Residence permit is a valid legal certificate issued by Chinese government in accordance with PRC laws and regulations for foreigners applying to reside in China. Foreigners holding visas that indicate the need to apply for residence permits after entry shall apply for residence permits for foreigners within 30 days from the date of entry to the public security exit and entry administration authorities of the local people's government at or above the county level in the intended place of residence.

The exit and entry administration authorities of China will decide the type of residence permit to be issued according to the applicant's personal circumstances and the entry visa held.

1. Types of residence permit
   
   There are five types of residence permits in China.
   
   

   (1)	Residence permits for work Issued to persons working within the territory of China.
   (2)	Residence permits for study Issued to persons who are studying in China for a long time.
   (3)	Residence permits for journalists Issued to resident foreign journalists of resident foreign news organizations in China.
   (4)	Residence permits for reunion Issued to family members of Chinese citizens, family members of foreigners with permanent residence status in China who need to reside in China for family reunification, and persons who need to reside in China for reasons such as foster care.
   (5)	Residence permits for private affairs Issued to the spouses, parents, children under the age of 18, parents of the spouses of foreigners residing in China for work, study and other purposes who enter China for long-term family visits, as well as to persons who need to reside in China for other private affairs.

   
   
2. Validity period of residence permit
   
   The validity period of foreign work residence permit is a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of five years; The validity period of non-work residence permit is a minimum of 180 days and a maximum of five years.
   

Foreigners who come to work in China need to apply for a Z-visa to enter China and apply for a work residence permit in time after obtaining a work permit to ensure legal residence in China.

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