Beijing residency extended for foreign family of Chinese citizens

Foreign family members of Chinese citizens are eligible for two-year residence permits in Beijing via a family visit visa, the Beijing Public Security Bureau announced on Tuesday.

The new policy extends the original one-year permit and is renewable. It covers spouses, parents, in-laws, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren and children’s spouses.

Under the new policy, applicants no longer have to submit certificates, such as a marriage certificates, to prove their relationship with a Chinese citizen.

The policy is one of a dozen newly adopted measures to facilitate foreigners’ visits to Beijing.

Foreigners with a valid visa no longer need to submit a paper version of their Registration Form of Accommodation in Beijing when they renew their residency, but they are still required to register online.