Starting August 2019,Chinese Ministry of Public Security has relaxed its immigration policy. This has to do with the intention of welcoming more highly skilled overseas professionals. An additional aim refers to allowing more foreigners the possibility to become permanent residents.

This change will allow global talent to apply for long-term visas, as well as making it easier for overseas entrepreneurs to start their business in China.
Prior to this loosening of rules, only some of the foreign workers who met strict criteria could successfully apply for permanent residence.

Under the new policy, those individuals from abroad who have occupied the same job position consecutively for four years and have been also resident in China for a minimum of six months each year with an average income six times higher than the average in their city of residence, are eligible to apply for the permanent residence.
The easing of visa restrictions will also make it possible for people of Chinese ethnicity living abroad to apply for permanent residence. 

Foreigners holding a doctoral degree, or having worked in what the ministry has described as “key development areas” for four years with a minimum stay of six months each year are also qualified to apply for permanent residence. Starting August 2019, mainland China’s Ministry of Public Security has relaxed its immigration policy. This has to do with the intention of welcoming more highly skilled overseas professionals.