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Policy for Foreigners with Immediate Family Living in China

There are growing numbers of foreigners who come to China to visit close relatives in recent years. Under existing rules, they can only apply for an "L visa" (single-entry, double-entry, multiple-entry) outside mainland, which is only valid for a short term and can be extended twice (each for 30 days in general). But now the Chinese Ministry of Public Security has made changes to its policy concerning foreigners with immediate family living in PRC. Depending on how long they will stay in PRC, the applicants can be granted by local Entry & Exit Department either a family visit visa that is valid for one year at most; or a residence permit that is valid for a minimum of 180 days and a maximum of 5 years. The residence permit does not have limits on the number of entry and exit as long as the permit is valid, which will greatly facilitate the travel of foreigners.

Yang Mei, a Cantonese who married to a Filipino 3 years ago, wrote in her blog that she has been looking forward to such measures for a long time.

"My Philippine husband comes to PRC every year to visit my family, but most of time he can only be granted a single entry visa, it is really troublesome. But now I am delighted that he is able to apply for this residence permit."
 

Who are eligible to apply for this Family Visit Visa/Residence Permit?

(1). Foreign spouses, parents, and children under 18 of Chinese citizens or foreigners who have permanent residence status in PRC.
(2). Foreigners over 60, and their spouses, who do not have immediate family abroad and come to live with their immediate relatives, and their immediate family members in China can be Chinese citizens or foreigners who have permanent residence status in PRC.
(3). Overseas Chinese aged above 60 who have purchased real estate in PRC, and their foreign spouses and children aged below 18.
(4). Overseas Chinese older than 18 who come to PRC to take care of their Chinese parents, who have reached 60 and do not have any children in PRC.
(5). Foreign children under 18 being taken care of in PRC and whose parents are overseas Chinese or Chinese citizens who hold permanent residence permits in other countries.
 

How to apply for this Family Visit Visa/Residence Permit within mainland PRC?

Applicants of this category cover most of ones who are qualified to apply for this new family visit visa/residence permit. For specific requirements, please read on following paragraphs:

a. For applicants of this category, they can be granted single entry/double-entry/multi-entry L visas valid for less than 6 months through local Public Security Bureau, where the Chinese citizens register their household (also known as Hu Kou) or main living area in recent years and where foreigners who have permanent residence status live. 

b. If they need to live for more than 6 months, they can apply for the residence permit valid for one year and it can be extended with relevant documents when it expires. 

c. For foreigners over 60 and children under 18, they can be granted a residence permit valid for two years and it also can be extended when it expires. 
 

What documents should be submitted when applying for this Family Visit Visa/ Residence Permit?

The above applicants are required to provide certified Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate or Certificate of Kinship when they apply for Chinese L visa or residence permit. (The certificate should be translated into Chinese)

1. If one wants to visit a Chinese citizen who lives in Mainland PRC, the Chinese citizen also need to provide Chinese ID card and Residence Certificate (Household registration or proof of temporary residency where he/she lives for over 6 months).
2. If one wants to visit an overseas Chinese living in Mainland PRC, the overseas Chinese is required to provide his/her Chinese passport, Permanent Residence in foreign countries and Proof of Residence in Mainland valid for at least 6 months.
3. For those who visit Hong Kong and Macao residents living in Mainland PRC, applicants need to provide their sponsor's Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents and proof that they have live in Mainland for more than 6 months.
4. For those who visit Taiwan residents living in Mainland PRC, the applicants are required to provide the Entry Permit of Taiwan Residents to the Mainland or Travel Documents of PRC and proof that they live in mainland for more than 6 months.
5. Applicants visit foreigners who have permanent residence status in China, the Permanent Residence Permit and the proof of living in China for more than 6 months are required. 
 

Where to submit the application

1. You can go to the main city Public Security Bureau for your greater area or your local PSB where your certificate of Temporary Residency was issued.
2. Generally, the application will take 3-week to process. With all required documents (everything requires photocopy), your sponsor (your wife, child, etc) needs to be present in person with you.
 

