China is a high-tech country with a prominent development speed. Thus the number of Middle Kingdom’s resident wannabes grows annually. But immigration to China is not a cup of tea: due to overpopulation relevant services pay a lot of attention to foreigners, and citizenship is almost impossible. 

Ways of immigration to China 

By PRC laws, when entering the country a foreigner must provide data on a guarantor-resident who promises to be responsible for the migrant. Also, there are alternatives:

Student’s visa. One of the easiest ways to enter the country for youngsters (up to 33 years of age): a lot of universities provide grants for studying Chinese, economics, and management. The grant-entering students can have a monthly scholarship, a place in the boarding house, and education cost compensation. Education at one’s expense can vary from 2500$ to 10000$ USD per year in state establishments, and from 10000$ to 30000$ USD in private ones.

Employment invitation. Here the employer acts as a guarantor. To enter the country one applies for a business type-Z visa which can be obtained after getting PRC working permission. To get permission one might not be a skilled surgeon or programmer: often one can find requests for nannies, entertainers, photographers, and performers. 

Starting a business. This option allows obtaining a multiple-entry business visa. And after four years of stable work and timely tax payments one can become a permanent resident. 

Real estate property. Having a flat in China gives one the right to get a temporary resident visa which allows one to live and work in PRC if the document's validity is prolonged on time. Getting a permanent residency requires at least 1mln$ USD real estate investment.

Economic investments. Investing can be targeted at state and private organizations, sovereign bonds, and infrastructure development. The minimal rate is 500 000$ USD at the beginning plus further investment within 3 following years.

Family reunion. Marriage, first-line family relations, and childbirth on the territory of the state or within the Chinese resident family allow one to obtain permanent residency.

Volunteering and special services to the State. PRC’s referential categories for permanent residency include experts in rare fields of activities, scientists, innovative project developers, and artisans. 

Immigration specifications

Foreigners in China meet a lot of challenges and restrictions. Particularly one should take into account the following:

Accommodation. China has a special list of hotels, houses, and flats with an allowance for residents of foreigners. Illegal residence may end in eviction for the inhabitant and a sustainable fine for the landlord. Besides, PRC's law demands mandatory foreigner's place of stay registration which must be done within 24 hours after entering the country at the local police station. 

Chinese. There are barely a few locals who speak English. Therefore substantial communication knowledge of Chinese is a must. 

Ecology. Locals do not drink tap water. And they wear masks not only as anti-disease protection but also as a remedy for normal breathing. China residence is not an option for those with low immunological protection or allergy-prone. 

Fee-for-service medical care. There is no free medical care in China. Even in case of emergency one will face a postpaid treatment system. 

Expensive cell service, slow and restricted Internet. Active phone usage can cost around 20-30$ USD per month with 256 mb/s connection speed and non-operational conventional services such as Google. 

Budget. One’s expenses will strongly depend on the region of arrival. For example, living in Shanghai or Beijing, which are among the 10 world’s most expensive cities, costs around 1500$ USD. Living in Guangzhou will be quite inexpensive., and lodging on the island or south provinces will be even cheaper. But the salaries there will be much lower. 

Despite all hardships, the foreigner can meet due to being in China, living there can be comfortable and quite interesting. Along with the peculiar culture and “citizen rating” phenomenon, PRC has a sky-high economic development level, convenient infrastructure, and almost no crime.