Length of stay if one buys an apt or house

Length of stay if one buys an apt or house
Feb 6, 2009 10:45
guest42150	Hello All, Appreciate if anyone can shed light on the following. I understand if I buy a house or apt in China as a foreigner (U.S.) that I own the bldg but not the land. Got it. But if I buy the apt or house how many days a year can I reside there? The travel visa is good for 60 days. So obviously I can be in China for 60 days. Does that mean I have to wait another year before applying to be able to enjoy another 60 days in China? Once that 60 days expires, how long do I have to be out of the country in order to apply for another 60 days? Or can I request more than 60 days at a time...say 90 or 120 or more? My wife and I can live on our retirement in China however, does one of us have to find a job if we wish to spend at least 9 months a year in China? About 9-10 months a year is our goal if possible. But if we have to leave for short periods every couple of months that is fine. We are both 49 years old. Thanks, TG

Feb 6, 2009 10:45

guest42150

Hello All,
Appreciate if anyone can shed light on the following. I understand if I buy a house or apt in China as a foreigner (U.S.) that I own the bldg but not the land. Got it. But if I buy the apt or house how many days a year can I reside there?

The travel visa is good for 60 days. So obviously I can be in China for 60 days. Does that mean I have to wait another year before applying to be able to enjoy another 60 days in China?

Once that 60 days expires, how long do I have to be out of the country in order to apply for another 60 days? Or can I request more than 60 days at a time...say 90 or 120 or more?

My wife and I can live on our retirement in China however, does one of us have to find a job if we wish to spend at least 9 months a year in China? About 9-10 months a year is our goal if possible. But if we have to leave for short periods every couple of months that is fine. We are both 49 years old. Thanks, TG

Feb 7, 2009 03:50	#1
GAFFER Points: Join Date: May 22, 2008 Status: Offline	You actually buy a lease with a fixed period (which varies). The shorter the expired portion of the lease left, the less the property is worth. The lease should be re-newable but at what cost is anyones guess. Should we assume your wife is not Chinese?

Feb 7, 2009 17:14	#2
GUEST01555	Thanks Gaffer, You assumed right, my wife is not Chinese. Would you know the typical length of a Chinese lease and how that length converts to how many months per year one can reside in China? Much obliged. TG

Feb 8, 2009 06:27

GAFFER
Points:
Join Date: May 22, 2008
Status: Offline

Having a Chinese wife would have made the propostion simpler but yours might not be too enthusiatic about being replaced ;o) I don't think the lease has any bearing on your visa/length of stay. On what grounds will you be applying for a visa? Unless you reside in an hotel or can provide an itinerary, you usually require a personal invitation from a Chinese resident.

I believe property leases are negotiated by the original developer with the local authority, usually 35 - 70 years. I'm not sure how long the system has been in operation but some could be coming up for re-newal. Property can be compulsary purchased should the land be required for redevelopment, probably at a price less than you paid. You can also lose or effectively lose your property if you have to leave the country unexpectedly (be removed). Rules and regulations have a habit of changing and/or being interpreted differently in different cities or provinces. Learn about and understand "guanxi".

More information here
http://www.overseaspropertymall.com/buying-property/guides-and-tips/property-buyers-guide-to-china/

and here
http://www.chinalawblog.com/2007/05/chinas_new_property_law_part_i_2.html

Feb 10, 2009 09:01

APAULT
Points:
Join Date: Mar 11, 2006
Status: Offline

I was sure I posted on this several days ago, but there is nopost there..oh well a shorter version now.

To 'buy' property you must be a resident or Chinese for a set period, I think 2 years. Working here, with entry on a Z visa will give you this. Otherwise it is not easy tio get residency. There are no rules on how long you spend there each year, you are limited only by your visa and as you will see from other threads, it is normally quite easy to get several months..my visa is a total of 9 months.

However, the residency rule was only introduced 2 or 3 years ago as one of a number of measures to reduce property inflation. As the market is slowing now there is some possibility the rule might be removed.

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