(Q1) Family member or relative of Chinese citizen(s) or foreigner(s) with permanent residence status in China (more than 180 days)

2026-08-24 · Long term for visit relatives

Prepare the following application materials to submit your visa application online.

(1) Passport
Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with at least two blank visa pages, a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate

(2) Photo
a recently-taken colour passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background (size: 48mm x 33mm) attached. Please click here for general photo requirements.

(3) Proof of legal status (applicable for those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)

Applicants other than South Africans must provide the original and photocopy of your permanent residence permit or other temporary residence permits valid for over 6 months beyond the date of your intended date of arriving in China.

(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 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).

(5) For applicant under 18 years old must provide: 1. The original and photocopy of the unabridged birth certificate of the applicant or The Affidavit from the parents indicating kinship issued by local police station. 2. Photocopy of the parents’ passports or ID cards. 3. Notarized Parental Letter of Consent or the Affidavit from non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing the travel. This letter or affidavit should contain the dates of travel and the parents contact information.

(6) Other materials

1. An invitation letter provided by a Chinese citizen with Chinese ID attached 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, passport number);

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).

The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the invitation letter.
2. Photocopy of Chinese ID (both sides of ID Card) or foreign passport and permanent residence permit provided by the inviting parties.

3. Original and photocopy of Apostille of kinship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) 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:

a) 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.

b) 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.

c) 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

d) 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.

*Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

Notes:

(1) Unless the original version is required in particular, the invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout.
(2) If necesssary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant.
(3) The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.