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China Family Visa S1/S2 | Family Reunion Visa & Residence Permit for Foreign Family Members

Professional China family visa (S1/S2) service for foreign nationals who want to join family members in China. The S1 visa is for long-term family reunion (spouse, parents, children under 18, or parents of spouse) and converts to a family residence permit after arrival. The S2 visa is for short-term family visits (up to 180 days, no residence permit conversion). We provide full support: invitation letter preparation, marriage certificate authentication, birth certificate notarization, document legalization, application at Chinese embassy/consulate, and residence permit conversion after arrival. Reunite with your loved ones in China with our expert guidance. High success rate, fast processing, full compliance.

πŸ“‹ Apply for Family Visa Now

What is China Family Visa (S1 & S2)?

The S1 visa (η§δΊΊδΊ‹εŠ‘η±»η­Ύθ―) and S2 visa (η§δΊΊδΊ‹εŠ‘η±»ηŸ­ζœŸη­Ύθ―) are China visa categories designed for foreign family members of Chinese citizens or foreign residents in China. Understanding the difference is crucial:

  • S1 Visa (Long-term Family Reunion) – For family members intending to stay in China for more than 180 days. Eligible applicants: spouses, parents, children under 18, and parents of spouse (parents-in-law) of Chinese citizens or foreign nationals with valid work/family residence permits. After entry, S1 visa must be converted to a Family Reunion Residence Permit within 30 days.
  • S2 Visa (Short-term Family Visit) – For family members visiting China for up to 180 days (typically 30-90 days per entry, up to 180 days total). Eligible for a broader range of relatives including siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and other non-immediate family. No residence permit conversion required. Single entry or multiple entries available.
πŸ“Œ Key fact: S1 visa holders can work in China only after obtaining a work permit and changing to work residence permit. S2 visa holders cannot work in China.

Our Family Visa Services – Complete Support

S1 Visa (Long-term Family Reunion)

For spouses, parents, children under 18, and parents-in-law. Includes invitation letter from family member in China, document authentication, visa application, and residence permit conversion after arrival.S1 Visa

S2 Visa (Short-term Family Visit)

For siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts/uncles, and other relatives. Shorter processing time, no residence permit requirement. Single or multiple entries available.S2 Visa

Invitation Letter Preparation

Essential document for S1/S2 visa application. We draft compliant invitation letters in Chinese, including host's information, relationship proof, and purpose of visit.Invitation Letter

Marriage Certificate Authentication & Legalization

For spouse visa applications. We handle notarization, authentication by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and legalization by Chinese embassy/consulate in your country.Authentication

Birth Certificate Notarization & Authentication

For children's family visa applications. Full notarization and authentication service for birth certificates, including translation.Birth Certificate

Residence Permit Conversion (S1 to Family Residence Permit)

After entering China on S1 visa, we assist with medical exam, address registration, and residence permit application at Exit-Entry Bureau. Residence permit valid for 1-5 years.Residence Permit

Family Visa (S1/S2) Process – Step by Step

1

Determine Visa Type & Eligibility

We assess your relationship with the host family member in China (Chinese citizen or foreign resident) and recommend S1 (long-term) or S2 (short-term) visa.

2

Invitation Letter Preparation

We draft the invitation letter from your family member in China. Must include host's ID/passport copy, relationship proof, and intended stay period.

3

Document Authentication & Notarization

We handle authentication of marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other relationship documents through local notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chinese embassy/consulate (or apostille for Hague Convention countries).

4

Visa Application at Chinese Embassy/Consulate

We guide you to submit S1/S2 visa application at the Chinese embassy/consulate in your home country (or where you legally reside). Processing: 4-7 business days.

5

Enter China & Register Address

After S1 visa (long-term) entry, register temporary residence at local police station within 24 hours.

6

Medical Exam & Residence Permit Application (S1 only)

For S1 visa holders: complete medical exam at designated hospital, then apply for Family Reunion Residence Permit at Exit-Entry Bureau within 30 days. Residence permit valid 1-5 years.

Required Documents for China Family Visa (S1/S2)

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and blank visa pages.
  • Completed visa application form (we provide).
  • Recent passport-sized photo (2-inch, white background).
  • Invitation Letter from family member in China (Chinese citizen ID or foreign resident's passport + residence permit copy).
  • Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate (for spouse), birth certificate (for parent-child relationship), or family register/notarized affidavit (for other relationships).
  • For S1 Visa (long-term): Proof of host's legal residence in China (Chinese ID or valid residence permit).
  • For S2 Visa (short-term): Host's ID/passport copy and relationship proof.
  • For minor children: Both parents' consent letter (if one parent not accompanying).
  • For foreign residents as hosts: Host's valid work or family residence permit (minimum 6 months validity).

