（非对等国家）206元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (54-Country, 60-Port, Multi-Region) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Regional Visa-Free Entry Policies for Foreign Nationals” — en.nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — Category 5 Spouse of Chinese Citizen / Foreign PR · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “外国人永久居留申请费1500元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Chinese Nationality by Descent (Jus Sanguinis) — Nationality Law Art 4-5 · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Any person born in China whose parents are both Chinese nationals or one of whose parents is a Chinese national shall have Chinese nationality.” — npc.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — Category 2 Senior Professional / Academic · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “外国人永久居留申请费1500元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Hainan Free Trade Port — 30-Day Visa-Free (59 Countries) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Hainan 59 Country Visa-Free Entry Policy Guide” — en.hnftp.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Restoration of Chinese Nationality — Nationality Law Art 13 · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “恢复中国国籍证书费200元/份；国籍申请手续费50元/人” — bjdx.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Unilateral Visa Exemption — 38 Countries, 30-Day Stay · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “List of Countries Covered by Unilateral Visa Exemption” — en.nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Residence Permit for Work · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Work RP; up to 5yr high talent, 2yr standard, 1yr others; fee CNY 400/800/1000” — s.nia.gov.cn
X1 Visa — Long-Term Study (>180 Days, Degree Programmes) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “一次签证（非对等国家）206元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
S2 Visa — Short-Term Family of Foreign Worker / Student / Private Affairs · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “一次签证（非对等国家）206元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
L Visa — Tourist (Single / Double / Multiple Entry) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “一次签证（非对等国家）206元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
G Visa — Transit Through China (Third-Country Destination) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “一次签证（非对等国家）206元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Foreigner's Work Permit · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “外国人居留许可：不满一年，400元/人·次” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
J2 Visa — Short-Term Foreign Journalist (≤180 Days) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “一次签证（非对等国家）206元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
R Visa — High-End Talent (Foreign Expert / Tier-A Talent Fast-Track) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “一次签证（非对等国家）206元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
C Visa — Crew Member (Aviation / Maritime / Rail Transport) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “一次签证（非对等国家）206元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — Category 3 Major / Outstanding Contribution · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “外国人永久居留申请费1500元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Z Visa — Work (Foreigner Work Permit System / Z-Visa + Residence Permit) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “一次签证（非对等国家）206元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Political Asylum — Constitution Art 32 + 1951 Refugee Convention (UNHCR-Mandated) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “The People's Republic of China may grant asylum to foreigners who request it for political reasons.” — unhcr.org, 2026-07-09
F Visa — Non-Commercial Exchange / Investigation / Visit · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “一次签证（非对等国家）206元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — Category 7 Elderly Dependant Relative (60+) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “外国人永久居留申请费1500元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
International Students of Chinese Origin · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Student RP (Chinese-origin); duration = enrollment period; fee CNY 400-1000 by duration” — english.beijing.gov.cn
X2 Visa — Short-Term Study (≤180 Days) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “一次签证（非对等国家）206元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Residence Permit for Journalists · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “外国人居留许可：不满一年，400元/人·次” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Chinese Nationality by Naturalisation — Nationality Law Art 7-8 + 16 · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “加入中国国籍证书费200元/份；国籍申请手续费50元/人” — bjdx.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Port Visa (Article 20 EELA) — Urgent Entry, Single-Entry 30-Day · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “零次签证160元/人” — nia.gov.cn, 2026-07-09
Private Business for Foreigners (Foreign Home Servant) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Employer bank balance ≥CNY 100,000; fee CNY 400/800/1000 by duration; age ≥18 for >1yr” — english.beijing.gov.cn
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does China have?
Our database tracks 43 visa pathways for China across 15 categories, the largest being Family Reunification, Tourism & Short Stay, Study. Each entry links to a named source — 98% direct to an official government portal, the rest to a named embassy or professional reference while we complete direct verification.
What is the minimum income for the International Students of Chinese Origin?
The International Students of Chinese Origin lists a minimum income of EUR 321 per month, according to the official source (last checked 2026-06-22).
What is the average salary in China?
The average gross salary in China is EUR 694 per month. The statutory minimum wage is EUR 231 per month.
How much does rent cost in China?
A one-bedroom apartment in China averages EUR 650 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages EUR 1,650 per month.
What is the top income tax rate in China?
The top personal income tax rate in China is 45%. The standard VAT rate is 13%.
How long does it take to qualify for citizenship in China?
Among the pathways we track, the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — Category 5 Spouse of Chinese Citizen / Foreign PR lists 5 years to citizenship. Timelines vary by route and personal circumstances — check the official source for your case.
Start Preparing for China
Still shortlisting? See our data-driven ranking of the best countries to move to in 2026 — Top 10 overall plus picks for digital nomads, retirees, skilled workers, families, and low-cost living.