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

2026-08-26 · Long term for visit relatives

1. Basic Documents

(1) Passport

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

For the 1-year multiple entries visa application, the passport should be valid for at least 15 months from the date of application.

(2) Visa Application Form and Photo

One completed Visa Application Form with a recently-taken colour identity photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background (size: 48mm x 33mm) attached.

Fill in the Application form online and print out the completed application form once finished and sign where appropriate.

Please ensure that you have uploaded the correct photograph of the person detailed in the application form when filling in the online application. The visa centre will reject any application where the uploaded image is of another person. A new application form with an appropriate photograph will be requested if the application form contains another person's photo. If the online form indicates that the photo is not qualified and cannot be uploaded successfully, please be sure to bring an appropriate photograph to the centre when you come to submit your application.

(3) Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous visas for China (Mainland only) (applicable for those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship).

- If you are applying for a visa for China (Mainland only) for the first time, you should provide the last Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.

- If you have obtained visas for China (Mainland only) before and apply for a visa for China (Mainland only) with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any visa for China (Mainland only), you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the pages of previous visa for China (Mainland only) (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change).

(4) The applicant under 18 years of age should provide:
    (a) Family book or birth certificate;
    (b) Parents' statement letter which states the confirmation of the trip to China of their underaged child accompanied by one of the parents. The statement letter should be signed by both of the parents;
    (c) Original and Copy of the parents' ID. For the parents who got divorced should provide the notarized divorce letter which states the guardian of the child;

2. Supporting documents

* 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);

(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.

3. Special notes

(1) 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. An issuer of invitation letter who is an individual in China should also provide a photocopy of his/her Chinese ID.

(2) If necessary, 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.