Basic Requirements for Application

1. Your passport (with current visa and certificate of Temporary Residency);
2. Temporary Registration Form issued from the local Public Security Bureau.
3. Very recent photographs with receipt, they must be specified standard and less than 1-month old;
4. Application fee. (Expect change from 1, 000 RMB)
 

Important Notice

1. Residence permits do not have limits on the number of entries and exits, holders can exit and enter Mainland PRC for many times during its validity, it saves time and money.
2. The Family Visit Visa/Residence Permit can be extended when it expires.
3. Holders of this Family Visit Visa/Residence Permit are not allowed to work in China.
4. When your application is processed, your current visa or Certificate of Temporary Residence (CTR) is automatically cancelled as of that moment.
5. Overseas Chinese coming to take care of parents aged over 60 - they can only apply for a one-year residence permit.

- Last updated on Jul. 22, 2024 -
Questions & Answers on Policy for Foreigners with Immediate Family Living in China
Asked by Raymond Lee from CANADA | Jul. 20, 2024 15:52Reply
Definition of "Immediate Relatives" in Visa Application, Section 4, Question 5.5E
Who are included in the Definition of "Immediate Relatives" in Visa Application, Section 4, Question 5.5E. Does it include half-brothers?
Answers (1)
Answered by Keith | Jul. 22, 2024 00:39
00Reply


It refers to parents, grandparents, spouse, brothers, sisters, daughter and son of the applicants, half-brothers are included.
Asked by Junaid Khan from PAKISTAN | Sep. 07, 2023 11:19Reply
Daughter visa
Hello we both husband and wife are studying in Chinese University on Chinese government scholarship we have daughter of aged 1.5 months in my country Chinese embassy issue S1 visa for my daughter after the arrival of my daughter can I apply for resident permit for my daughter if yes then which documents will be required. Your quick answer will be appreciated.
Answers (1)
Answered by Molly | Sep. 08, 2023 00:29
00Reply


You need to go to local entry and exit administration bureau to acquire a temporary registration form and prepare passports, your parent-child relationship proof and recent photos.
Asked by Pablo from SPAIN | Jul. 29, 2023 03:08Reply
Spouse of a Hong Kong Chinese national planning to live in China
Hi,

My wife is a Hong Kong Chinese national (she holds a Hong Kong passport) and I am a foreigner with permanent residence in Hong Kong. We want to move to Mainland PRC and live there long-term. As a spouse of a Hong Kong Chinese national, can I apply for a Q1 visa?

Thank you in advance.
Answers (1)
Answered by Emily | Jul. 31, 2023 01:55
00Reply


If you also plan to work in China, then a work visa will be needed; this is for sure. If you only live here, I'm not sure if the Q isa is availabe for you or not. Anyway, it is better to consult the visa office directly to confirm it.
Asked by DIEP BAO THUC from VIETNAM | May. 19, 2023 23:57Reply
type of visa shall i apply?
I am holder of china business visa type M, duration of stay 90 days, i have planned for my wife coming in China. I have apartment lease contract and Registration Voucher for Residant. So which type of visa shall my wife apply? We are Vietnamese.
Thank you
Answers (1)
Answered by Linda | May. 22, 2023 20:00
00Reply


If you are in China now and have a residence permit , it is possible for her to apply for a China Private Visit Visa (S). You need to offer her an invitation letter and a photocopy of residence permit.
Asked by Alison from UNITED KINGDOM | May. 05, 2023 23:53Reply
Voluntary Work
I am a retired teacher on a two-year 'Family Reunion Visa', as I am married to a Chinese national. I would love to teach Chinese children in remote areas voluntarily, either in person or remotely. Is this possible on my current visa, please?
Answers (1)
Answered by Luna | May. 07, 2023 18:39
00Reply


It is suggested to call the 24-hour hotline of China Exit and Entry Administration:12367.
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