China

China is the world’s second-largest economy, with opportunities across technology, manufacturing and real estate, and vibrant property markets in Shanghai and Beijing. It offers no golden visa or citizenship by investment route, and Chinese nationals remain among the largest sources of demand for programs abroad.

China Golden Visa

China does not offer a golden visa or citizenship by investment program comparable to those in other countries. Such golden visa programs grant citizenship or residency rights through substantial investment, typically in real estate, national development funds or local businesses.

Residency And Citizenship In China

Chinese immigration policy focuses on temporary and long-term residence for foreign nationals through work, study and family reunion visas. A Permanent Residence Permit, commonly known as the Chinese Green Card, is available to those meeting certain criteria. It does not confer citizenship but allows foreign nationals to live and work in China on a more permanent basis.

Applicants typically qualify on one of four grounds. Investment requires a significant commitment such as starting a business or making substantial capital contributions to an existing one. Employment covers highly skilled foreign workers employed by a Chinese company.

Family reunification applies where the applicant has a spouse or children who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents. Special contribution covers those who have made significant contributions to China in fields including science, technology, culture and sport.

China does not permit dual nationality. A Chinese national who acquires a foreign citizenship automatically loses Chinese nationality, which is a material consideration for anyone weighing a second passport.

Dominica, Grenada and St Kitts have all been popular routes for Chinese applicants. Grenada ranks 63rd on the Index with 179 destinations, 59.6% of world GDP and 79.4% of global travel, and holds an E-2 treaty with the United States allowing citizens to apply for a US investor visa.

St Kitts and Nevis reaches 191 destinations, the widest count of any Caribbean citizenship, and Dominica sits 68th with 183 destinations and 55.5% of world GDP. All three grant full citizenship in four to eight months with no requirement to relocate.

Chinese investors have been among the largest contributors to the Portuguese Golden Visa since its launch in 2012. It requires a qualifying fund investment from €500,000 and asks for only seven days a year in the country, with permanent residence available after five years. The Portuguese passport ranks 15th on the Index with 214 destinations and 99.4% of world GDP.

China Passport Strength And Ranking

China ranks 117th of 199 on the La Vida Passport Value Index. The Chinese passport reaches 86 of the world’s 227 destinations without a prior visa, representing 29.0% of world GDP and 27.2% of global travel measured by international visitor arrivals.

Chinese nationals require advance visas for the United States, the United Kingdom, the Schengen Area, Canada and Australia. Those destinations account for most of the gap between a Chinese passport and an investment-grade one, and are a significant factor in why so many Chinese nationals pursue alternative citizenship through investment.