S1 Visa (Dependent of Work/Study Visa Holder)
🇨🇳 China visas · Family
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S1 Visa (Dependent of Work/Study Visa Holder)
S1 Visa (Dependent of Work/Study Visa Holder)
China · Family
What it is
For spouses, parents, children under 18, and in-laws of foreigners working or studying in China who need to stay more than 180 days. Must convert to Residence Permit within 30 days. Official applicant scope: spouse, parents, children under 18 and spouse’s parents of a foreign national residing in China for work or study, entering for a long visit of more than 180 days; also those residing in China for other private affairs.
Key facts
- Category
- Family
- Duration
- Entry visa valid 30 days; Residence Permit up to duration of sponsor's permit
- Processing time
- 4 to 7 working days
- Maximum validity
- 5 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- 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 the foreign national residing in China
- Sponsor's Residence Permit copy
- Proof of family relationship (authenticated)
- Valid passport
- Must convert to Residence Permit within 30 days of entry
Working on this visa
No work rights. S1 is a long-term private-visit residence route derived from another foreigner's residence in China; employment requires a work permit and a WORK-type residence permit, which S1 does not produce (it produces a 私人事务类居留证件).…
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 4 August 2026.