People's Republic of China · family · Leads to settlement
Q Family Reunion Visa (Q1 and Q2)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For you if you are family of a Chinese citizen or a permanent resident of China: the Q visa is the family-reunion route, with a long-stay Q1 (leading to a residence permit) and a short-stay Q2 for visits.
- Processing time
- Indicative only. The visa is issued by a Chinese mission and the residence permit (for Q1) is handled after arrival; confirm current timing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only. A visa fee applies and varies by nationality and reciprocity; refer to the official page for current amounts.
- Typical duration
- Q1 is a long-stay route: after entry you obtain a family-type residence permit, often issued for up to several years and renewable. Q2 is for short visits only.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Q visa is for relatives of Chinese citizens and of foreigners who hold permanent residence in China. It comes in two forms. Q1 is for family members who intend to live in China long term - typically more than 180 days - and after entry you apply for a family-type residence permit, which is what lets you settle. Q2 is for shorter family visits and does not lead to a residence permit. Eligible relationships generally include spouses, parents, children and other close family. Good to know: the English National Immigration Administration portal is partial, so confirm which relationships and documents apply to your situation on the official page.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You are a family member of a Chinese citizen or of a foreigner holding permanent residence in China.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- ✓For Q1, you intend to live in China long term (generally more than 180 days) for family reunion.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- ✓For Q2, you intend a shorter family visit.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- ✓You can evidence the qualifying family relationship to the satisfaction of the authorities.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
Common blockers
- !The relationship does not fall within the qualifying family categories.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- !Insufficient proof of the family relationship.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- !Applying for Q1 long-stay reunion when your real purpose is a short visit (or vice versa).National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and the completed visa application form.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- ·Proof of the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate or equivalent).National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- ·The Chinese relative's identity or the foreign relative's permanent-residence proof.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
- ·For Q1, documents needed to apply for the family-type residence permit after arrival.National Immigration Administration (China) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Decide whether you need Q1 (long-stay reunion) or Q2 (short family visit).
Build the evidence pack
Gather proof of the family relationship and your relative's status in China.
Submit through the official channel
Apply for the Q visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate, then enter China.
After approval
For Q1, apply for the family-type residence permit within the required window after arrival.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Q Family Reunion Visa (Q1 and Q2) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Q Family Reunion Visa (Q1 and Q2).
National Immigration Administration (China) · verified
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Q1 and Q2?+
Q1 is for family members who plan to live in China long term, generally more than 180 days, and after you enter you apply for a family-type residence permit. Q2 is for shorter family visits and does not lead to a residence permit. Choose the one that matches how long you intend to stay, and confirm the current thresholds on the official page.
Can the Q1 visa lead to settling in China?+
Q1 puts you on a long-stay family footing: after arrival you obtain a family-type residence permit that lets you live in China and is renewable. Permanent residence itself is a separate application - evidenced by the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (Five-Star Card) - and family of Chinese citizens or permanent residents is one of the groups that may qualify. Check the permanent-residence criteria on the official page.
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We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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