Family reunion is the warmest bond in cross-border interactions. To facilitate foreigners coming to China to reunite with their families, China has formulated exclusive visa and residence policies for different reunion scenarios. This guide integrates the latest 2026 regulations, detailedly explaining three core aspects: classification of family reunion visas, residence permit processing, and family document specifications, providing clear and easy-to-follow practical guidelines for a smooth reunion journey.
I. Classification and Application Process of Family Reunion Visas
China’s family reunion visas are mainly divided into three categories: Q1, Q2, and S1, each tailored to different reunion durations, kinship relations and inviter identity scenarios. The application process is standardized through the online China Visa Application System (English URL: https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/), with core differences lying in the scope of application and document details.
The Q1 visa is for individuals applying to reside in China for more than 180 days for family reunion, including family members of Chinese citizens, family members of foreigners with permanent residence in China, and those entering China for foster care. Eligible family members include spouses, parents, parents-in-law, children, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren. Applications require an invitation letter issued by the inviter residing in China, the inviter’s ID documents (ID card for Chinese citizens; passport and permanent residence permit for foreign inviters), and the original kinship certificate. For foster care cases, an additional notarized foster care power of attorney, a consent letter from the trustee, and the trustee’s ID documents are required.
The Q2 visa is for short-term family visits (stay no more than 180 days) in China, covering the same scope of relatives as the Q1 visa. Core application materials only include an invitation letter issued by the inviter and the inviter’s ID documents, with no need for long-term residence-related certificates. The approval cycle is usually 3-5 working days. The visa validity period and duration of stay are determined based on application needs, with a maximum of 180 days, and no extension is allowed.
The S1 visa is designed for foreign family members (spouses, parents, children under 18, parents-in-law) of foreigners residing in China for work, study or other purposes, allowing long-term reunion (more than 180 days). Applications require an invitation letter issued by the foreigner residing in China, the inviter’s passport and residence documents, and the original kinship certificate, following the same application process as the Q1 visa. A reunion-related residence permit must be applied for in accordance with regulations after entry.
In addition, all three types of visas require the following basic materials: an original passport with a remaining validity of more than 6 months and at least 4 blank visa pages, a fully completed visa application form, and a recent bare-headed photo. If applying for a visa outside your country of nationality, additional proof of legal stay locally is required. Individuals who previously held Chinese nationality and later acquired foreign nationality must submit a copy of their original Chinese passport for the first application; an official name change document is needed if there is a name discrepancy.
II. Specifications for Reunion-Related Residence Permit Application
Foreigners entering China with Q1 or S1 visas, whose stay exceeds 180 days, must apply for a reunion-related residence permit at the public security entry-exit administration (county-level or above) in their intended place of residence within 30 days of entry—this is a core certificate for legal long-term reunion in China. Failure to apply on time will be deemed illegal residence, resulting in fines, entry restrictions and other penalties. Those visiting relatives short-term with Q2 visas do not need to apply for a residence permit and must depart within the duration stated on the visa.
Materials for residence permit application include original valid passport and visa, fully completed “Foreigners’ Visa and Document Application Form”, recent bare-headed photo, copy of kinship certificate, proof of legal residence of the inviter in China (for S1 visa applicants), and foster care related documents (if applicable). Applications must be submitted in person. Public security organs will make an approval decision within 15 working days after acceptance. The maximum validity period of the residence permit is 1 year, and an extension can be applied for before expiration with basically the same materials as the initial application.
During the validity period of the residence permit, if the reason for reunion changes, the inviter’s identity information changes or the intended place of residence is adjusted, an application for modification must be submitted to the entry-exit administration in a timely manner with relevant supporting documents to ensure the legality and validity of the residence qualification. If the residence permit is lost or damaged, an application for replacement must be made immediately, and legal stay is allowed with the acceptance receipt during the review period.
III. Core Requirements for Family Documents and Notarization & Authentication Norms
Family documents are the core of reunion entry applications, requiring authenticity, completeness and validity. Key materials include kinship certificates, invitation letters, and foster care-related documents (if applicable). Some documents also need to go through notarization and authentication procedures to avoid application delays due to non-compliance.
Kinship certificates must be original, which can be marriage certificates, birth certificates, kinship certificates or notarized documents, clearly demonstrating the kinship between the applicant and the inviter. Non-Chinese documents must be translated into Chinese by a formal translation agency with an official seal, and the translation content must be completely consistent with the original. If a certificate is issued overseas, it must first be notarized by a local notary public and then authenticated by a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad to ensure its legal validity in China.
The invitation letter must be issued in person by the inviter, indicating the identity information of the inviter and the applicant, the reason for reunion, the intended duration of stay, the party responsible for expenses and the inviter’s contact information. Invitations by Chinese citizens require a signature confirmation, while foreign inviters need to sign and attach a copy of their residence documents. Foster care power of attorney must be notarized by a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad or notarized and authenticated in the country of origin, specifying the entrusted matters, foster care period, the relationship between the trustee and the fostered child, and their rights and obligations.
It is particularly important to note that key information (name, date of birth, passport number, etc.) on all documents must fully match the passport. Forged or false documents will directly lead to application rejection and affect subsequent applications to China. It is recommended to prepare materials 1-2 months in advance, allowing sufficient time for notarization, authentication and approval to avoid delaying your trip.
China has always been committed to optimizing convenient policies for cross-border reunions, simplifying procedures and improving approval efficiency. Familiarizing yourself with policy requirements and preparing relevant materials in advance will help you smoothly start your reunion journey with your family and enjoy a warm time in China.
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