New 5-year visas available for ethnic Chinese foreigners starting in February

If you can prove your Chinese heritage, you can obtain a fairly hassle-free visa or residence permit

Are you a foreigner with an ethnic Chinese background who is looking for a good China visa? Well, lucky you!

Because starting on February 1st, foreigners of Chinese descent will be able to apply for a 5-year visa with multiple entries. At the moment, individuals in this group are only able to secure a 1-year visa.

In addition, those who want to apply for a residence permit can get one for five years, upgraded from the previous three years.

This move is being made to allow ethnic Chinese to “return home,” making it easier for them to visit their families and conduct business, allowing them to “participate in China’s economic development,” said the Ministry of Public Security last week.

There are two ways that you can qualify for this new visa/residence permit: 1) Be a former Chinese citizen who has obtained foreign citizenship. 2) Have one parent, grandparent, or ancestor who is or was a Chinese citizen.

While there is no limit on how far back you can go in your ancestry, you will have to prove your heritage by submitting official documents when making your application.