China Visa Types

China Visa Types is divided into 6 categories, the abbreviations are L, M, F, Z, X1, X2, S1, S2, Q1, Q2, Q2, C, J-1, J-2, G, D, R, etc.

China Visa Types

Tourist Visa (L Visa)

Issued to people who plan to visit China for sightseeing. Proof of travel such as flight confirmation and hotel reservations are required. Visitors can choose between single entry, double-entry, or multiple entries. The length of stay (per tour) is generally 30-60 days. U.S. passport holders may be granted multiple entries for up to 10 years.

Business Visa (M Visa)

The Business M Visa is issued to those who wish to enter China for business and trade activities, and is usually available in single, double or multiple entries, and is valid for up to 10 years. The length of stay (per visit) is generally 30-60 days, depending on the specific Chinese consulate.

Work Visa (Z Visa)

To persons who have obtained employment in China. A government-issued work permit or employment permit is required, and Z visas are only issued to single-entrants. Z visa holders should register with the Public Security Bureau (police station) and apply for a residence permit within 30 days from the date of entry. The Z visa is also applicable to people who are performing commercially in China.

Study Visa (X1/X2)

Issued to students who have been admitted to Chinese universities. A student visa is divided into X1 and X2, X1 is for foreign students who have been in China for more than 6 months, X1 is for foreign students who have been in China for more than 6 months, X2 is for students who have been in China for the same purpose but for less than 6 months, X2 is for single entry only, X1 is for multiple entries and is not valid for more than 5 years.

Private Visa

S1-Long Term

It is issued to people who have immediate family members who are working or studying in China and who intend to live in China or who intend to go to China for other personal reasons. who intend to remain in China for more than 180 days." An "immediate family member" is a spouse, parent, son or daughter under the age of 18 or parent-in-law. Original proof of kinship is required. The S1 visa is only valid for single entry. Holders of S1 visas should register with the Public Security Bureau (police station) and apply for a residence permit within 30 days from the date of entry. The residence permit is valid for multiple entrants.

S2-Short Term

Issued to expatriates working or studying in China, or those who intend to come to China for other personal matters such as visiting family and friends, divorce, inheritance, adoption, marriage, medical services, etc. The length of stay in China is generally 30-90 days per visit. Proof of kinship is required for family visits, and the S2 visa is usually used for multiple entries; multiple entries up to 10 years are issued only to U.S. passport holders.

Family Visa

Q1-Long Term

The Q1 visa is designed for foreigners who are descendants of Chinese citizens or spouses of Chinese citizens. Issued to family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners who have the right of permanent residence in China, who intend to come to China to be reunited with their families, or who intend to come to China for foster care. The proposed stay in China will exceed 180 days." A "relative" means a spouse, parent, son, daughter, son or daughter's spouse, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, granddaughter, granddaughter, parent-in-law. Original proof of kinship is required. Interviews may be required. q1 visas are for single entry only. Holders of Q1 visas should register with the Public Security Bureau (police station) and apply for a residence permit within 30 days from the date of entry. The residence permit is valid for multiple entrants.

Q2-Short Term

The Q2 visa is designed for spouses of Chinese citizens of Chinese descent or foreigners. Issued to relatives of Chinese citizens who wish to visit Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners who have the right of permanent residence in China. The Q2 visa is usually issued for multiple entries, and multiple entries within 10 years are only issued to U.S. passport holders.