China · Skilled Worker Visa

Private Business for Foreigners (Entrepreneur)

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
Compiled from official sources · pending independent re-check · Last checked 2026-06-09 · Our methodology
4.3/10 diff
Moderate

Beijing residence permit for foreigners investing or starting an innovative enterprise (incl. graduates of Chinese unive…

Min income
Processing
Path to PR
No
Job offer
Not required
Direct answer

Beijing residence permit for foreigners investing or starting an innovative enterprise (incl. graduates of Chinese universities); requires a business plan and proof of means (domestic bank statement > CNY 50,000 or investment/IP documents).

At a Glance

Visa Duration
12 months
Processing Time
Min Income
Path to PR
No
Difficulty
4/10 — Moderate

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18–70
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsorship RequiredNo
Health Insurance RequiredYes

Financial Requirements

ItemAmount
Minimum Savings€6,384

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Path to Permanent ResidencyNo

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Beijing
Single (monthly)€1,440
Family (monthly)€3,000
Rent 1BR (center)€900
Groceries€360
Transport pass€86
Shanghai
Single (monthly)€1,550
Family (monthly)€3,200
Rent 1BR (center)€1,000
Groceries€388
Transport pass€93
Shenzhen
Single (monthly)€1,271
Family (monthly)€2,636
Rent 1BR (center)€483
Groceries€318
Transport pass€76

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Private Business for Foreigners (Entrepreneur)?

Beijing residence permit for foreigners investing or starting an innovative enterprise (incl. graduates of Chinese universities); requires a business plan and proof of means (domestic bank statement > CNY 50,000 or investment/IP documents).

What are the financial requirements for the Private Business for Foreigners (Entrepreneur)?

Applicants need minimum savings of €6,384. Additional costs may include relocation expenses, insurance, and document attestation.

Can the Private Business for Foreigners (Entrepreneur) lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.

Are there alternative pathways to China?

Yes. China offers 11 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our China country page.

What is the cost of living in China?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Beijing: €1,440/mo; Shanghai: €1,550/mo; Shenzhen: €1,271/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-09 · See our methodology

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