Your progress
Step 1 / 4 · Apply 30 days before your residence permit expires
What you need
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport-sized Photo | Recent bareheaded colour photo meeting Chinese visa/residence permit specifications (usually 33mm x 48mm). |
| Entry-Exit Health Certificate | Required when the intended stay exceeds one year. Issued by a designated local health examination centre after a physical check. |
Steps
Step 1 · Apply 30 days before your residence permit expires
Official · UnverifiedForeigners residing in China applying for extension of residence period shall submit an application to the exit-entry departments of public security organs under a local people's government at or above the county level in the place of residence 30 days before the expiration of the validity period of the residence permit, and submit relevant materials for the application as required.
⏱ 1 days · deadline: 30 days before expiry of the permit's validity period
💰 0 CNY
⚠ Pitfalls
- Do not confuse the two deadlines: residence permit extensions require applying 30 days before expiry, while extensions of the duration of stay of a visa require applying 7 days before the stay expires
- Upon review, the period of stay shall be extended provided that the reasons for extension are reasonable and sufficient; in case of a denial, the foreigner shall leave China before the expiry of the residence certificate
Step 2 · Prepare the same category of supporting materials
Official · UnverifiedBring a valid passport or other international travel document, a completed Visa/Stay Permit/Residence Permit Application Form with a compliant photo, and supporting materials related to the reason of application: work-type permit holders submit the work permit and a letter of certification from the employer; student-type holders submit a letter from the school indicating the term of study and a letter of admission or enrollment; reunion-type (Q1) holders submit the identity certificate of the person being visited and a letter explaining the family relationship. For a residence permit with a validity period of above 1 year, a health certificate issued by the local health and quarantine authority or a health/medical institution above county level is required. Originals are required for verification; submit photocopies.
⏱ days · employer letters and school letters may take several days
💰 · document costs vary
Documents for this step
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport-sized Photo | Recent bareheaded colour photo meeting Chinese visa/residence permit specifications (usually 33mm x 48mm). |
| Entry-Exit Health Certificate | Required when the intended stay exceeds one year. Issued by a designated local health examination centre after a physical check. |
⚠ Pitfalls
- Permit validity rules: work-type permits may be issued for no more than 1 year for other personnel, no more than 2 years for those working in registered entities with good track record, and no more than 5 years for high-level talents, urgently-needed professionals and investors; reunion-type permits for those under 18 or at or above 60 may be issued for no more than 3 years (a minor's permit cannot outlast their 18th birthday), others no more than 2 years; student-type permits match the indicated term of study
Step 3 · Apply in person at the exit-entry department
Official · UnverifiedForeigners applying for a residence permit and its extension, change or re-issuance shall apply in person at the exit-entry departments of public security organs to complete relevant formalities. Exceptions: applicants who are under 16 or over 60, ill or otherwise unable to attend, or high-level talents and urgently-needed professionals, may have the inviting entity/individual, family members or a professional service agency file on their behalf. You may also be asked to accept inquiries and cooperate with verification of information.
⏱ 1 hours
💰 · fees apply per regulations
⚠ Pitfalls
- The exit-entry departments may refuse the application if the applicant or the entity/individual concerned fails to take the interview at the agreed time without justified reasons
Step 4 · Receive the decision within 15 working days
Official · UnverifiedThe receipt of acceptance of a residence permit application is valid within 15 working days from the date of acceptance; the exit-entry departments shall make a decision on whether to issue a residence permit within 15 working days since the date of application (7 working days for visas and stay permits). If the passport is kept by the exit-entry departments, the applicant may stay or reside in China lawfully on the strength of the receipt of acceptance. With reasons justified, the applicant may apply for temporary retrieval of the passport, but shall return it within the validity period of the receipt.
⏱ 15 days · working days from acceptance; 7 working days for visa/stay-permit applications
💰 0 CNY
⚠ Pitfalls
- Decisions made on rejecting applications for extension, change and reissuance, on not issuing stay or residence permits, and on not extending the duration of residence are final