Families of expats can stay longer

Foreign family members of Chinese citizens will be eligible for a two-year residency permit in Beijing based on a family visit visa, according to the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau.

The bureau announced a new policy on Tuesday that extends by one year the time allowed under the previous policy. The two-year permits are renewable.

Family members of a Chinese citizen - including spouses, parents, spouse's parents or children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren and spouses of the children - are now allowed to live in Beijing for two years. Formerly they had to go to the Department of Entry and Exit for an annual renewal.