How Many People Move to China Every Year?

China’s allure for foreigners is growing, but how many people actually move there each year? This is a question that is difficult to answer due to limited publicly available data. However, it's clear that in recent years, more expatriates are choosing China as their destination for both short-term work assignments and long-term residency.

Let’s begin with an undeniable fact: China is one of the world’s economic powerhouses. This has led to an influx of talent from all over the globe. China’s rapid modernization, combined with its ancient history and cultural richness, is an attractive combination for those looking to work, study, or experience a new way of life. But, the number of individuals moving to China has fluctuated over the years, largely depending on economic trends, employment opportunities, and governmental policies.

Estimating the Numbers: The Difficulty of Tracking Migration to China

Accurately estimating how many people move to China every year is tricky. Official data on immigration can be sparse or sometimes not very comprehensive. Various sources suggest that China’s foreign population had grown to around 845,000 by 2020, a notable increase compared to earlier decades. However, this figure includes both short-term residents and longer-term expatriates.

Expats in Major Cities

Most foreigners in China reside in major urban centers, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. These cities, often referred to as China’s “Tier 1” cities, have experienced a surge in expatriates because of their importance as business and financial hubs. Shanghai alone is home to nearly 209,000 foreigners, according to reports from 2020. This makes it the city with the largest number of expatriates in the country. Beijing follows closely behind with around 62,000 foreigners.

While Tier 1 cities dominate in terms of expat numbers, there are also growing foreign communities in Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hangzhou. These cities are becoming increasingly popular among professionals seeking to engage with China’s dynamic and expanding economy. However, as many expatriates move to China for specific work projects, the number of temporary visitors often outnumbers those who obtain permanent residence.

Who Is Moving to China?

To understand who exactly is moving to China, we need to break down the different categories of immigrants:

1. Professionals – A significant portion of the foreign population consists of skilled workers. These are often professionals in fields such as engineering, finance, teaching, technology, and manufacturing. China’s rapid development in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and renewable energy industries is attracting top-tier talent from around the world.

2. Entrepreneurs – China’s growing startup ecosystem, especially in places like Shenzhen (the “Silicon Valley” of hardware) and Beijing, has made the country a magnet for entrepreneurs. Foreigners are keen to take advantage of China's massive domestic market and abundant manufacturing capabilities. Many entrepreneurs have moved to China to tap into business opportunities and collaborate with local talent.

3. Students – China has become one of the leading destinations for international students. The Chinese government has actively promoted its educational institutions to foreigners, with thousands of scholarships offered to international students each year. Universities in cities like Beijing, Nanjing, and Shanghai have seen a rise in foreign enrollments, with a notable increase from African, South Asian, and Southeast Asian countries. In fact, by 2020, there were over 492,000 international students studying in China.

4. Retirees – Though not a large group, some expatriates, particularly from Japan, have chosen to retire in China, drawn by the lower cost of living in certain regions. While it’s not a mainstream trend, China offers a unique experience for those looking to retire in a place that offers a blend of modern conveniences and ancient traditions.

5. Diplomats and NGO Workers – China is home to a large number of embassies and international non-governmental organizations, particularly in Beijing. Many foreign nationals live in China as part of their diplomatic missions or while working for international NGOs.

Migration Policies and the Road Ahead

China’s policies on immigration have evolved significantly over the years. Historically, China was not seen as an easy country for foreigners to immigrate to. Its immigration laws were strict, and the path to permanent residency was highly selective. However, things have been changing, especially in Tier 1 cities that wish to attract international talent. The Chinese government has been introducing policies to make it easier for skilled professionals to obtain work visas and residency permits.

There are now programs that fast-track visas for foreign experts in areas deemed critical to China’s development, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Moreover, cities like Shanghai have launched Talent Visa programs aimed at attracting high-level professionals and business leaders to help stimulate innovation and growth in key sectors of the economy.

However, the path to permanent residency remains difficult. Unlike other countries that offer clear paths to citizenship through investment or long-term residency, China is much more cautious. The Green Card system (which grants permanent residency) is highly selective and has been issued to only a few thousand foreigners since its inception.

Factors Impacting Immigration to China

Several factors influence the number of people moving to China. Economic opportunities remain the primary driver. Western professionals and businesspeople are especially drawn to China’s expanding market opportunities, while students come for education and experience in one of the world’s most influential economies.

However, issues like language barriers, air quality concerns in major cities, and the complex visa application process can be deterrents. Additionally, recent geopolitical tensions between China and Western countries have resulted in some foreigners reconsidering their long-term prospects in the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted immigration trends significantly. In 2020 and 2021, many expatriates left China as borders tightened, and travel restrictions were implemented. Although many countries have since eased restrictions, China’s zero-COVID policy led to a temporary decrease in foreign workers and students moving to the country. However, as the world adjusts to post-pandemic norms, China’s economic recovery and growing industries are expected to attract a fresh wave of foreign talent.

Looking Forward: Will Immigration to China Grow?

Looking into the future, China’s strategy for attracting foreign talent is becoming increasingly refined. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s ambitious global infrastructure development strategy, could also drive further immigration. Many foreign professionals are now working in China as part of BRI projects, particularly those from developing countries.

As China continues to evolve as an economic superpower, it’s highly likely that immigration numbers will rise again, particularly among skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and students. However, the government’s careful approach to permanent residency and citizenship means that we are unlikely to see a significant increase in long-term foreign residents.

To conclude, while the exact number of people moving to China each year may be difficult to pinpoint, it’s clear that China is an increasingly attractive destination for foreigners. Its growing economy, opportunities in emerging industries, and cultural allure make it a magnet for international professionals, entrepreneurs, and students alike.