A foreigner living in China would be protected by the PRC laws in general. A foreigner may enjoy the same legal rights and assume the same legal obligations if such rights or obligations are not limited to PRC citizens only, (referring to labor rights, political rights, etc.)

A foreigner who marries to a Chinese national and wants to reside in China can apply for family visa from local Entry & Exit Administration Bureau by submitting marriage certificate, current visa and relevant materials. Such visa can be given with one-year term, renewable before expiration.

If a foreigner who marries to a Chinese national wants to permanently reside in China, must abide by Chinese laws, be in good health and without any criminal record, and must meet the following requirements:

(1) at least five years of marriage relation;
(2) at least five successive years of residence in China and at least nine months of residence in China each year; and
(3) having stable source of support and a dwelling place.

A foreigner who wants to reside permanently may apply for the Permanent Resident Card. A foreigner with the Permanent Residence Card can use such card and his/her identity card to enter into or exist China without additional visa requirement. The foreigner may also work in China.

To apply for the Permanent Resident Card, the applicant should submit following documents to his/her local Public Security Bureau at municipal level:

(1) application form;
(2) valid passport;
(3) health certificate;
(4) none-criminal-record certificate;
(5) photos; and
(6) other required documents.

The Public Security Bureau will make its decision within 6 months and will issue the Permanent Residence Card after approval.