Why Should Chinese Citizens Choose the European Union for Obtaining a Residence Permit?

Over the past few decades, the migration of Chinese citizens to Europe has become a significant demographic and economic phenomenon, creating new cultural, educational and entrepreneurial links between European Union countries and East Asia. While earlier waves of Chinese migration were primarily labour-oriented and concentrated in port cities, modern trends show an increase in the number of educated professionals, students and entrepreneurs who choose Europe as a place to live and develop their businesses in the long term.

Historically, migration from China to Europe began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Chinese labourers arrived in France and the United Kingdom to participate in industrial reconstruction following the First World War.
These early waves laid the foundation for small, yet stable, Chinese communities which later became cultural and commercial centres. The second half of the 20^(th) century saw new forms of migration emerge: following China’s political and economic reforms in the 1980s, Chinese citizens began actively moving to Europe for educational and business purposes, marking the beginning of the modern phase of migration.

Today, the Chinese diaspora in Europe is estimated to number around 2.1–2.2 million people. The largest communities have formed in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. The UK has the largest Chinese community in Europe, with over 600,000 people, most of whom live in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool. France ranks second with around 540,000 Chinese residents, almost half of whom reside in Paris. Italy has experienced some of the fastest growth in its Chinese population in recent years, with numbers multiplying several times over the past twenty years to reach around 330,000 people, with major concentrations in Milan, Rome, and Prato.

Modern Chinese migration to Europe is complex and driven by several factors. Economic reasons remain key, with many migrants seeking to take advantage of the single European market, stable banking systems, and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. Chinese entrepreneurs are active in trade and import-export operations, as well as in the restaurant and hotel sectors, real estate, and technology.

Education has also become a major driver of migration. European universities are in high demand among Chinese students due to the quality of their education, their international programmes, and the possibility of obtaining residence permits after graduation. Consequently, Chinese students make up one of the largest groups of international students at universities across the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Many of them remain in Europe after graduating, forming a new generation of the Chinese professional diaspora.

In addition to economic and educational motives, a growing number of wealthy Chinese citizens view Europe as a reliable place to diversify their assets and obtain alternative residency. Investment residence programmes in countries such as Cyprus, Greece and Malta attract Chinese investors thanks to their stable political environments, transparent tax systems and access to the European Union market. At the same time, there is a growing trend towards not only real estate acquisition, but also the creation of holding structures, trusts, and investment funds.

Why are wealthy Chinese citizens leaving China?

Amid ongoing economic uncertainty and increasing geopolitical tensions, China is experiencing a significant outflow of affluent citizens. An ever-growing number of high-net-worth individuals are seeking to diversify their assets and secure the stability of their family wealth outside the country.

According to analytical reports, China has become the world leader in millionaire emigration. Last year, it witnessed the largest outflow of wealthy individuals globally, and a new record is expected in 2025: approximately 15,200 Chinese millionaires are planning to relocate.

This large-scale exodus of affluent citizens is driven by a combination of factors.

Firstly, the slowdown in China’s economic growth and the uncertainty of the real estate market have caused concern among private investors. Secondly, geopolitical tensions with Western countries and tightening domestic control over businesses have strengthened entrepreneurs’ desire to move their assets to more predictable jurisdictions. Thirdly, many wealthy families view emigration as part of a long-term strategic plan that includes obtaining alternative citizenship, securing international education for their children and gaining access to more stable financial systems.

The most popular European destinations for Chinese millionaires today are countries offering investment residence programmes, such as Greece, Malta, and Cyprus. Europe remains particularly attractive due to its combination of political stability, developed infrastructure, and transparent tax regimes.

Therefore, the current wave of wealthy Chinese emigration is not just a temporary trend, but rather a reflection of deeper structural changes in the global financial and political landscape. Chinese capital is being increasingly redistributed on an international scale, creating new centres of investment attraction and influencing the transformation of European real estate markets, financial services and the private banking sector.

The sociocultural dimension of Chinese migration to Europe also deserves special attention. New generations of Chinese migrants demonstrate a high level of integration within European society while preserving their cultural identity. In many European cities, Chinese districts have emerged that blend traditional Chinese culture with the European lifestyle. These neighbourhoods have become hubs of gastronomy, commerce, and cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue.

The economic contribution of the Chinese diaspora to Europe’s development cannot be overstated. Chinese entrepreneurs create jobs, invest in real estate, engage in cross-border trade and contribute to the growth of the tourism sector. Meanwhile, the influence of Chinese students and professionals in scientific and technological fields continues to grow, strengthening the academic and innovative links between China and the European Union.

