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Q: Is there a visa for foreigners who want to retire in China?
Most visas that I know of are for either working, studying, travel, business or having a Chinese spouse. So what about elderly, retired foreigners who want to live out there days in China? Is this possible or does China not accommodate foreigners who merely want to live here and not work/travel/study/marry a local?
11 years 24 weeks ago in Visa & Legalities - China
If you have the patience needed, you can do it, as I am doing it, with an L tourist visa, and no need to marry anyone. And patience is needed because Chinese officials will not grant you a first visa good for two years, and 180 days stay each time you enter. Normally they will start you with a maybe one or two entries, maybe 6 months validity, and from 30 to 90 days stay. But whatever you get, whenever you renew it, and have had no problems which means you respect Chinese regulations), you can apply and will get one with longer validity, more entries, and longer stays.
I have been coming to China for over 15 years, And almost 3 years ago I retired and moved here permanently. At that time I had my first two year visa, multiple entries, good for 60 days. Today I hold one that allows me 120 days, and next year will apply for 180 days, and I was told I could get it.
And all you have to do is to exit China and enter another country, and immediately turn around and exit that country and re-enter China for whatever "stay" you are granted. Yes, it can become a pain, but if you plan it properly, for example I have visited Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and do plan other Asian countries in the future.
The only visa that will give you exactly what you want is the Resident visa, but those are very hard to get, and do require you to invest from $3 to $5 million dollars in China prior to requesting it.
And one last thing, China does not have a "marriage" visa. Maybe you refer to a tourist visa, and with a residence permit because you have married a local.
Hugh.G.Rection:
I don't know why that got a thumbs down I think the idiots are at work again, that is good information.
Thumbs up from me to compensate.
HappyExPat:
Thumbs up or down means nothing to me, so the ones you call idiots are wasting their time with me, i do not even look at that side of the post. But ever since a poster famous for his stupid questions and answers has returned, thumbs down have suddennly increased (in the last week or so). Coincidence? I do not think so.
I am retired, but I have a Chinese wife........ still got to renew my resident visa whenever it expires. pain in the arse.
They don't have a retirement visa if that's what you are asking for. So no!
Can only get a tourist visa. China is not high on a list for retirement, winters too cold.