S1 Visa vs S2 Visa – Key Differences

S1 Visa (Long-term Family Reunion)

Valid for: Spouse, parents, children under 18, parents-in-law of Chinese citizen or foreign resident.
Stay period: After conversion to residence permit: 1-5 years.
Work allowed: No (must obtain work permit separately).
Residence permit required: Yes – convert to family residence permit within 30 days.
Multiple entries: Residence permit allows unlimited entries.

S2 Visa (Short-term Family Visit)

Valid for: Siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts/uncles, and other relatives.
Stay period: Up to 180 days (typically 30-90 days per stay).
Work allowed: No.
Residence permit required: No – stay within visa validity.
Multiple entries: Available upon request (2-year, 5-year, or 10-year multi-entry possible).

Document Authentication & Legalization – What You Need to Know

For S1 visa applications (and some S2 applications), foreign marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other relationship documents must be authenticated. Two methods:

  • Traditional Authentication (Non-Hague Countries): Notarization β†’ Local Foreign Affairs Ministry authentication β†’ Chinese embassy/consulate legalization. Processing: 4-8 weeks.
  • Apostille (Hague Convention Countries – effective Nov 2023): China now accepts apostilled documents from Hague member countries. Simplified process: Notarization β†’ Apostille certificate. No embassy legalization required. Processing: 2-3 weeks.
πŸ“Œ Important: Document authentication is often the most time-consuming part of family visa application. We handle the entire authentication process for you, saving weeks of effort.

Family Reunion Residence Permit (After S1 Visa Arrival)

After entering China on an S1 visa, you must apply for a Family Reunion Residence Permit within 30 days. The process includes:

  • Step 1: Register temporary residence at local police station (within 24 hours of arrival).
  • Step 2: Complete medical examination at designated hospital (results in 3-5 days).
  • Step 3: Submit residence permit application to Exit-Entry Administration Bureau.
  • Step 4: Biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
  • Step 5: Residence permit issued within 7-15 business days. Valid for 1-5 years (depends on host's residence permit validity).
⚠️ Critical: Do not exceed 30 days. Overstay results in fines (RMB 500/day) and negative immigration record. We expedite your residence permit application to meet the deadline.

Family Visa Processing Times & Costs

  • Document authentication (non-Hague): 4-8 weeks.
  • Document authentication (Hague/Apostille): 2-3 weeks.
  • Visa application at embassy/consulate: 4-7 business days.
  • Residence permit conversion (S1): 7-15 business days after medical exam.
  • Total timeline (S1 visa): 6-10 weeks.
  • Total timeline (S2 visa): 3-5 weeks.

Costs: Fixed service fee for full family visa processing (excluding government fees, authentication fees, and embassy fees). Transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Latest News: China Family Visa Regulations 2026

What is the difference between S1 and S2 visa?
S1 visa is for long-term family reunion (spouse, parents, children under 18, parents-in-law). After arrival, must convert to family residence permit (1-5 years). S2 visa is for short-term family visits (up to 180 days) for siblings, grandparents, and other relatives. No residence permit required for S2.
Can I work on a family visa in China?
No. S1 and S2 visa holders cannot legally work in China. If you want to work, you must obtain a work permit and change to work residence permit. We can assist with this conversion.
Do I need to authenticate my marriage certificate for spouse visa?
Yes. For S1 spouse visa (long-term), marriage certificate must be authenticated (apostille or embassy legalization). For S2 short-term visit, authentication may not be required for some nationalities. We check specific requirements based on your country.
How long can I stay on S2 visa?
Typically 30-180 days per entry, depending on the visa duration granted by the embassy. Multiple-entry S2 visas allow stays of 30-90 days per visit. We help request the longest possible stay period.
Can I apply for family visa while in China on tourist visa?
Generally no. Family visas (S1/S2) must be applied for at Chinese embassy/consulate outside China. However, exceptional circumstances may allow conversion within China. We advise on best strategy based on your situation.
What documents do I need to prove relationship for family visa?
For spouse: marriage certificate. For parent-child: birth certificate. For other relatives: family register (hukou book), notarized affidavits, or sworn statements. All foreign documents must be authenticated/translated.

Ready to Reunite with Your Family in China?

Get a free family visa eligibility assessment and fixed-price proposal. We handle S1/S2 visa application, document authentication, invitation letter, and residence permit conversion. Fast, compliant, high success rate.

πŸ“‹ Apply for Family Visa Now

Contact Us – China Family Visa Service

Describe your situation: relationship to family member in China, intended stay duration (short or long-term), nationality, and current location. We will provide eligibility assessment and fixed-price proposal within 24 hours.

Get In Touch

Our family visa specialists have reunited thousands of families in China. End-to-end support – from document authentication to residence permit.

  • +86 130 5270 9126
  • info@tekzenvo.com
  • 5-Fa Zhan Building, No.9 Office Area, Kai Fa Qu, Dalian, Liaoning, China
  • Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (GMT+8)
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