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Q3. Can a foreigner apply for Chinese nationality as a spouse of a Chinese citizen?

english.www.gov.cnUpdated: 2023-12-19 14:37

According to the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China, foreign nationals or stateless persons who are willing to abide by China's constitution and laws and who meet one of the following conditions may be naturalized upon approval of their applications:

(1) They are near relatives of Chinese nationals;

(2) They have settled in China;

(3) They have other legitimate reasons.

Foreigners who want to apply for Chinese nationality as a spouse of a Chinese citizen should apply to the exit and entry administration department of the local public security bureau where their Chinese relatives are located and submit documents such as international travel documents, marriage certificates, and residence certificates in China for approval by the Ministry of Public Security. Residence certificate in China refers to Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card.

According to the Measures for the Administration of Examination and Approval of Foreigners' Permanent Residence in China, Chinese citizens' foreign spouses can apply for permanent residence in China if they meet the following conditions:

(1) They have been married for at least five years;

(2) They have stayed in China for at least five successive years with no less than nine months' residence per year;

(3) They have stable source of subsistence and a dwelling place.

They can visit the website of the National Immigration Administration of the Ministry of Public Security for further information on application materials.