How to Apply for the China Five-Star Card: Step-by-Step Guide

TL;DR: The China Five-Star Card (五星卡 Wǔxīng Kǎ) is China’s official Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (中华人民共和国外国人永久居留身份证). Issued starting December 2023, it features an 18-digit unique ID that allows expats to live, work, and travel freely in China without a separate visa.

Issued starting December 2023, the card functions like a Chinese resident ID card and streamlines daily life, work, and travel across the country.

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1. Eligibility Requirements for the Five-Star Card

To apply for the China Five-Star Card, you must be in good health, have a clean criminal record, and strictly obey Chinese laws. You must also qualify under one of the specific investment, employment, or family categories listed by the National Immigration Administration:

• Investors: Direct and stable investments in China with good tax payment records for three consecutive years.
• High-Level Employees: Worked as a deputy general manager, factory deputy director, or held a professional associate senior title (such as associate professor). Must have lived in China for at least three cumulative years over a four-year period with proper tax payments.
• Special Personnel: Significant and outstanding contributions to China or skills urgently needed by the country.
• Married Spouses: Married to a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with permanent residence for at least five years, lived in China for five consecutive years (at least nine months per year), and have a stable income and home.
• Dependent Children: Unmarried child under the age of 18 dependent on parents.
• Senior Citizens: Over 60 years old, no direct relatives abroad, living with a direct relative in China for five consecutive years (at least nine months per year) with a stable income.
• Eligible Family Members: Spouse or unmarried child (under 18) of an approved investor, high-level employee, or special personnel.

2. Required Application Documents Checklist

You must submit clear, original documents to the local Exit-Entry Administration Bureau (公安局出入境管理局) to process your application. Every applicant must provide a valid foreign passport, a physical health certificate, and an official clean criminal record certificate from their home country.

Depending on your application category, you must also provide specific supporting documents:

Professional Service

Immigration

Seamless processing for permanent residency, citizenship, and family sponsorship applications.

3. Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for permanent residence requires you to submit your files in person to the public security organs in your city or district.

1. Gather basic personal documents: Prepare your valid foreign passport, health certificate, and foreign certificate of no criminal record. If you get a background check inside China, it must be officially verified.
2. Collect category-specific proof: Gather all employment letters, tax records, marriage certificates, or investment capital reports required for your specific category.
3. Submit to the public security organ: Bring your complete application package to the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau (公安局出入境管理局) in your local city.
4. Wait for final approval: Your local bureau will review the documents and send them to the National Immigration Administration (NIA) for ultimate approval and card issuance.

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4. China Five-Star Card vs. Foreign Passport

The Five-Star Card functions similarly to a Chinese citizen’s Resident Identity Card (居民身份证) and offers major conveniences over using a standard foreign passport for daily life:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use the old Foreign Permanent Residence ID Card?

Yes, you can still use the old version of the card during its normal validity period. However, if you apply for the new Five-Star Card, you will keep your original unique ID number to ensure a smooth transition for your personal records.

Can I lose my permanent residence status in China?

Yes, the National Immigration Administration can cancel your card if you break the rules. Your card will be revoked if you endanger national security, use false application materials, or if you live in China for less than three months a year without prior approval.

Can I buy train tickets with the Five-Star Card?

Yes, you can use the Five-Star Card to purchase tickets directly on the China Railway 12306 app (铁路12306). You can also swipe the card at the automatic station gates for ticketless entry, exactly like local citizens.