Settlement Visa (D Visa)
I.Eligibility
In accordance with the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners and policies of the National Immigration Administration, the D Visa (Settler Visa) is primarily available to the following applicants:
1.Foreign nationals planning long-term residence in China, including those joining Chinese family members, retiring in China, or settling for employment purposes.
2.Special talents meeting Chinese government recognition criteria (such as high-level professionals and investors; subject to coordination with other visa categories).
II.Application Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following basic conditions:
1.Valid Passport: Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended entry date, with a minimum of two blank visa pages.
2.Clean Criminal Record: A notarized or authenticated certificate of no criminal record is required.
3.Financial Capacity: Evidence of sufficient funds to support residence in China, including but not limited to bank statements, salary slips, or property ownership certificates.
4.Proof of Family Relationship (if applicable): For applicants joining Chinese family members, notarized documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates must be provided.
5.Health Examination Report: Required in certain circumstances; specific requirements to be confirmed with the visa center.
III.Required Documentation
Pursuant to the National Immigration Administration and the Regulations on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners, applicants must submit the following documents (originals and copies required for all items):
| No. | Document | Specific Requirements |
| 1 | Original Passport and Photocopy of Data Page | Valid for at least six months beyond the intended entry date, with a minimum of two blank visa pages. |
| 2 | Visa Application Form | Fully completed without alterations; signature must match that in the passport (available for download from the official website of the National Immigration Administration). |
| 3 | Photograph | Recent, frontal, color photograph with white background; bareheaded. Dimensions must comply with visa center requirements (typically 48mm × 33mm). |
| 4 | Health Examination Report (if required) | Issued by a hospital recognized by Chinese inspection and quarantine authorities; exemption may apply in certain circumstances. |
| 5 | Certificate of No Criminal Record | Notarized or authenticated documentation certifying the applicant has no criminal record (Chinese translation required for certain countries). |
| 6 | Proof of Family Relationship (if applicable) | Notarized documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates required if spouse or children reside in China. |
| 7 | Proof of Financial Capacity | Bank deposit certificate (recommended balance no less than RMB 100,000), salary slips, property ownership certificates, or equivalent documentation. |
| 8 | Invitation Letter / Guarantee Letter (if required) | Issued by family members or institutions within China, specifying guarantee obligations and relationship (official seal or signature required). |
| 9 | Other Supplementary Documents | Additional documentation may be required depending on individual circumstances, including but not limited to academic credentials, employment verification, or retirement certificates. |
Important Notice
Non-Chinese documents must be accompanied by certified Chinese translations.
The documentation requirements are subject to adjustment based on policy changes or individual circumstances; the visa center’s final determination shall prevail.
IV.Application Procedure
1.Online Appointment and Application
Log in to the official website of the National Immigration Administration (www.nia.gov.cn) or the Chinese Visa Application Service Center to complete the Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China online.
2.Document Submission for Preliminary Review
Submit the completed application form, photocopy of the passport data page, and other supporting documents to the Foreign Nationals Service Center via email for preliminary review. Upon approval, applicants will be notified to schedule fingerprint collection and interview.
3.Fingerprint Collection and Interview:
Aged 14–69: Personal appearance mandatory for fingerprint collection and interview (covering purpose of application, financial capacity, and related matters).
Minors or applicants with mobility impairments:Materials may be submitted by guardian or family member; proof of relationship required.
4.Payment and Processing
Visa fee payment.
Processing time is typically 4–5 working days (calculated from the date of fingerprint collection); complex cases may require additional time.
5.Visa Collection Upon approval, applicants may select:
Self-collection: Collect in person at the Foreign Nationals Service Center
Courier delivery: Pre-purchased express mail service
V. Important Considerations
Authenticity of Documents:Submission of fraudulent materials will result in visa refusal and may adversely affect future applications.
Policy Changes: Chinese visa policies are subject to modification; applicants are advised to verify current requirements through the National Immigration Administration website or visa center prior to application.