China
CHNChina is the world's second-largest economy and home to one of humanity's oldest continuous civilisations, with a cultural heritage stretching back thousands of years and cities that range from ancient imperial capitals to futuristic megacities. The country strictly prohibits dual nationality, and those who naturalise are expected to formally renounce prior citizenship, making it a one-way transition. Despite limited passport mobility compared to its economic weight, China's rapid infrastructure development, technological advancement, and sheer scale of opportunity continue to attract foreign professionals, academics, and entrepreneurs.
→ If you hold a China passport, see the China nationality guidePassport Rank
#62
Visa-Free
85
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- Beijing
- Currency
- Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Languages
- Mandarin Chinese
- Population
- 1,400,000,000
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Naturalisation
- 10 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Varied (Tropical to Subarctic)
- English Proficiency Rank
- #82
Indices
Cost of Living
38
Safety
67
Healthcare
64
Quality of Life
148
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 10 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
Cost of Living by City
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| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | $1,200 | $750 | $380 | $70 | $20 |
| Shanghai | $1,350 | $850 | $400 | $75 | $22 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Beijing
Rainfall range: 3–175 mm/month · Daylight 9h (winter) to 15h (summer)
Shanghai
Rainfall range: 40–155 mm/month · Daylight 10h (winter) to 14h (summer)
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- 99
- Language Test
- Yes (Mandarin Chinese proficiency required; high standard expected in practice)
- Civic Test
- Yes
- Oath Required
- Yes
- Dual Allowed
- No
- Fee
- $0
- Processing
- ~60 months
Real Estate
- Avg price/sqm (capital)
- $11,000
- Transaction taxes
- 5%
Foreign buyers: Foreign nationals may purchase ONE residential property in China after one year of working or studying in the country — property cannot be purchased for investment purposes. Foreigners cannot purchase commercial real estate or multiple residential units. Shanghai prime areas CNY 60,000-100,000/sqm ($8,500-14,000/sqm). Contract Deed Tax 3-5%; Stamp Duty 0.05%. Capital gains on property sale subject to 20% tax. Repatriation of proceeds requires SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange) approval and proof of tax compliance. VPN required for normal internet use — Great Firewall blocks Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.
International Schools
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| School | City | Curriculum | Tuition (USD/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| International School of Beijing | Beijing | US + IB | $25,000–$40,000 |
Daily Life Logistics
Internet
180 Mbps median
90% fibre coverage
eSIM: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
Driving
IDP not required
Local licence required after 0 months
Exchange eligible: Drives on the RIGHT. IDP is NOT accepted in China. Foreign nationals with valid foreign licences must obtain a Chinese driving licence to drive legally — this involves a written test (available in multiple languages including English) at the local traffic management bureau. The test covers Chinese traffic laws and road signs. No bilateral exchange: all foreigners must take the written exam.
Pet Relocation
Quarantine: 30 days
Rabies titre required
EU pet passport: not accepted
Safety
GPI Rank
#81
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠"tea ceremony" scams in Beijing and Shanghai tourist areas — friendly strangers invite tourists to tea then present enormous bills
- ⚠art gallery scams near tourist sites selling fake art at inflated prices
- ⚠taxi overcharging by unlicensed cabs — use DiDi app instead
- ⚠fake branded goods sold as genuine luxury items in markets
Examples of areas to avoid: No specific zones — China is generally safe for crime, but political activities, protests, and photography near government buildings carry legal risk, Xinjiang travel requires extra documentation and checkpoints
LGBTQ+ Legal Status
- Same-Sex Marriage
- Not legal
- Civil Partnerships
- Not recognised
- Anti-Discrimination Law
- No
- ILGA Rank
- #106
Religious Life
- Halal Food
- Widely available
- Kosher Food
- Limited
- Prayer Facilities
- Limited
Sample Citizenship Test Questions
Q1. The People's Republic of China was founded in which year?
Answer: 1949
Source: Ministry of Public Security — Chinese Nationality
Q2. What is the name of China's supreme legislative body?
Answer: National People's Congress
Source: Ministry of Public Security — Chinese Nationality