Streamlined Policy Update for Chinese PR ID Applications for PhDs in Shenzhen

The policy for obtaining a Chinese Permanent Residence (PR) ID in Shenzhen for PhD holders has been tightened, introducing stricter requirements for applicants. Below is a concise overview of the changes and key details, summarized in just five minutes.

Old Policy: A PhD degree and employment at a Shenzhen enterprise were sufficient for eligibility. Spouses and minor children could apply concurrently.

New Policy: Applicants must now hold a PhD degree, be employed by a Shenzhen enterprise, and have a minimum two-year employment contract. Postdoctoral are currently ineligible.

Eligibility Criteria (All Must Be Met):

1. Educational Requirement: A doctoral degree (PhD) or higher, officially authenticated.
2. Work Qualifications:
   • Possess a valid Work Permit.
   • Hold a work-type residence permit issued by the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Administration and be actively employed.
   • Maintain an employment contract of at least two years with a Shenzhen enterprise.

Important Note: Postdoctoral are not eligible for PR under the current policy. Regular employees must have a two-year employment contract.

Added Benefit: Spouses and children under 18 remain eligible to apply concurrently with the primary applicant.

Application Process:

1. Shenzhen Entry-Exit Administration: Accepts applications and issues PR cards (Luohu District).
2. Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department: Reviews applications.
3. National Immigration Administration (NIA): Grants final approval and oversees card production.

Application Address: Shenzhen Exit-Entry Administration 4016 Jiefang Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen Metro: Grand Theater Station, Exit D (Lines 1/2)

To apply for a Chinese Permanent Residence (PR) ID in Shenzhen under the updated policy for PhD holders, applicants must submit a comprehensive set of documents. Below is a streamlined list of required materials, each needing an original and three copies unless otherwise specified, to ensure a smooth application process.

Required Documents:

1. Application Form for Permanent Residence in China for Foreigners: Obtain at the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Administration counter.
2. Photographs: Three recent, bareheaded, 2-inch (48×33mm) white-background photos, accompanied by a Digital Photo Receipt.
3. Passport: Valid passport with the bio page translated by a certified translation company.
4. Health Examination Report: Issued by a designated institution at Huanggang Port, Shenzhen.
5. Non-Criminal Record Certificate: From the applicant’s home country and China. Foreign certificates require notarization and authentication.
6. PhD Diploma/Degree Certificate: For degrees obtained abroad, include the Authentication Report of Foreign Academic Degree issued by the China Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE).
7. Foreigner’s Work Permit: Valid and current.
8. Company Documents:
   • Copy of the company’s Business License.
   • Annual Inspection Report.
   • Additional relevant company documents (foreign enterprises must provide a Foreign Investment Approval Certificate or Record Filing Receipt).
9. Employment Letter: Issued by the sponsoring Shenzhen enterprise.
10. Personal Income Tax Certificate: Demonstrating compliance with tax obligations.
11. Family Member Information Form: Template available at the application counter.
12. Information Collection Form: Template available at the application counter.
13. Additional Materials: Any other documents deemed necessary by the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Administration.

For adult and minor dependents applying for a Chinese Permanent Residence (PR) ID in Shenzhen alongside a PhD holder, specific documents are required in addition to those of the primary applicant. Below is a clear and concise guide to the necessary materials, processing details, fees, and essential tips to streamline the application process.

Documents for Adult Dependents (Spouse):

Include items 1–5 from the primary applicant’s list (Application Form, Photographs, Passport, Health Examination Report, Non-Criminal Record Certificate), plus:

Marriage Certificate or notarized/authenticated proof of marriage. Certificates issued abroad require authentication by a Chinese Embassy/Consulate or Apostille (for Hague Convention countries). Authentication must be issued within 6 months prior to application submission..

6. Marriage Certificate:

Marriage Certificate or notarized/authenticated proof of marriage. Certificates issued abroad require authentication by a Chinese Embassy/Consulate or Apostille (for Hague Convention countries). Authentication must be issued within 6 months prior to application submission..

• Provide a notarized and authenticated proof of marriage.
• Certificates issued abroad must be authenticated by a Chinese Embassy/Consulate or bear an Apostille (for Hague Convention countries).
• Authentication must be issued within six months prior to application submission.

Documents for Minor Dependents (Children):

Include items 1–3 from the primary applicant’s list (Application Form, Photographs, Passport), plus: 4. Birth Certificate or proof of parent-child relationship. 5. Parents’ Marriage Certificate. 6. Valid ID documents for both parents. 7. Personal resumes/CVs for both parents.

Processing Time: Applications typically take approximately one year, though processing times may vary by applicant.

Fee Schedule:

• Application Fee: 1,500 RMB per person (non-refundable, regardless of outcome).
• Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card Production Fee: 300 RMB per card.

Important Tips:

1. Authentication: All foreign-issued documents (e.g., marriage certificates, birth certificates) require authentication by a Chinese Embassy/Consulate or an Apostille (for Hague Convention countries). Document legalization services are available for nearly 30 countries, including police clearance applications.
2. Translation: Documents in foreign languages must be translated into Chinese by a certified translation company.
3. Document Validity: Health examination reports, police clearance certificates, photo receipts, and marriage certificate authentications must be issued within six months of application. Other supporting documents should be recent.
4. Policy Updates: PR policies may change periodically. Verify the latest requirements with the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Administration counter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I apply if my docotral degree is issued from a Chinese university?

Yes.

2. Any requirement for major?

No.

3. Can I apply if I never paid individual income tax?

Depends on details.

(1) Can apply if your country have tax treaty with China and you are exempt of paying tax. E.g.: some teachers in schools or foreign experts delegated by the United Nations organization;

(2) Hard to apply if only because your salary is lower.

4. Do my wife and minor children need to apply for non-criminal records and Chinese embassy authentication?

Spouse: yes. Minor children: No need.

5. Can I apply if my labor contact terminates soon?

Better not. During application, your work permit should be valid.

6. Do I need to have valid work permit?

Yes，must have valid work permit and work type residence permit.

7. Do I need to do diploma authentication if my degree is from a Chinese university?

No need in Shenzhen.(Need in Shanghai).

8. Do I need to apply for home country non-criminal records if I have been in China for ten years?

Yes, home country one is a must.

9. How long I need to stay in China after getting Green Card?

3 months per year.

10. Where do I authenticate a foreign-obtained degree?

Obtain the Authentication Report of Foreign Academic Degree from the China Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) at https://zwfw.cscse.edu.cn/

Contact Information:

• Phone: +86 755 12367 (In-person visits recommended for detailed inquiries).
• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM.

Should you require any assistance with your application, please do not hesitate to contact us on the following: