According to Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners, Rules Governing the Implementation of the Law of the PRC on the Entry and Exit of Foreigners and Regulations on Examination and Approval of Permanent Residence of Foreigners in China,

Eligibility:

The applicant should be the spouse of a Chinese citizen or of a foreign national who has permanent residence status in China.

The applicant and his or her spouse should be married for a minimum of five years. The applicant should be a resident of China for a minimum of five consecutive years - and a minimum of nine months each year.

The applicant should have a fixed and legal residence and a stable source of income.

Documents required:

1. Valid foreign passport or alternate approved travel document.

2. Health certificate issued by a medical institution designated by the Chinese government or issued by foreign medical institutions certified by a Chinese embassy or consulate.

3. Document offering proof the applicant does not have a criminal record, issued by a Chinese embassy or consulate.

4. Four 2-inch photos.

5. A certificate of long-term household registration of the Chinese spouse or the Permanent Residence Permit of the foreign spouse, marriage certificate, notarized certificates of living guarantees, certificate of house ownership or lease, certificates or other documents issued by foreign organizations must be certified by the Chinese embassy or consulate in the country of issuance.

Procedure:

Submission of completed application form for permanent residence in China.

Fees:

Application fee: 1500 yuan ($234.8) per person

Certification fee: 300 yuan per certificate

Processing times:

The public security organ decides to approve or not to approve the application within six months from the day the foreign applicant submits the application for a permanent residence permit.

Responsible departments:

Applications for permanent residence in China relating to foreign nationals are received by the public security organ at the city level, checked by the municipal public security organs, reviewed by public security departments at the provincial level or by the authorities of autonomous regions and municipalities - and examined and approved by the Ministry of Public Security.