Nationality of China: all obtaining pathways
China provides for naturalization without a legally defined period — in practice over five years with permanent residence — and grants are extremely exceptional. Nationality is transmitted by ius sanguinis, with very limited ius soli, and the country does not accept dual nationality.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Willingness to abide by China's Constitution and laws (art. 7)
- Meet ONE of these conditions: (1) close relative of a Chinese citizen; (2) settled in China (定居); (3) other legitimate reasons
- Discretionary approval upon application (no minimum residence period set by law)
- Chinese nationality is lost upon acquiring a foreign one (arts. 3 and 9: no dual nationality)
- Naturalized persons may NOT retain foreign nationality (art. 8)
- In practice settlement (定居) requires permanent residence permission, and approvals are exceptional
Documentation
- Naturalization application form
- Passport and permanent residence permit
- Criminal record certificate
- Documents showing Chinese relatives or exceptional reasons
- Renunciation of the previous nationality
2Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Chinese national at the time of birth
- If born abroad, no foreign nationality is acquired automatically (if it is acquired, the Chinese nationality is called into question)
- China does not recognize dual nationality
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Chinese parent's hukou (family register)
- Chinese parent's Chinese passport
3Nationality by birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (limited ius soli)
Requirements
- Birth in China to stateless parents or parents of uncertain nationality
- Ius soli does not apply to children of foreigners born in China
- An extremely exceptional case
Documentation
- Chinese birth certificate
- Proof of the parents' statelessness
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of China
How many years of residence does China require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of China (Naturalization by residence), the term is No statutory minimum period (art. 7: settled residence in China — 定居 — + discretionary approval). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does China allow dual nationality?
Chinese nationality is lost upon acquiring a foreign one (arts. 3 and 9: no dual nationality)
What documentation does naturalization in China require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Naturalization application form; Passport and permanent residence permit; Criminal record certificate; Documents showing Chinese relatives or exceptional reasons; Renunciation of the previous nationality.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of China?
China provides 3 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Nationality by descent, Nationality by birth in the territory.
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Anything to correct or add about China?
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