China family reunion visa (Q1 and S1)

Q1: the spouse, parents, children, children's spouses, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren and parents-in-law of a Chinese citizen living in China or of a foreign permanent resident, as well as children going to China for foster care. S1: the spouse, parents, children under 18 and parents-in-law of a foreigner who works, studies or otherwise resides in China, and people who must stay longer than 180 days for other private matters.

An invitation letter from the family member in China (personal data, purpose, planned entry date, address and length of stay, relationship, who pays, the host's contact details and signature), a copy of the host's Chinese ID or of their passport and residence or permanent residence permit, and proof of the relationship. Foster-care applicants submit the notarised foster-care authorisation, the parents' passports and the carer's acceptance letter.

Q1 and S1 are entry visas. Within 30 days of entry, apply to the exit-entry administration of the public security bureau where you will live for a family-type residence permit, with your passport, photo, accommodation registration, proof of relationship and the host's documents; fingerprints are taken. Non-work residence permits are valid for 180 days to five years. Register your address with the police within 24 hours if you do not stay in a hotel.

Foreign spouses of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with permanent residence can apply for permanent residence after five years of marriage, five consecutive years of residence in China with at least nine months in each year, and stable means and housing, according to the Shanghai government's official guide. A domestic deposit of at least RMB 200,000 or a pension is accepted there as proof of means.