Many overseas Chinese who have lived abroad for years are now considering returning to China for permanent residence or retirement. However, the sheer variety of visa and residency options often leaves them feeling overwhelmed. Don't worry! We've compiled five practical ways to settle back home—don't miss out!
很多在海外生活多年的华人朋友，开始萌生回国定居或养老的念头，然而面对种类繁多的签证与居留问题，常常觉得无从下手..不用担心!今天整理五种回国定居方式，还不快点收藏起来！
📌Work Residence
📌工作居留
If you plan to work in China, this is the most direct way.
如果你计划在国内就业，这是最直接的方式。
✅Advantages: Get a 5-year residence permit in one go, saving you the hassle of frequent renewals.✅优势：一次性可获得最5年的居留许可，省去频繁续签的麻烦。
📌 Cluster Residence
📌团聚类居留
Applicable to friends with immediate family members (parents, spouse, children) in China.
适合在国内有直系亲属（父母、配偶、子女）的朋友。
✅Advantages: With family connections, you can apply for a residence permit valid for up to 5 years, allowing you to stay with your family with peace of mind.
✅优势：凭借亲属关系，即可申请最长5年居留，安心陪伴家人。
📌Residence for asylum seekers
📌投靠类居留
This program is specifically designed for overseas Chinese who wish to return to China for retirement, provided they have no immediate family members abroad.
专为希望回国定居养老，目在海外无直系亲属的华人设计。
✅Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 60 years old, have resided in China continuously for 5 years, and possess a stable residence and reliable income.
✅条件：年满60周岁,已在国内连续居住满5年，拥有稳定住所和经济来源。
✅Advantages: Secure long-term residency status for a stable and comfortable retirement life.
✅优势：获得长期居留身份，让晚年生活安稳踏实。
📌 repatriation
📌恢复国籍
Suitable for friends who are originally Chinese nationals and wish to restore their status. They must have a close relative in China, stable financial capacity (a deposit of 150,000 is recommended) + housing, and must submit foreign passports, permanent residence permits, and proof of collection in the original country.
适合原中国籍、现想恢复的朋友。需有近亲属在中国，有稳定经济能力（建议存款15万）+住房，需提交外国护照、永居证、原国集证明等。
📌Residence for property purchase
📌买房类居留
Some cities allow foreign Chinese aged 60 or older to apply for long-term residence by purchasing property in China, making it ideal for those planning retirement.
部分城市对年满60岁的外籍华人在国内买房即可申请长期居留，适合有养老计划的朋友。