The Foreigner Permanent Residence ID card, or "Chinese Green Card", is the highest residence status for foreigners in China. It is not easy to get, but requirements have gradually loosened.
Route 1 - Talent: top A-category experts, scholars and researchers may apply with recommendation, with a faster track.
Route 2 - Investment: direct investment in China for 3+ consecutive years meeting local thresholds (usually millions of RMB, varying by city).
Route 3 - Family: married to a Chinese citizen for 5+ years, resident in China 5+ years with stable income and housing.
Process: submit to the local exit-entry administration, then approval by the National Immigration Administration, typically 6 months to 1 year.
Benefits: no more visas or residence permits; can buy property, invest, join social security, and children enjoy education policies; spouse and children may accompany.
