Immigration
Entry Requirements
To move to China, you will need a visa and your passport to enter the country. If you do not have a valid passport and the appropriate Chinese visa, you will not be allowed to enter China, you will be fined and you will be subject to immediate deportation. U.S. citizens traveling to China may apply for an up to one-year multiple-entry visa. Check your U.S. passport before applying for a visa to ensure that it has one year or more validity remaining. Further information is available at the U.S. Department of State website.
Visas
China’s immigration laws primarily are carried out by provincial, regional and municipal agencies and overseen by several state ministries. There are major immigration variations between agencies, so your destination within China will determine who will handle your immigration requirements when you move to China.
Permanent Residence
When you move to China, a Resident Visa or D Visa is issued to foreign nationals who plan to permanently reside in China. The D Visa is valid for six months with single entry. If you are not in China, you may apply at the U.S. Chinese Embassy in the United States or its consulates by providing an official application letter issued by the Ministry of Public Security. The D Visa must be changed to a Certificate of Permanent Residence of Aliens within 30 days after entry into China at a local public security authority. This permanent residence permit is good for 10 years (five years for children 18 and under). For visa details, visit the Embassy of China in the United States. For details, please visit this Embassy of China in the United States D Visa application page.
Work Permits
Working in China for a company or starting your own business requires an Employment Visa or Z Visa, which is issued prior to entry into China and is valid for three months. Application details are available at an Employment Visa (Z Visa). Upon arrival, you must obtain a Work Permit. When applying for your Work Permit, your employer’s business license, Organization Code Certificate, tax registration certificate and FIE approval certificate (if the employer is foreign-invested) must be provided, among other required documents. If you change your job and continue to hold a valid Work Permit, you can file an employer change document with the government to renew the Work Permit. The actual procedure for the renewal may vary from city to city.
For additional information on obtaining an employment permit, an employment visa, an employment certificate or for obtaining a residence permit, visit this official Chinese government website.
Retirement
China does not have a visa category for retirement. Please see long-term visa information under Permanent Residency above.
Customs
Household Goods
Your used household goods will not be dutiable if you hold a Certificate of Permanent Residence of Aliens. If you hold a visa good for less than one year, your goods will be dutiable. You must be in China prior to the shipment of your belongings to complete importation formalities and be present during the customs clearance procedures. All shipments are subject to physical inspection by customs. You also are required to provide accurate packing and inventory lists when importing household goods of any kind. The Customs Permit and Inventory List must be identical. Your international moving company will likely handle most of the details for you and will provide a complete list of documents you will need. Additional information is available at this China Customs website.