Foreign spouses in China: Work rights and residence policies
In recent years, the number of international marriages in China has increased, reflecting the intensifying population mobility and increasing cultural exchanges against the backdrop of globalization. However, compared to the total number of marriage registrations nationwide, they still account for a small proportion.
Whether foreign spouses who choose to settle in China are eligible to seek employment and support their families financially mainly depends on whether they meet China's employment regulations and relevant application requirements.
According to relevant regulations in China, foreigners need to meet the following conditions to work in China:
Age and Health: Be at least 18 years old and in good health.
Professional Skills: Possess the necessary professional skills and corresponding work experience for the job they intend to perform.
No Criminal Record: The applicant must have no criminal record.
Employing Unit: Have a definite employing unit.
Valid Documents: Hold a valid passport or other international travel documents that can replace a passport.
After meeting the above conditions, foreign spouses can apply for a work permit and a work-type residence permit to legally work in China.
2、Application Process
For foreign spouses of Chinese citizens, the process of applying for a work visa is relatively streamlined. On the basis of meeting the application conditions for a work visa, they can apply for a work permit directly within China while holding a reunion residence permit, without the need to apply from outside the country.
3、Other options
If foreign spouses temporarily do not meet the application conditions for a work visa or wish to have a longer-term plan in the future, they can consider the following options:
Apply for a Reunion Residence Permit: This is the choice for most foreign spouses in international marriages, but it should be noted that the Reunion Residence Permit usually does not allow working in China.
Apply for a Chinese Green Card: If the foreign spouse has been married to a Chinese citizen for at least 5 years and has resided continuously in China for at least 5 years (with a residence period of no less than 9 months each year), has stable living support and accommodation, and complies with Chinese laws, is in good health, and has no criminal record, they can apply for permanent residence (i.e., a Chinese Green Card). Once they obtain the Green Card, their employment in China will no longer be restricted.
4、Consequences of Illegal Employment
It must be emphasized that if foreign spouses work in China without obtaining a work permit and work-type residence permit as required, they will be considered to be engaged in illegal employment. Illegal employees may face penalties such as fines, detention, or even deportation. Therefore, when seeking employment, foreign spouses must ensure that they comply with China's employment regulations and application conditions. Based on their actual situation and long-term plans, they can choose a suitable residence and employment path.
With the advancement of globalization and the opening up of people's minds, international marriages have gradually become a new marital model, promoting exchanges and integration between different cultures, and the number of international marriages may continue to increase.
China will further improve its residence and employment policies for foreigners in China to provide them with more convenience and support. All sectors of society should also strengthen their understanding and attention to international marriages, and provide more assistance and support to international marital families.