Major Purpose of Visit |
Visa Categories |
Description of Visa |
Exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities |
F |
Issued to those who are invited to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities. |
Commerce & Trade |
M |
Issued to those who are invited to China for commercial and trade activities. |
Family reunion, foster care or visiting relatives with permanent residence in China
|
Q1 |
Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for a long-term family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purposes of foster care (intended duration of stay in China exceeding 180 days).
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. |
Q2 |
Issued to those who intend to visit relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China; the intended duration of stay is limited to no more than 180 days. |
|
Visiting relatives working or studying in China or other private affairs |
S1 |
Issued to relatives of foreigners working or studying in China for the purpose of long-term visit, or to those who intend to visit China for other private reasons (intended duration of stay exceeding 180 days).
“Relatives” refer to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 years and parents-in-law. |
S2 |
Issued to those wishing to visit family members that are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private reasons. The intended duration of stay in China is limited to no more than 180 days.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. |
|
Employment |
Z |
Issued to those taking up a post or employment, or giving commercial performances, in China. |
Commercial performances |
||
Transit |
G |
Issued to those who are going to transit through China en route to a third country (or region). |
As a crew member or a motor vehicle driver |
C |
Issued to foreign crew members of aircraft, trains and ships, motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, and also to the accompanying family members of the above-mentioned ships’ crew members. |
As a student |
X1 |
Issued to those intending to study in China for a period of more than 180 days. |
X2 |
Issued to those intending to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days. |
|
As an introduced talent |
R |
Issued to those who are high-level qualified talents or whose skills are urgently needed by China. |
As a journalist |
J1 |
Issued to resident foreign journalists/media staff of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. |
J2 |
Issued to foreign journalists/media staff on temporary news coverage missions. The intended duration of stay in China is limited to no more than 180 days. |
|
Permanent Residence |
D |
Issued to those who are going to reside in China permanently. |
1. Basic Documents
(1) Passport
Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with blank visa pages, a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.
(2) Visa Application Form and Photo
One completed Visa Application Form with a recently-taken color passport photo(bare-head, full face) against a white background (size: 48mm x 33mm) attached. (Click here to check the specific requirements of photo)
(3) Proof of legal status (applicable for those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)
If you are not applying for a visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates of residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal stay provided by the relevant authorities of the country where the Visa Center is located.
(4) Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable for those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship).
If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide the last Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.
If you have obtained Chinese visas before and apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change).
(5) Other documents that consulate officers consider as necessary.
2. Supporting Documents
C-Visa
A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China
D-Visa
The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for permanent residence status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China
We kindly remind you that:
Holders of D Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.
F-Visa
1. If it is the first time you apply for Chinese visa, an invitation letter issued by a duly authorized entity, OR an invitation letter from the inviting entity together with a confirmation letter of invitation issued by a duly authorized entity, OR an invitation letter for foreign experts must be provided.
2. If you were granted Chinese visa before, an invitation letter from the inviting entity or trading partner must be provided. The invitation letter should contain:
(1) Information of the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
(2) Information of the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)
(3) Information of the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
2. Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation.
3. Commercial registration documents in English or Arabic. (membership card of Chamber of commerce does not serve as adequate proof)
G Visa
1. Invitation letter for tourism issued by travel agencies or inviting entities in China.
2. Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) , Or an Invitation Letter for Tourism issued by a duly authorized Chinese travel agency.
3. If it is the first time you apply for Chinese visa, a working certificate of the applicant must be provided.
J1-Visa
Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official le3tter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.
Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete relevant formalities.
We kindly remind you that:
Holders of J1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.
J2-Visa
Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.
Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the required formalities.
L Visa
1. Invitation letter for tourism issued by travel agencies or inviting entities in China.
2. copy of the business licence.
3. Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation. Or an Invitation Letter for Tourism issued by a duly authorized Chinese travel agency.
3.copy of the old visa and copy of the passport .
4. If it is the first time you apply for Chinese visa, a working certificate of the applicant must be provided.
M-Visa
1. If it is the first time you apply for Chinese visa, an invitation letter issued by a duly authorized entity, OR an invitation letter from the inviting entity together with a confirmation letter of invitation issued by a duly authorized entity, OR an invitation letter for foreign experts must be provided.
2. If you were granted Chinese visa before, an invitation letter from the inviting entity or trading partner must be provided. The invitation letter should contain:
(1) Information of the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
(2) Information of the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)
(3) Information of the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
2. copy of the business licence
3. copy of the old business visa and thew passport
4. Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) .
Q1-Visa
For family reunion, the following documents are required:
1. An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:
(1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
(2) Information on the visit ( purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, arrival and departure dates, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)
(3) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.)
2. Photocopy of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.
3. Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
For foster care, the following documents are required:
(1) Original and photocopy of the natural parents’ or guardians’ passports, as well as the notarized and authenticated certification showing the relationship between parents or guardians and children.
(2) Foster entrusted notarization issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China;
(3) A letter agreeing to foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and photocopy of the ID of the trustee.
(4) A photocopy of the certificate indicating the parent(s) resided abroad when the child was born, providing that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.
We kindly remind you that:
Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.
Q2-Visa
1. An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:
(1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
(2) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures)
(3) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.)
2. Photocopy of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual
R-Visa
The applicant should submit relevant certification in accordance with relevant regulations, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individuals with special skills urgently needed by China.
S1-Visa
Applicants who are going to visit their relatives residing in China and intend to stay for more than 180 days need to provide:
(1) A photocopy of the inviting party’s passport and residence permit.
(2) An invitation letter that contains:
a) Information of the applicant (incl. full name, gender, date of birth, etc.);
b) Information regarding the visit (incl. purpose of visit, intended arrival date, intended place(s) to stay, intended duration of stay, relationship between the applicant and the inviting party, and details of any financial support to be provided during the stay in China);
c) Information of the inviting party (incl. name, contact telephone number, address, signature of individual).
(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicants and the inviting parties.
"Relatives" refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18, parents in law.
Accompanying family members applying together with applicants of Z-Visa or X1-Visa need to provide:
(1) A photocopy of the application documents of Z-Visa or X1-Visa.
(2) Original and photocopy of notarized and authenticated certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between applicants and inviting parties.
"Relatives" refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18, parents in law.
We kindly remind you that:
Holders of S1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.
S2-Visa
For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required:
1. A photocopy of the inviting individual's (a foreigner who stays or lives in China for work or studies) passport and residence permit
2. An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:
(1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
(2) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)
(3) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)
3. Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.
X1、X2 Visa
1. Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by the school.
2. Original and photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).
3. An original bank statement issued in English with a balance of a required amount($2500 for every school-year) or scholarship certificate.
4. Physical examination form
We kindly remind you that:
Holders of an X1-Visa must apply for a residence permit from the immigration department of the local public security authority in the place intended to stay within 30 days of entry to China.
Z-Visa
1. One of the following documents:
(1) Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security,
(2) Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts,
(3) Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration,
(4) An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs or Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Foreign Affairs Office of provincial governments of China,
(5) Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
2. Original and copy of the commercial registration documents of the employer in China.
3.Flight tickets .
We kindly remind you that:
Holders of Z-Visa must apply for a residence permit from the immigration department of the local public security authority in the place intended to stay within 30 days of entry to China.
3. Special Notes
(1) The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the invitation letter.
(2) If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials.
(3) The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.
(4) Please check the official website for relevant Chinese diplomatic embassies or consulates general if you need further information.