In conclusion, Chinese migration to Europe is a complex and multifaceted process encompassing economic, educational, cultural and investment dimensions. It reflects China’s broader aspirations for international integration and the diversification of opportunities in a globalised economy. Looking ahead, further growth of the Chinese presence in Europe can be expected, particularly in digital technology, international education and new forms of global mobility of capital and human resources.

European countries with the largest Chinese presence

Over the past decade, Europe has seen a steady increase in Chinese migration, accompanied by the expansion of both legal and informal channels of relocation. Despite this general upward trend, the proportion of Chinese migrants remains relatively small compared to other immigrant groups. The total Chinese population on the European continent is estimated at around 2.15 million. Educational programmes and student visas have become key migration pathways and are increasingly serving as instruments for long-term integration into European society. The largest and most influential Chinese communities have developed in the United Kingdom, France and Italy.

The United Kingdom hosts the largest Chinese community in Europe, with around 630,000 people. Notable population centres include London’s famous Chinatown, Birmingham’s Chinese Quarter, Manchester’s Chinatown – the second largest in the UK and the third largest in Europe — and Liverpool’s Chinatown, home to the oldest Chinese community on the continent.

France has one of the most historically established Chinese communities in Europe, with around 540,000 people residing there. More than half of the Chinese diaspora resides in Paris, where three well-known Chinese districts have emerged: the 13^(th) arrondissement, Belleville and the Temple-Arts-et-Métiers area. These neighbourhoods have long served as hubs of cultural and commercial activity, maintaining a distinctive Chinese identity within French society.

Italy. The Chinese diaspora in Italy shows one of the fastest growth rates in Europe. In 2008, there were around 70,000 people of Chinese origin living in Italy. By 2011, this figure had increased to approximately 330,000. The largest Chinese community is based in Milan, where around 13,500 permanent residents of Chinese descent live. Other significant centres of Chinese migration include Rome and Prato, where the Chinese community plays an active role in trade, light industry and the restaurant business.

Thus, the Chinese diaspora in Europe continues to demonstrate steady growth, expanding its presence in the economic and social life of key European capitals.

Why are Chinese citizens moving abroad?

The global dispersion of Chinese citizens has been shaped by a combination of historical, economic and social factors that have influenced migration from China for almost two hundred years. Today, the Chinese diaspora is one of the largest and most economically active in the world. The reasons for such a wide international presence can be divided into several key categories.

Economic incentives

Throughout history, the primary motivation for Chinese migration has been the search for economic opportunities. As early as the 19th century, for example, Chinese migrants participated in gold rushes in the United States, Canada, and Australia, filling labour shortages in colonial economies in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Today, economic motives have evolved, with emigration often being linked to entrepreneurship, investment, and the diversification of income sources within stable jurisdictions.

Political instability and conflict

China’s history during the 19th and 20th centuries was marked by wars, uprisings and prolonged political instability. The Opium Wars, the Taiping Rebellion and frequent regime changes led to mass emigration, particularly from the southern provinces. Later, in the 20^(th) century, armed conflicts in Southeast Asia triggered new waves of migration among ethnic Chinese, including to Europe — particularly France.

Education and professional development

In recent decades, access to international education has become a major driver of Chinese emigration. Students from China now represent one of the largest groups of foreign learners in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and France. Many remain in their host countries after graduation, securing employment and residence permits and contributing to the formation of new Chinese communities in major academic and innovation centres.

Family migration

Once Chinese communities had become firmly established abroad, chain migration — or family reunification — began to flourish. This process became a key mechanism for expanding the Chinese presence in countries with liberal immigration systems, such as Canada, the United States and Australia, which offer specific visa categories for the family members of residents or citizens.

Evolution of Migration Policy

Migration flows have always been closely tied to changes in immigration policy. Historically, Chinese migration was severely restricted — for example, by the Chinese Exclusion Act in the United States and the Head Tax in Canada. However, later liberalisation, including the passing of the US Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 and the abolition of the ‘White Australia’ policy, created new opportunities for lawful migration and business activity by Chinese citizens.

Modern Trends

In the 21^(st) century, Chinese emigration has become increasingly individualised and economically driven. Motivations include pursuing a freer lifestyle, securing a Western education for children, and diversifying wealth through investments in real estate, start-ups, and financial assets abroad. A growing number of wealthy Chinese families now view obtaining residence or citizenship in Europe and North America as part of their long-term strategy for protecting their assets and ensuring their families’ security.

In summary, the global spread of the Chinese diaspora is the result of a complex interplay of historical developments, economic opportunities and social evolution. Chinese migration is no longer primarily driven by necessity; it has become a strategic choice aimed at achieving financial stability, professional advancement and a higher quality of life.

