Discussions about children’s education are popping up more and more on the forum lately, so I wanted to share our family’s own complicated journey. With our child approaching middle school, we were constantly torn between the Spanish educational path and finding a way back to China. Everyone knows the pressure of the domestic Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination) – it’s like a million soldiers trying to cross a single-plank bridge. Then, we stumbled upon the “Joint Entrance Examination for Overseas Chinese Students”, and it felt like a whole new door had opened.
In short, this joint exam is a separate university entrance test provided by the state for the children of overseas Chinese. The difficulty level and the admission scores are significantly lower than the regular Gaokao, and the competition is less fierce. For families like ours, living abroad but still hoping our children can attend top universities in China, this was incredibly appealing. However, qualifying for this exam isn’t straightforward.
A Brief Analysis of the Joint Exam Qualifications
We spent a long time studying the policies. The core requirements revolve around the “overseas status” and “residency duration” of both the student and their parents. Specifically, the student must have actually lived abroad for a cumulative total of 2 years within the 4 years prior to the exam. Additionally, at least one parent must have obtained long-term or permanent residency in Spain and also meet the same 2-out-of-4-year residency requirement. It sounds simple, but every step is interlinked, and the timing has to be perfect. One misstep could waste years of effort.
| Key Milestone | Time Requirement | Important Notes |
|---|
| Obtaining Parental Residency | The sooner, the better | Ensure the residency card is continuous and valid |
| Child’s Residency Duration | Cumulative 2 years within the 4 years before the exam | Entry/exit records are crucial evidence |
| Parent’s Residency Duration | Cumulative 2 years within the 4 years before the exam | Also based on entry/exit records |
To secure this “status,” the most direct and reliable method was through investment in Spain. We ultimately chose to apply for the “Golden Visa” (investor residency) by buying a property in Spain. Firstly, we felt more secure with a tangible asset like real estate. Secondly, our whole family loves the climate and lifestyle in Barcelona. Even if our child doesn’t stay in Spain in the future, the property would be great for vacations or as a rental. The home-buying process itself is a long story—from viewing properties and choosing a neighborhood to dealing with lawyers and banks, it was a truly grueling ordeal. Totally enjoyed it… just kidding, it was physically and mentally exhausting. But seeing that hard-earned residency card in our hands made it all worthwhile.
We’re still in the early stages of fulfilling our residency obligation; everything is just beginning. This entire endeavor is a long-term plan that must be viewed on a 5-to-8-year timeline, a significant undertaking much like the process of buying property back in China for expats. Policies can also change at any time, so we have to be mentally prepared. I’m writing this post partly to document our journey and partly to hear what others on the forum think. Are there any veterans here who have successfully sent their children through the joint exam? Or any friends currently considering this path? Feel free to share your experiences and help us spot any ‘pitfalls’ we might have missed.
