How does the application work at a high level, what rights does the family member receive, how long does the status last, and how can it become independent or longer-term where officially stated?
Apply through the competent local public security authority, with the child parent or an entrusted representative able to apply where permitted. The decision period is up to six months. Approval grants permanent residence, with a separate five-year minor card or ten-year adult card. The general physical-presence and card-renewal rules apply; this is not automatic citizenship.
See recorded sources
- VII(I)
(I) Application. The applicant shall apply for permanent residence in China at the public security organs under municipal people's governments of cities with subordinate districts, or public security sub-bureaus or county-level public security sub-bureaus of direct-controlled municipalities where the investment is made or where the long-term residence is located. Applications are also allowed to be submitted by entrusted persons. If the applicant is under the age of 18, the application can also be submitted by his/her parent(s) or entrusted person(s). For an application submitted by an entrusted person, a Power of Attorney issued by the applicant and notarized by a notary office is required. If the Power of Attorney is issued by the applicant abroad, it shall be certified by the Chinese embassy or consulate of the corresponding country.
- IX
Public security organs shall make decisions on approval or disapproval within six months from the date of accepting applications from foreign nationals for permanent residence in China.
- Article 2
第二条 外国人在中国永久居留是指外国人在中国居留期限不受限制。
- Article 21
被批准在中国永久居留的未满18周岁的外国人,发给有效期为5年的《外国人永久居留证》;被批准在中国永久居留的18周岁以上的外国人,发给有效期为10年的《外国人永久居留证》。
- Article 20
第二十条 被批准在中国永久居留的外国人,每年在中国累计居留不得少于3个月。确因实际需要每年不能在中国累计居留满3个月的,需经长期居留地省、自治区、直辖市公安厅、局批准,但5年内在中国累计居留不得少于1年。
- Article 23
第二十三条 持有《外国人永久居留证》的外国人应当在证件有效期满前1个月以内申请换发;证件内容变更的,应当在情况变更后1个月以内申请换发;证件损坏或者遗失的,应当及时申请换发或者补发。