Chinese Communities Abroad

To meaningfully discuss the Chinese diaspora phenomenon, it is important to clearly distinguish between the main terms used in academic and sociocultural literature. These concepts reflect not only legal status, but also the degree to which Chinese people living overseas are culturally and civically integrated.

‘Overseas Chinese’ (Huáqiáo, 华侨) is a term that traditionally refers to citizens of the People’s Republic of China who reside outside the country, either permanently or temporarily. This category often includes individuals who retain Chinese citizenship and maintain active economic, family or cultural ties with their homeland.

Huárén (华人): This term generally describes ethnic Chinese individuals who live abroad and have acquired foreign citizenship. Huárén constitute the core of many well-established Chinese communities that are fully integrated into the social and economic systems of their host countries, yet still preserve their cultural identity.

‘Huáyì’ (华裔) applies to foreign citizens of Chinese descent, most often from the second generation onwards. This group is characterised by a dual identity; they often perceive themselves as belonging to both the national community of their country of residence and the broader global Chinese cultural sphere.

Chinese diaspora: the broadest concept, encompassing all individuals of Chinese origin or ancestry living outside of Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan), regardless of citizenship or generation.

Chinese origin/ethnic identity

This term is commonly used in national censuses (for example, in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada) to indicate a person’s self-identification as being of Chinese ethnicity, regardless of birthplace or citizenship.

In international research and English-language literature, the terms ‘Overseas Chinese’ and ‘Chinese diaspora’ are generally used in a broad sense to describe all people of Chinese origin living abroad. When more precision is needed, scholars use specific terms such as ‘China-born’, ‘ethnic Chinese’, or ‘Chinese nationals’.

The key takeaway is that the global Chinese community is vast and diverse, characterised by a complex identity structure that varies depending on historical context, country of residence and degree of social integration.

Advantages of living in Europe for Chinese citizens

Life in Europe is attracting a growing number of Chinese citizens seeking stability, a high quality of life, and new opportunities for personal and professional development. Modern Chinese migration to European countries is driven by economic and educational motivations, as well as the desire for a better work-life balance, environmental sustainability and cultural diversity.

One of the key advantages of living in Europe for Chinese nationals is the high quality of life and favourable living environment. European cities are renowned for their moderate work pace, lengthy paid holidays, and lower emphasis on overtime compared to major urban centres in China. These working conditions promote a healthier balance between professional activity and personal time, which is particularly important for middle- and upper-class professionals. Furthermore, the environmental situation in most European countries is significantly better than in densely populated industrial regions of China. Clean air, efficient waste management systems and rigorous quality controls for food and water make Europe particularly attractive for families with children. Additionally, European infrastructure offers a high level of urban comfort, including efficient public transport, accessible healthcare and social services, public safety and well-maintained communal spaces.

Another major advantage is the quality of education and academic opportunities. Europe has long been a leader in higher education, offering Chinese students a wide range of prestigious universities with international programmes. The United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland host tens of thousands of Chinese students, providing them with access to cutting-edge research, language development and cross-cultural communication. Furthermore, tuition fees and living costs in several European countries are often lower than in the United States, Canada or Australia, making Europe a high-quality and cost-effective educational destination.

For entrepreneurs and investors, Europe provides extensive business and capital investment opportunities. Many countries — particularly Malta, Cyprus, Portugal, and Luxembourg — offer favourable tax regimes, transparent corporate governance rules, and flexible investment programmes, including residence-by-investment options. Wealthy Chinese citizens are increasingly choosing European jurisdictions in which to diversify their assets, establish holding structures, and protect their capital within a stable legal environment.

Another factor enhancing Europe’s appeal is its cultural and tourist diversity. Short distances between countries and affordable air travel make it easy to explore the continent. Chinese residents living in Europe have access to historic cities, museums, theatres and architectural landmarks, which makes life on the continent rich, inspiring and intellectually stimulating. Europe offers a unique opportunity to enrich one’s culture and broaden one’s horizons while maintaining a high level of personal security and social protection.

Social integration also plays an important role. Although the level of community inclusion varies from country to country, many Chinese residents observe that European societies are founded on transparency and trust, making business and personal interactions more predictable and reliable. Chinese communities are increasingly becoming active participants in local life, engaging in elections, civic initiatives and charitable projects, thereby fostering mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue.

In conclusion, living in Europe offers Chinese citizens a unique combination of practical, social and cultural benefits. The continent provides a high standard of living, environmental safety, world-class education and a favourable environment for business and investment. Europe is not just a place to live, but also a platform for self-realisation, personal growth and strategic planning for the future — key factors that explain why an ever-growing number of Chinese diaspora members are choosing Europe as their new home.

Does China’s cryptocurrency ban contribute to the outflow of its citizens?

