Entry-exit and stay

Conditions for naturalization as a Chinese national

As to acquired nationality, in accordance with the provisions of the Nationality Law, there are two premises for foreigners or stateless persons to be naturalized, and conditions provided by law must also be met. These two premises are: the applicants must be willing to abide by China’s Constitution and laws; and naturalization must be of the own free will of the applicants. The conditions provided by law are: (1) they are near relatives of Chinese nationals; (2) they have settled in China; or (3) they have other legitimate reasons. Applicants who qualify for the above-mentioned two premises and meet one of the conditions may apply to be naturalized.

To be naturalized as a Chinese national, the applicants must go through the application formalities. Nationality applications at home shall be handled by the public security organs of the municipalities or counties where the applicants reside; nationality applications abroad shall be handled by China’s diplomatic representative agencies and consular offices. The public security organs of the municipalities or counties and China’s diplomatic representative agencies and consular offices will only accept application and examine whether the applicants meet the legal provisions. The applications are subject to the final examination and approval of the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China. Upon approval by the Ministry of Public Security, and issuance of certificates by the relevant public security organs, the applicants acquire the Chinese nationality and become citizens of the People’s Republic of China. Because China does not recognize dual nationality for any Chinese national, citizens being approved to be naturalized as Chinese citizens shall not retain foreign nationality.