(Q1) Family member or relative of Chinese citizen(s) or foreigner(s) with permanent residence status in China (more than 180 days)
Q1 Visa (Family Reunion – Long-Term Stay)
Online Submission – Required Documents and Requirements:
1. *Passport information page*
2. *Visa application form and photo*
3. Proof of legal stay or residence
4. *Invitation letter*
5. *Proof of family relationship certificate (must be authenticated)*
6. *Copy of invite's ID card*
Offline Submission – Required Documents and Requirements:
1. Original passport
2. Photo
3. Original invitation letter and original family relationship certificate
4. First page of visa application form and visa application receipt
Details of Requirements:
1. Passport
Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with blank visa pages, a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
2. Visa Application Form and Photo
One completed Visa Application Form with a recently-taken colour passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background (size: 48mm x 33mm) attached photo requirements , You should fill online application form on our website Visa in Quick Access
3. Proof of legal status (applicable for those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)
If you are not applying for a visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates of residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal stay provided by the relevant authorities of the country where the Visa Centre is located.
4. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable for those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship).
If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide the last Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained Chinese visas before and apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change).
For family reunion, the following documents are required:
(1) An invitation letter provided by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit to live in China. The invitation letter should contain:
a) Information of the applicant (incl. full name, gender, date of birth, etc.);
b) Information regarding the visit (incl. purpose of visit, intended arrival date, intended place(s) to stay,intended duration of stay, relationship between the applicant and the inviting party, details of any financial support to be provided during the stay in China);
c) Information of the inviting party (incl. name, contact telephone number, address, signature of individual).
(2) Photocopy of Chinese IDs or foreign passports and permanent residence permits provided by the inviting party.
(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicants and inviting parties.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
For foster care, the following documents are required:
(1) Original and photocopy of the natural parents’ or guardians’ passports, as well as the notarized and authenticated certification showing the relationship between parents or guardians and children.
(2) Foster entrusted notarization issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China;
(3) A letter agreeing to foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and photocopy of the ID of the trustee.
(4) A photocopy of the certificate indicating the parent(s) resided abroad when the child was born, providing that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.
We kindly remind you that:
Holders of a Q1-Visa must apply for a residence permit from the immigration department of the local public security authority in the place intended to stay within 30 days of entry to China.
Special Note:
1. After arrival in China, the visa holder must apply for a residence permit within 30 days, The inviter must be currently residing in China, Relationship documents must be notarized and authenticated.
2. Documents can be submitted as clear faxes, copies, or scanned printouts, but consular officers may still require the original versions.
3. Applicants with dual or multiple nationalities must provide all valid passports.
4. Consular officers may require additional documents or interviews.
5. Visa issuance (including duration, number of entries, and validity) is decided based on the applicant’s individual case. Even with a valid visa, entry may still be denied by Chinese immigration authorities.
