According to Chinese law, aliens holding Visas D, Z, X, or J-1 and those who have entered China without a visa in accordance with the agreement between the Chinese government and the government of relevant countries, if their stay in China is longer than 30 days shall, within 30 days of entry into China, obtain aliens' residence cards or aliens' temporary residence cards from the city or county public security bureau at the place of their residence. The period or validity of the aforementioned certificates is the duration of the holders' permitted stay in China.

There are two types of foreigners' residence permits, namely Aliens' Residence Card, which is issued to those who stay in China for one year or more, and Aliens' Temporary Residence Card, which is issued to those who stay less than one year in China. Aliens holding visas F, L, G, C or J-2 may stay in China for the period prescribed in their visas without obtaining residence certificates.

In applying for residence certificates, aliens shall provide such information as requested and complete the following procedures:
1) Submit for examination their passports, visas and papers supporting their purposes of residence;
2) Fill in residence application forms; and
3) In applying for aliens' residence cards, submit for examination health certificates and recently-taken two-inch half-length, bareheaded, full-faced photos.