(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

1.Basic Documents：

(1) Passport

a). Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with at least 2 pieces of blank visa page. (If you are a dual national or multi-national, you are requested to provide all current valid passports in your possession. Additionally, you may be also required to provide your previous passport(s) in support of your application.)

b). A photocopy of the passport (the data page that includes the photo, personal information and signature page).

(2)Visa Application Form and Photo

a). Complete and sign your name at Chinese Visa Application Form.

You need to access to the website of Chinese Visa Application Service Center, fill in all information in Chinese Visa Application Online Form, print it out and sign your name.

b).Three recently-taken color passport photos. The requirements of the photo will be a recent 6 month colored passport photo (full face, bare head, clear and white background) and the measurement of photo should be (48mm X 33mm). In addition, the color of attire of the applicant in the photo should be distinct contrast with the color of the photo background. Please click the following large photo for details.

Please be noticed that, your visa application may be declined if your photo does not satisfy the requirements, and all the responsibilities should be taken by yourself.

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

If you are not applying for the visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.

(4) Photocopy of previous Chinese visas (applicable for those who have obtained Chinese visas before)If you have obtained Chinese visas before, you should provide the photocopy of the latest Chinese visa. It might facilitate the Consulate-General to issue the most appropriate visa to you .

(5) 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 for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should provide original previous passport(s)and 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).

2.Supporting Documents:

Q1 Visa

For family reunion, the following documents are required:

A. 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);

B. Photocopy of Chinese ID (both front and back sides) or foreign passports and permanent residence permits provided by the inviting party.

C. Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate ,Hukou 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:

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.

E.If the material is in Arabic only, it must frist be translated into Chinese or English by a qualified translator(e.g.court interpreter) or agency.

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 Reminder

(1)Each applicant must provide all the documents mentioned above. Applicants may not share the supporting documents for their applications.
(2) All the Documents except required original, may be in the form of fax, photocopy or scanned copy, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original documents. All non-original documents must be clear and neat. An issuer of invitation letter who is an individual in China should also provide a photocopy of his/her Chinese ID.
(3) If the applicant is a dual national or multi-national, please provide all current valid passports in his/her possession. Additionally, the previous passport(s) may also be required in support of the application.
(4) If necessary, the consular officer will require an interview with the applicant or require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, i.e. naturalization paper, bank statement, tax report, proof of relation etc., which may not be listed in the website, by individual cases or different circumstances.
(5)The consular officer will decide on whether to issue the visa or not and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.
(6) All application documents will be kept by the Chinese Consulate. The Visa Centre will only return your passport when you come for collection.