PRC, Nationality Law
Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China
中华人民共和国国籍法
Promulgated by ： Standing Committee of the National People's Congress |
Promulgation Date ： 1980.09.10 |
Effective Date ： 1980.09.10 |
Validity Status ： valid |
(Adopted by the 3rd meeting of the 5th NPC on 10 September 1980)
Article 1.
This law shall apply to the acquisition, loss and resumption of PRC nationality.
Article 2.
The PRC is a united state of many races and the people of every race shall have Chinese nationality.
Article 3.
The PRC does not recognize dual nationality for its citizens.
Article 4.
In the case of those born in China, if one or both parents are Chinese citizens, then they shall have Chinese nationality.
Article 5.
In the case of those born outside China, if one or both parents are Chinese citizens, then they shall have Chinese nationality. But if one or both parents are Chinese citizens who have settled abroad, and the child, when born, has foreign nationality, they shall not have Chinese nationality.
Article 6.
In the case of those born in China where both parents are stateless or of unclear nationality and settled in China, they shall have Chinese nationality.
Article 7.
Foreign or stateless persons willing to abide by the constitution and laws of China, and fulfilling one of the following criteria, can apply for Chinese nationality:
(1) They have Chinese relations;
(2) They are settled in China;
or
(3) Other proper reasons.
Article 8.
Those whose applications for Chinese nationality are approved shall be granted Chinese nationality. Those approved for Chinese nationality may not retain foreign nationality.
Article 9.
Chinese citizens settled abroad who voluntarily acquire foreign nationality shall automatically lose their Chinese nationality.
Article 10.
Chinese citizens fulfilling one of the following criteria can apply to renounce their Chinese nationality:
(1) They have foreign relations;
(2) They are settled abroad;
or
(3) Other proper reasons.
Article 11.
Those whose applications to renounce their Chinese nationality are approved shall lose their Chinese nationality.
Article 12.
State workers and serving military personnel may not renounce their Chinese nationality.
Article 13.
Foreigners who have previously held Chinese nationality may apply to resume their Chinese nationality if they have proper reason to do so. Those approved to resume Chinese nationality may not retain their foreign nationality.
Article 14.
The application procedure shall be followed for the acquisition, loss and resumption of Chinese nationality, except where Article 9 applies. In the case of persons under 18 the application may be made by their parents or statutory representative.
Article 15.
The authority processing applications shall be the local municipal or county public security bureau inside China, and Chinese diplomatic or consular authorities outside China.
Article 16.
Applications to be admitted to, renounce or resume Chinese nationality shall be examined and approved by the PRC Ministry of Public Security. The Ministry of Public Security shall issue a certificate when applications are approved.
Article 17.
The acquisition or loss of Chinese nationality occurring prior to the promulgation of this Law shall continue in effect.
Article 18.
This Law shall be effective as of date of promulgation.
