S2 Visa (Short-Term Private Visit)
🇨🇳 China visas · Family
What it is
Chinese visa for a short visit (no more than 180 days) by family members of foreign nationals staying or residing in China for work, study or other purposes, spouse, parents, children, children’s spouses, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren and the spouse’s parents, and for those entering for other private affairs.
Key facts
- Category
- Family
- Duration
- Validity and stay set by the issuing Chinese mission.
- Processing time
- See the Chinese embassy or consulate.
- Maximum validity
- 6 months
- 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 (In-China re-issue/extension fee, not a consular fee)
- CNY 206
Key requirements
- Passport valid for the intended stay
- Completed visa application form and photo
- Documents evidencing the purpose of the visit
- Application at a Chinese embassy, consulate or visa application service centre
Working on this visa
No work rights. S2 is a short private-visit stay of up to 180 days; employment requires a work permit and a work-type residence permit, and a foreigner may not engage in activities inconsistent with the purpose of the stay. Working…
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 4 August 2026.