Yes, as the ban on the use and circulation of cryptocurrencies has intensified emigration, particularly among entrepreneurs, investors, and tech professionals. While population outflow from China stems from a complex mix of economic, political, educational and social reasons, restrictions on digital assets have played a decisive role in motivating wealthy individuals and members of the creative and technological sectors to relocate or transfer their capital abroad.

Firstly, the strict ban on cryptocurrency severely limits the freedom to manage personal assets. After China imposed a full prohibition on crypto trading, mining, and usage in 2021, Chinese investors lost the legal means to operate their digital assets. Any transactions involving Bitcoin, Ethereum or other tokens are illegal in China, and financial institutions closely monitor cross-border transfers. This creates a significant risk of asset freezing and even criminal liability. For those who had invested large sums in the crypto market, moving their funds and businesses to other jurisdictions was the only viable solution — primarily Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Canada, Australia, and EU member states.

Secondly, the crypto ban has become a symbol of increased state control over private enterprise. Many representatives of China’s middle and upper classes do not perceive the tightening of regulation as a temporary measure, but rather as a long-term strategy of comprehensive supervision over financial flows, private property, and the technology sector. In an environment where innovation-driven industries such as blockchain, fintech, and asset tokenisation are strictly monitored or outright prohibited, entrepreneurs are choosing to move their companies and teams to more stable jurisdictions.

Thirdly, the ban has constrained channels for international settlements and capital diversification. China traditionally enforces strict foreign exchange controls, which limits the ability to transfer funds abroad. For many entrepreneurs and wealthy citizens, cryptocurrencies had served as a means of bypassing these restrictions. Now that crypto has been outlawed, legitimate means of transferring capital overseas have narrowed even further, encouraging physical relocation to countries where individuals can freely manage their assets and earn income in digital currencies.

Fourthly, many young professionals and IT entrepreneurs are leaving China in search of more liberal digital environments. While China is promoting its state-controlled digital yuan (e-CNY), many young tech innovators view this as a threat to both privacy and innovation. Consequently, destinations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Berlin, and Tallinn are emerging as new hubs for start-ups focused on Web3, DeFi, and blockchain development.

Furthermore, investment-based immigration programmes — such as residence or citizenship by investment in Malta, Portugal, Greece or Cyprus — have become particularly popular among wealthy Chinese nationals seeking financial stability, asset protection and access to the European financial system.

In conclusion, while the cryptocurrency ban in China is not the sole cause, it is one of the key drivers behind capital flight and emigration. This reflects a broader trend towards tighter state control, reduced financial flexibility and restrictions on entrepreneurial freedom. Unlike Europe, where the crypto industry is regulated but not prohibited through frameworks such as MiCA and national CASP licensing regimes, China is pursuing a centralised model of digital finance. This creates a structural divide between China and the rest of the world, providing strong incentives for its citizens to seek new opportunities abroad.

How Regulated United Europe Can Help Chinese Citizens Obtain a Residence Permit in the EU

Regulated United Europe (RUE) provides Chinese citizens with comprehensive legal assistance to help them obtain residence permits in EU countries through investment-based programmes. The firm’s team of lawyers and tax consultants supports clients at every stage, from selecting the most suitable country and real estate asset, to preparing the application and obtaining the residence permit.

Initially, RUE specialists conduct an individual consultation to analyse the client’s goals, investment capacity, family composition and residence preferences. Based on these parameters, the team recommends the most appropriate programme, such as the Cyprus Permanent Residency Programme (PRP), Greece’s Golden Visa or Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP).

In Cyprus, RUE assists clients in obtaining a residence permit by investing at least €300,000 in new residential or commercial property. RUE’s lawyers carry out full legal due diligence, prepare the purchase agreement and liaise with the Land Registry Department. They also represent the investor before the Cyprus Ministry of the Interior, so clients do not need to be present.

In Greece, RUE guides clients through the Golden Visa Programme, which grants residence permits in exchange for purchasing real estate worth €250,000 (or €500,000 in certain regions). The legal team assists with opening a bank account, obtaining a tax identification number (AFM), preparing all documentation for the Immigration Authority and handling notarial procedures related to the transaction.

In Malta, RUE provides full legal support under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). This programme requires a contribution to a state fund, as well as proof of the rental or purchase of real estate and of sufficient financial means. The firm prepares the complete document package, liaises directly with the Residency Malta Agency and ensures transparent compliance with all the requirements necessary for approval.

Beyond the initial application, RUE offers ongoing client support, including assistance with residence permit renewals, tax optimisation, opening bank accounts, registering companies, and structuring assets within the EU.

By partnering with Regulated United Europe, Chinese investors can efficiently and safely secure a European residence permit, minimise legal risks and achieve their investment goals in one of Europe’s most stable and reputable jurisdictions.