Proof of life for a Chinese pension
Certificado de supervivencia para cobrar la pensión china (领取养老金资格认证)
What it is
People who have already retired in China and have an account for receiving their pension can complete the proof-of-life check in the "中国领事" (China Consular) app, with facial recognition and free of charge. Those who cannot do it in the app can go to the Embassy with their passport and their Spanish or Andorran residence permit to get the verification form on paper, also free; if age or health prevents them from going, they can send someone else with a notarised power of attorney issued within the last 30 days. According to the Embassy, this form only proves that the person is alive: the right to receive the pension is decided by the paying body in China.
Official wording
我馆出具的《在境外居住人员领取养老金资格审核表》仅是当事人健在状况的证明，当事人是否具备领取国内养老金资格由国内养老金发放部门审核决定。Official sources
- Where it applies
- All of Spain
- In other cities
- Barcelona
Official information
Official sources
When
If you retired in China and have the pension payment account. It is free.
Official wording
在国内办妥退休手续、取得养老金发放账户。Official sources
Steps
Step 1: Do it in the “中国领事” app
You download the app, register with identity verification, choose the “养老金资格” module, fill in your details and complete facial recognition. The human resources and social security office in your area of China reviews it; the result can be checked online.
Official wording
完成系统人脸识别，核验身份。
Official sources
Step 2: Or at the embassy, on paper
If you cannot use the app (for example, facial recognition fails), you go to the embassy with your passport, residence permit and the “在境外居住人员领取养老金资格审核表” form. If you already did it in the app, it is not needed.
Official wording
如申请人因无法通过人脸识别等原因，不能通过“中国领事”APP线上办理资格认证，可到我馆线下办理资格认证。
Official sources
FAQ
My father is elderly and cannot go — can someone else?
Yes, with their passport and residence, the applicant’s, and a power of attorney made in the last 30 days. After 3 consecutive years by representative, the fourth year the person should in principle go in person.
Official wording
连续3年委托他人代为办理的,第4年原则上应由申请人自行到馆办理一次。Official sources
Does this certificate guarantee I will be paid?
No: it only proves you are alive; whether you are entitled is decided by the body that pays the pension in China.
Official wording
当事人是否具备领取国内养老金资格由国内养老金发放部门审核决定。Official sources
Related procedures
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