Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Xiamen

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Xiamen, China

China does not offer a formal citizenship by investment program in Xiamen or anywhere else in the country. The Chinese nationality system is governed by the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China and related administrative rules. Naturalization is possible in theory but is rare and discretionary. What many people refer to as "investment routes" are actually immigration and residence pathways - for example, residence permits for foreign investors, work-based residence permits, and the permanent residence permit for foreigners sometimes called the "Chinese green card". Those residence pathways can provide long-term legal status and, in exceptional cases, form part of a path that may lead to naturalization if other strict criteria are met.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Citizenship-related matters in China are complex, tightly regulated, and highly discretionary. A lawyer can help you in multiple ways:

- Assess your eligibility for residence, permanent residency, or potential naturalization based on facts such as family ties, employment, investment, and contributions to China.

- Advise on the correct legal route - investment visa or residence permit, recruitment via a Chinese employer, talent visa, or family reunification - and on realistic expectations regarding outcomes.

- Prepare and review documentation, translations, and notarizations to satisfy administrative requirements and reduce delays or rejections.

- Structure business investments and corporate entities to meet immigration and commercial rules while addressing tax, labor, and regulatory compliance.

- Represent you before local authorities such as the Exit-Entry Administration, tax offices, and municipal investment promotion agencies in Xiamen.

- Advise on renunciation issues and consequences - notably China’s nonrecognition of dual nationality - and on cross-border legal questions like taxes and status in your home country.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal instruments and local considerations relevant to residency and potential naturalization in Xiamen include:

- Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China - defines citizenship, naturalization criteria, and the principle that Chinese nationality is not generally available by investment.

- Exit-Entry Administration Law and related regulations - govern visas, residence permits, extensions, and administrative procedures for foreign nationals in China.

- Regulations on the Administration of Permanent Residence of Aliens - set out eligibility and procedures for granting permanent residence permits to foreign nationals, including investors and high-level talent.

- Public security and municipal rules - local Public Security Bureaus, including the Xiamen Exit-Entry Administration, implement national rules and may have pragmatic local practices that affect processing times and documentary requirements.

- Business and investment law framework - company law, foreign investment law, tax rules, and local preferential policies in Xiamen or Fujian province shape how investor-based residence routes are structured.

- Dual nationality policy - China does not recognize dual nationality; naturalization by a foreigner generally requires renouncing other citizenships under Chinese practice.

Note - application outcomes often depend on discretionary assessments of "sufficient ties" to China, economic contribution, criminal and security checks, and continuous lawful residence. Xiamen, as a major port city and special economic area, may offer local incentives for foreign talent and investors, but those incentives do not equate to a citizenship-by-investment program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a citizenship by investment program in Xiamen or China?

No. China does not have a citizenship by investment program. There are visa and residence permit routes for investors and high-level talent, and a system for permanent residence, but naturalization is a separate, rare, and discretionary process under the Nationality Law.

What residence options are available for foreign investors in Xiamen?

Common options include investor residence permits based on establishing or investing in a Chinese enterprise, work-based permits through employment, talent visas for high-level specialists, and permanent residence permits for qualifying investors or individuals who meet contribution criteria. Each path has specific documentary, financial, and regulatory requirements.

Can a foreigner gain Chinese permanent residency - the "green card" - through investment?

Yes, in limited cases. The permanent residence permit for foreigners can be granted to high-level talent and major investors who meet stringent standards showing long-term commitment, significant economic contribution, or other exceptional circumstances. Approval is discretionary and often requires coordination with local authorities.

Will China allow me to keep my original citizenship if I naturalize?

China generally does not recognize dual nationality. If a foreign national is naturalized as a Chinese citizen, Chinese authorities expect renunciation of the original nationality. Practical and legal effects vary by case, but you should plan on losing your prior nationality under Chinese law if naturalization is approved.

How long does it take to get permanent residency or naturalization?

Timelines vary greatly. Residence permits can be issued in weeks to months depending on the permit type and documentation. Permanent residency applications are reviewed carefully and can take many months or longer. Naturalization is rare and can be a lengthy discretionary process. Processing times depend on case complexity and local administrative capacity.

What documents are typically required for an investor residence or permanent residence application?

Typical documents include valid passport and visa, business registration and proof of investment, tax certificates, financial statements, employment contracts if applicable, proof of lawful residence, criminal background checks and notarizations from your home country, health certificates, and any documents evidencing special contributions or qualifications.

Do I need to set up a company in Xiamen to qualify for investor residence?

Not always, but establishing a bona fide business or holding a qualifying investment in China is a common basis for an investor residence permit. Structures, capital requirements, and permissible sectors vary. Legal advice helps ensure the business meets both commercial and immigration requirements.

What are the common reasons applications are denied?

Denials may arise from incomplete or improperly authenticated documents, insufficient economic or social ties to China, criminal records, noncompliance with local laws, and inadequate evidence of the claimed investment or contribution. Administrative discretion and policy priorities can also influence outcomes.

How can a lawyer help with an application in Xiamen?

A lawyer can evaluate eligibility, assemble and authenticate documents, advise on business structuring and tax implications, liaise with local authorities, prepare legal briefs or submissions, and represent you at meetings or interviews. Lawyers also help manage risks and set realistic expectations.

What should I watch out for when seeking help or information?

Watch for scams and misleading promises of guaranteed citizenship. Verify credentials of service providers, avoid anyone promising automatic citizenship for a fee, and consult licensed lawyers or reputable immigration consultants. Always confirm procedural requirements with official authorities such as the Exit-Entry Administration.

Additional Resources

Useful authorities and documents to consult when seeking immigration or residency advice in Xiamen include:

- Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China - the primary statute on citizenship.

- Exit-Entry Administration Law and Regulations - for visas and residence permits.

- Regulations on the Administration of Permanent Residence of Aliens - for "green card" applications.

- National Immigration Administration and Ministry of Public Security - national bodies overseeing entry-exit matters.

- Xiamen Municipal Public Security Bureau - Exit-Entry Administration - local office handling document submission and interviews in Xiamen.

- Xiamen Municipal Foreign Affairs Office and local investment promotion agencies - for city-level policies and investor services.

- State Administration for Market Regulation and local tax authorities - for business registration and tax compliance if you plan to invest.

Consult the official texts and contact the local authorities for the most current requirements. Rely on licensed legal practitioners for tailored legal advice.

Next Steps

If you are considering residency, permanent residency, or eventual naturalization in Xiamen, take these practical steps:

- Clarify your goal - short-term residence, business investment, permanent residency, or naturalization - and note any time constraints.

- Gather your personal and business documents - passport, visas, company formation paperwork, tax records, contracts, and police certificates - and begin obtaining required notarizations and translations.

- Schedule a consultation with a qualified immigration lawyer or law firm experienced in Chinese and local Xiamen procedures. Verify professional licenses and relevant case experience.

- Request an eligibility assessment and a written plan outlining required documents, estimated timelines, associated costs, and potential risks such as the renunciation of prior nationality.

- Coordinate with local partners or professional service providers for company formation, tax registration, and compliance if your route is investment-based.

- Maintain realistic expectations - China’s nationality regime is not a commercial program and naturalization is uncommon. Focus first on establishing lawful, compliant long-term residence and business presence.

If you need help finding a qualified legal professional in Xiamen, search for licensed immigration attorneys or law firms with demonstrated experience in Exit-Entry Administration matters and corporate immigration. Prepare your documents and questions in advance to make consultations efficient and productive.