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People's Republic of China · family · Leads to settlement
Q Family Reunion Visa (Q1 and Q2)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 1 official citation reconfirmed 13 September 2026
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
In short
As of 10 July 2026, the Q Family Reunion Visa (Q1 and Q2) for People's Republic of China is a sponsor-led China immigration route. Sources: official People's Republic of China government pages, reviewed 10 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/china/q-family-visa#answer
What is the Q Family Reunion Visa (Q1 and Q2) in People's Republic of China?
Q Family Reunion Visa (Q1 and Q2) is a sponsor-led China route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only. A visa fee applies and varies by nationality and reciprocity; refer to the official page for current amounts; indicative processing time is 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; typical duration is 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. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against National Immigration Administration (China) on 1 June 2026.
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.
After approval: prepare for your next step
For Q Family Reunion Visa (Q1 and Q2), use the actual decision and the issuing authority’s instructions to establish what has been granted. A successful application, permission to enter, permission to work and a residence document are not interchangeable.
- 1. Check the decision. Confirm the name, passport, status granted, start date and any next action. Resolve an error with the authority before relying on the document for travel or employment.
- 2. Establish the travel step. Read any entry window, activation, collection or in-country registration instruction. For an extension or change of status, do not assume leaving the country is required or safe while a further step remains pending.
- 3. Confirm what you may do. Check the conditions for your own permission, including work, and keep evidence of the qualifying relationship. The principal applicant’s conditions may differ.
- 4. Organise the household. Check each accompanying person’s permission separately, then arrange healthcare, accommodation, access to money and the relevant local registrations. A tax number or bank account does not by itself prove a right to work.
- 5. Keep the ongoing conditions visible. Record the actual expiry, renewal process, permitted absences and any duty to report changes. An initial grant does not automatically establish permanent residence or citizenship.
Plan the practical side of your stay
Once you have checked the official route, you can prepare for day-to-day life in China. These optional services are separate from the application and do not establish visa eligibility.
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.
Which relatives can join family in China on a Q visa?+
The Q visa is for relatives of Chinese citizens and of foreigners who hold permanent residence in China, and the eligible relationships generally include spouses, parents, children and other close family. You will need to evidence the qualifying family relationship, for example with a marriage or birth certificate, to the satisfaction of the authorities.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in ChinaHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: National Immigration Administration (China)
Last checked: 1 June 2026