China offers 15 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Residency (Green Card) by Investment | N/A | €1,850,000 | 120-180d | 9.0/10 | Yes |
| M Visa - Business/Commercial | N/A | N/A | 7-21d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Permanent Residence - Family Reunion (Spouse) | N/A | N/A | 120-180d | 6.0/10 | Yes |
| Permanent Residence - High Income (Beijing) | €11,166/mo | N/A | 120-180d | 7.5/10 | Yes |
| Permanent Residence - High-Level Talent (Employment) | N/A | N/A | 120-180d | 6.0/10 | Yes |
| Permanent Residence - Investment | N/A | €463,000 | 120-180d | 7.0/10 | Yes |
| Permanent Residence - Outstanding Contributions | N/A | N/A | 120-180d | 6.0/10 | Yes |
| Q1 Visa - Long-Term Family Reunion | N/A | N/A | 7-28d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Q2 Visa - Short-Term Family Visit | N/A | N/A | 7-21d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| R Visa - High-Level Talent | N/A | N/A | 5-15d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| S1 Visa - Long-Term Family of Foreign Worker | N/A | N/A | 7-28d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| S2 Visa - Short-Term Family Visit to Foreign Worker | N/A | N/A | 7-21d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Z Visa - Work Permit (Tier A - High-Level Talent) | €783/mo | N/A | 10-21d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Z Visa - Work Permit (Tier B - Professional) | €391/mo | N/A | 15-42d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Z Visa - Work Permit (Tier C - Temporary) | €391/mo | N/A | 21-60d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
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How many visa pathways does China offer?
China offers 15 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for China?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in China?
The path to permanent residency in China typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to China?
Most long-term visa categories in China allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to China?
Not all pathways require a job offer. China may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: China Guide · Cost of Living · All Countries