Living in China

Rent, health cover and ways to get residency for a foreign retiree in China, checked 2026-09-27.

Rent for a one-bedroom flat

Foreigners must register their address with the police within 24 hours of moving in.

Foreigners mostly use international hospitals in the big cities, paid through private insurance; Tier 1 cities cost 30–50% more.

Visa-free entry (Citizens of 50 countries, incl. most of the EU): Up to 30 days per visit until the end of 2026; cannot be extended in China.
No retirement visa (Non-citizens): Long stays go through work, family or study permits. A retirement visa has been proposed but not introduced.
Permanent residence by investment (Investors): US$2M invested for three years, or US$500,000–1M in central and western regions.

Social insurance at Shanghai rates (pension 8%, medical 2%, unemployment 0.5%); rules for foreigners vary by city. The housing fund is not included.
Tax-free allowances for foreigners (housing, children’s education) run until 2027 and are not modeled.