Although there are some challenges at the moment getting family members into China on visas, we try to set the stage here for some of the basic family visa features and requirements.

Chinese citizens and foreigners with permanent residence in China can take their immediate family members with them for family reunification in China. However, in order for these people to enter the country, they must first obtain a visa.

There are two different visa options for this. It is possible to apply for any of the Q1, and Q2 category visa. The Q1 visa is a long-term visa, while the Q2 visa is a short-term visa.

The right to apply for Q1 and Q2 visas is granted to immediate family members of Chinese citizens and foreigners with permanent residence in China. In addition, the spouses, parents, and children under the age of 18 of foreigners working or studying in China are granted the right to short and long-term visits with S1 and S2 visas.

The main distinction between Q visa and S visa categories is related to the status of the person residing in China. Family and first-degree relatives of Chinese citizens and foreigners with Chinese permanent residence status are covered by the Q1 or Q2 visa. Families and close relatives of foreigners who work and study in China can only apply for an S1 or S2 visa.

Lengths of stay for Q1-Visa / S1-Visa

Q1 visa - The length of stay is more than 180 days.

Q2 visa - The length of stay is 180 days or less.

S1 visa - The length of stay is more than 180 days.

S2 visa - The length of stay is 180 days or less.

Children less than 18 years of age or any person above 60 years are typically granted a Q1 visa for two years. The period can be extended again in two-year increments.

Who is Eligible for Family Visit Visa/Residence Permit?

Q1 and Q2 visa types can be used if a family member is a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with a Chinese permanent residence.

Persons who can apply for the above four types of visas within the scope of a dependant visa, also called a family visa, include: 

• Spouses, children under the age of 18, parents and mother-in-law of Chinese citizens, and foreigners with Chinese permanent residency can apply for a long-stay Q1 visa.-The Q2 visa, which covers visits for less than 180 days, includes siblings, grandchildren, and spouses of their children, in addition to the Q1 visa list.-The S1 visa is issued to the spouse, parents, children under 18, and parents in-laws of foreigners working or studying in China.
• The S2 visa, which covers visits for less than 180 days, includes siblings, grandchildren, and spouses of their children, in addition to the S1 visa list.

What is a Q1 Visa? Who Can Apply?

The Chinese Family Visa, also known as the Q1 visa, is a long-term visa for family reunification. In order to protect the integrity of the family, it is a type of visa valid for long-term residence rights of family members of Chinese citizens who want to live in China and first-degree family members of foreign citizens who have the right to reside in China indefinitely. An application for residency must be submitted within 30 days of entering China.

Those specified in the document list are the basic documents. Additional documents may be requested for applications made from different countries on different dates. For example, documents such as vaccination certificates, vaccination tests, or health reports may be requested during the epidemic period.

Application Document List For Q1 Visa

1. Passport and its photocopy

2. Visa Application Form

3. Two passport photos with white or light blue background. 

4. Supporting documents:

• Q-1 visa for family reunion: Invitation letter, ID or Passport of the inviter, Proof of relationship,
• Q-1 visa for foster care: Foster documents, passport of the consignor, proof of relationship, letter of consent on foster care, photocopy of ID card of the trustee, proof of residence of parents.

5. Proof of legal status

6. Previous Chinese passport or Chinese visa

What is a Q2 Visa? Who Can Apply?

It is a visa category that must be applied by those who will go to China for family reunification but will be in China for less than 180 days. Close relatives of a person who is a Chinese citizen or has a residence permit in China can apply for this visa category.

Application Document List For Q2 Visa

The document list is the same as the Q1 list, except for the supporting documents mentioned in clause 4:

4. Supporting documents: Invitation letter, ID card, or permanent resident permit

What is an S1 Visa? Who Can Apply?

An S1 visa is suitable for these individuals: Spouses, parents, parents-in-law, and also children (under 18 years old) of foreigners who work or study in mainland China.

Application Document List For S1 Visa

1. Passport and its photocopy

2. Visa Application Form

3. Two passport photos with white or light blue background

4. Supporting documents

• Invitation letter
• Passport and Residence Permit
• Proof of relationship

5. Proof of legal status

6. Previous Chinese passport or Chinese visa

What is a S2 Visa? Who Can Apply?

Spouses, children, parents, parents-in-law, siblings, and grandchildren of foreigners who work or study in China can apply for the S2 visa for a visit of fewer than six months. The list of documents required for S2 visa applications is the same as for S1.

Please contact us (inquiries@chinalawsolutions.com) to get in touch with an experienced advisor who can assist with family visas in China. All inquiries are treated as confidential.