Q1 Visa (Family Reunion -- Long-Term)
🇨🇳 China visas · Family
What it is
For foreign family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents who intend to reside in China for more than 180 days. Must be converted to a Family Reunion Residence Permit within 30 days of entry. Official applicant scope: family members of Chinese citizens, and of foreign nationals with Chinese permanent residence, applying to reside in China for family reunion (spouse, parents, children, children’s spouses, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and the spouse’s parents).
Key facts
- Category
- Family
- Duration
- Entry visa valid 30 days; Residence Permit up to 5 years
- Processing time
- 4 weeks
- Maximum validity
- 5 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- How to apply
- Mixed
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (有效期不满一年；入境后由公安机关出入境管理机构收取)
- CNY 400
- Application fee (一年（含）至三年；入境后由公安机关出入境管理机构收取)
- CNY 800
- Application fee (三年（含）至五年（含）；入境后由公安机关出入境管理机构收取)
- CNY 1,000
Key requirements
- Invitation letter from a Chinese citizen or permanent resident family member
- Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate -- notarised and authenticated)
- Inviter's Chinese ID or permanent residence card
- Valid passport
- Must convert to Residence Permit within 30 days of entry
Working on this visa
No work rights. Q1 is a family-reunion residence route; employment in China requires a work permit and a WORK-type residence permit, which Q1 does not produce (it produces a 团聚类居留证件). Working without both is statutory illegal employment…
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 4 August 2026.