Dear Editor,

I'm a foreigner and I want to become a Chinese national. What do I need to do?

Thank you

Adnan

..............................................................................

Dear Adnan,

According to the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China, the country doesn't recognize dual nationality for any Chinese national. Foreign nationals or stateless persons who are willing to abide by China's Constitution and laws and who meet one of the following conditions may be naturalized upon approval of their applications:

(1) they are close relatives of Chinese nationals
(2) they've settled in China or
(3) they've other legitimate reasons.

Any person who applies for naturalization as a Chinese national shall acquire Chinese nationality upon approval of their application. A person whose application for naturalization as a Chinese national has been approved shall not retain foreign nationality.

Foreign nationals, who once held Chinese nationality, may apply for restoration of Chinese nationality if they've legitimate reasons. Those whose applications for restoration of Chinese nationality have been approved shall not retain foreign nationality.

Nationality applications from within China will be handled by the public security bureaus of the municipalities or counties where the applicant resides. Applications from abroad will be dealt with by China's diplomatic representative agencies and consular offices.

Documents Required for Approval

Those applying to become Chinese nationals should complete a letter of application seeking to become a Chinese National (three copies) each with a recent, bare headed, full-faced color photo (size:3.5×5.3cm) attached and submit one more of the same sized photo on application.

Relevant certificates:

1) a copy of the applicant's valid passport or other valid travel certificates
2) a copy of the Residence Permit
3) a copy of the certificates confirming the applicant's residency

Applications for naturalization as Chinese nationals and for renunciation or restoration of Chinese nationality are subject to examination and approval by the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China. The Ministry of Public Security will issue a certificate to those whose applications are approved.

(China.org.cn, November 27, 2006)