‘归侨’ (guī qiáo) literally combines ‘归’ (to return, to go back) and ‘侨’ (overseas Chinese or foreign resident). It specifically refers to ethnic Chinese who were born or long-resident abroad and have formally returned to live in mainland China. Unlike general immigrants, 归侨 are recognized by the Chinese government as having special historical and cultural ties, often receiving certain policy supports such as housing assistance, education benefits, or employment facilitation.

This term emerged prominently after 1949 and is especially associated with waves of returnees from Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines during the mid-20th century. It carries a respectful, formal tone and appears frequently in official documents, news reports, and community services—but is rarely used in casual speech. Note that it does not apply to people of Chinese descent who naturalized elsewhere and later immigrated to China without prior status as overseas Chinese under PRC definitions.