6 ways to enter

China visas

China family visa

Q visas cover visits to Chinese relatives or foreign relatives with Chinese permanent residence. S visas cover family visits to foreigners working or studying in China and other private affairs. The D visa is for permanent residence.

Ways to get a China family visa

Q1 family reunion visa
Visa needed
Family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence who intend to reunite in China, and people entering for foster care.
Stay
Intended stay of more than 180 days.
1. Complete and sign the application form.
2. Submit your passport, invitation letter and required documents.
3. Apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry, unless the visa's permitted stay is marked as 30 days.
Q2 family visit visa
Visa needed
People visiting relatives who are Chinese citizens living in China or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence.
Stay
Intended stay of no more than 180 days. The permitted stay depends on the visa issued.
1. Complete and sign the application form.
2. Submit your passport, invitation letter and required documents.
S1 long-term private visit visa
Visa needed
Spouses, parents, children under 18 and parents-in-law visiting foreigners working or studying in China, and people entering for other private affairs.
Stay
Intended stay of more than 180 days.
1. Complete and sign the application form.
2. Submit your passport, invitation letter and required documents.
3. Apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry, unless the visa's permitted stay is marked as 30 days.
S2 short-term private visit visa
Visa needed
People visiting family members who are foreigners working or studying in China, or entering for other private matters.
Stay
Intended stay of no more than 180 days. The permitted stay depends on the visa issued.
1. Complete and sign the application form.
2. Submit your passport, invitation letter and required documents.
D permanent residence visa
Visa needed
People who intend to settle permanently in China.
Stay
For intended permanent residence.
1. Complete and sign the application form.
2. Submit your passport and required supporting documents.
3. Apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry, unless the visa's permitted stay is marked as 30 days.
Hainan visa-free family visit
No visa needed
Citizens eligible for Hainan's 59-country visa-free scheme who visit for family reunification. The United Kingdom entry applies to British citizens only.
Stay
Up to 30 days in Hainan.
Passports that qualify (61)

Who needs it

People visiting family, joining relatives or moving permanently to China need the visa that matches their relationship, purpose and intended stay, unless an exemption applies.

Who doesn't

Hainan's 30-day visa-free scheme includes family reunification for eligible citizens.

How to apply

Choose the visa that matches your family relationship and intended stay.
Obtain an invitation letter from a mainland China resident or company.
Complete and sign the application form, then submit it with your passport and supporting documents.

What to bring

Passport.
Completed and signed application form.
Invitation letter.

Good to know

D, Q1 and S1 holders must apply for a residence permit at the local public security bureau within 30 days of entry, unless the visa's permitted stay is marked as 30 days.
Register your accommodation if staying for more than 24 hours.
Some nationalities can request long-term, multiple-entry Q2 and S2 visas under special agreements.
An urgent port visa may cover visits to relatives or private affairs.

Questions

Do I need a family visa for China?

People visiting family, joining relatives or moving permanently to China need the visa that matches their relationship, purpose and intended stay, unless an exemption applies. Hainan's 30-day visa-free scheme includes family reunification for eligible citizens.

What are the ways to get a family visa for China?

There are 6 options: Q1 family reunion visa (a visa from an embassy); Q2 family visit visa (a visa from an embassy); S1 long-term private visit visa (a visa from an embassy); S2 short-term private visit visa (a visa from an embassy); D permanent residence visa (a visa from an embassy); Hainan visa-free family visit (no visa at all).

Who can go to China without a family visa?

Citizens eligible for Hainan's 59-country visa-free scheme who visit for family reunification. The United Kingdom entry applies to British citizens only.

How long can I stay on a China family visa?

Q1 and S1 cover intended stays of more than 180 days. Q2 and S2 cover intended stays of no more than 180 days.

What documents do I need for a China family visa?

Passport.; Completed and signed application form.; Invitation letter..

How do I apply for a China family visa?

1. 1. Choose the visa that matches your family relationship and intended stay. 2. 2. Obtain an invitation letter from a mainland China resident or company. 3. 3. Complete and sign the application form, then submit it with your passport and supporting documents.

What rules do I have to follow on a China family visa?

D, Q1 and S1 holders must apply for a residence permit at the local public security bureau within 30 days of entry, unless the visa's permitted stay is marked as 30 days. Register your accommodation if staying for more than 24 hours.

Does my passport change whether I need a family visa for China?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the China visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a family visa for China be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest China family visa rules?

On China's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Reviewed by @snuck