On December 7, People's Daily published a Q&A regarding the legal considerations for foreigners purchasing a car in China.
《人民日报》于12月7日发表了一篇关于外国人在中国购车的法律考虑的问答。
The question was posed by Elia (a pseudonym), a foreign resident working and living in China, who plans to buy a private car for easier travel. Elia asked about the legal matters foreigners should be aware of when buying a car in China.
这个问题是由Elia（化名）提出的，他是一名在中国工作和生活的外籍居民，计划购买私家车以便于出行。Elia询问了外国人在中国购车时应了解的法律事项。
Lawyer's Response:
律师回应：
In general, foreigners need to pay attention to several key issues when buying a car in China, including eligibility for vehicle registration and license plates, whether a Chinese driver's license is required, and the possibility of applying for car loans. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
总的来说，外国人在中国购车时需要注意几个关键问题，包括是否有资格进行车辆登记和车牌申请，是否需要中国驾照，以及是否有可能申请汽车贷款。以下是关键点的详细说明：
1. Confirm Eligibility to Purchase a Car
1. 确认购车资格
Purchasing a car involves a series of registration and licensing procedures. Therefore, foreigners should first confirm whether they meet the conditions for buying a car in their specific city. Although policies vary by location, the general requirements include:
购车涉及一系列登记和许可程序。因此，外国人首先应该确认他们是否满足在其特定城市购车的条件。虽然各地政策有所不同，但一般要求包括：
(1)Valid Identification: This could be a passport, visa, residence permit, or a permanent residence card.
(1)有效身份证明：可以是护照、签证、居留许可或永久居留卡。
(2)Tax Payment Records: Proof of continuous personal income tax payment for a specified period.
(2)纳税记录：证明连续缴纳个人所得税一定期限的记录。
(3)Valid Driver's License: Foreigners must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the local traffic authority. It’s advisable to check with local departments for specific details.
(3)有效驾驶证：外国人必须持有当地交通管理部门颁发的有效驾驶证。建议向当地部门查询具体细节。
Important Reminder: Foreigners should ensure that their identification documents are valid, as expired documents may hinder the purchase process.
重要提醒：外国人应确保他们的身份证件有效，因为过期的文件可能会阻碍购车流程。
2. Check if the City Has License Plate Restrictions
2. 检查城市是否有车牌限制
Several Chinese cities impose restrictions on vehicle license plates. For instance:
一些中国城市对车辆车牌实施限制。例如：
(1)Shanghai: Non-commercial vehicle license plates are awarded through an auction system.
(1)上海：非营业性车辆车牌通过拍卖系统授予。
(2)Beijing: Vehicle purchase quotas are allocated via a lottery system. The quota is valid for 12 months, and individuals or entities must complete vehicle registration within this period. If registration is not completed within the given time frame, the quota is automatically forfeited.
(2)北京：车辆购买配额通过抽签系统分配。配额有效期为12个月，个人或单位必须在此期限内完成车辆登记。如果未在给定时间内完成登记，配额将自动失效。
Foreign buyers should check whether their city imposes such restrictions and what specific procedures apply.
外国买家应检查他们所在的城市是否实施此类限制，以及适用的具体程序。
3. Retain All Relevant Documentation
3. 保留所有相关文件
After purchasing a car, it’s important to keep all related documents, including the purchase invoice, quality certification, and proof of tax payment. These documents are necessary for vehicle insurance claims and registration.
购车后，保留所有相关文件很重要，包括购车发票、质量认证和纳税证明。这些文件对车辆保险理赔和登记是必要的。
When registering the vehicle, the buyer will need to provide documentation such as the vehicle’s origin certificate, a quality certificate, proof of vehicle purchase tax payment, or tax exemption documents. It is recommended that these documents be prepared and kept in advance.
在车辆登记时，买方需要提供如车辆原产地证明、质量证明、车辆购置税纳税证明或免税文件等文件。建议提前准备好这些文件并妥善保管。
4. Can Foreigners Apply for a Car Loan?
4. 外国人可以申请汽车贷款吗？
Foreigners are eligible to apply for a personal car loan in China. According to the "Automobile Loan Management Regulations (2017 Revision)", foreigners who have lived in China for at least one year (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents) are allowed to apply for a car loan.
外国人有资格在中国申请个人汽车贷款。根据《汽车贷款管理办法（2017年修订）》，在中国居住至少一年（包括香港、澳门和台湾居民）的外国人允许申请汽车贷款。
5. Do Foreigners Need a Chinese Driver’s License?
5. 外国人需要中国驾驶证吗？
Foreigners holding a valid overseas driver’s license may apply for a Chinese driver’s license under certain conditions. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Driver’s Licenses" (Ministry of Public Security Order No. 162), foreigners who have held a foreign driver’s license for at least one year and have resided in the issuing country for more than 90 days in the past year can apply for a Chinese driver’s license for the corresponding vehicle type.
持有有效海外驾驶证的外国人可以在一定条件下申请中国驾驶证。根据《机动车驾驶证申领和使用规定》（公安部令第162号），持有外国驾驶证至少一年且在过去一年内在发证国居住超过90天的外国人可以申请相应车型的中国驾驶证。
The required documents include:
所需文件包括：
(1)Identity Proof: Such as passport or residence permit.
(1)身份证明：如护照或居留许可。
(2)Medical Certificate: Issued by a medical institution confirming the applicant meets the physical requirements.
(2)体检证明：由医疗机构出具，确认申请人符合身体要求。
(3)Foreign Driver’s License: If the license is not in Chinese, a translation or notarized translation is required.
(3)外国驾驶证：如果驾驶证不是中文的，需要提供翻译件或公证翻译件。
For foreign embassy or international organization staff in China, the process follows the principle of diplomatic reciprocity.
对于在中国的外国使馆或国际组织工作人员，流程遵循外交对等原则。
As car purchase policies in China may change at any time, it is advisable for foreigners to thoroughly prepare and stay updated on the latest regulations before buying a car. This will help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth purchasing process.
由于中国的购车政策可能随时变化，建议外国人在购车前彻底准备并及时了解最新的规定。这将有助于避免不必要的延误，并确保购车流程顺利进行。
