L-VISA
(Tourist Visa)
China’s L-visa is a type of visa issued to foreigners traveling to China for tourism.
1. Basic Info
- Name: L-Visa (Tourist Visa).
- Main Purpose: Sightseeing, visiting relatives (a Q2 visa may sometimes be applied for purely for visiting relatives, but an L visa is usually used for short-term tourism).
- Classification: Individual tourist visa (common), group tourist visa (for groups of three or more, applied for by a travel agency).
- Prohibited Activities: Holders of L-visa are prohibited from working, engaging in commercial or trade activities, or pursuing long-term studies in China.
2. Application Materials
The following materials are typically required for the individual L-visa application (specific requirements may vary depending on the Chinese embassy or consulate):
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with blank visa pages.
- Visa Application Form: A completed and printed copy of the “Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China,” with a recent passport photo attached.
- Round-trip flight booking: Proof of a clear entry and exit plan.
- Itinerary: The Chinese Embassy requires a brief travel itinerary.
- Hotel Booking Confirmation or Invitation Letter (one is sufficient):
a.If staying in a hotel: Provide a hotel booking confirmation for the entire trip.
b.If staying with relatives or friends: Provide an invitation letter from your employer or relatives/friends in China, along with copies of relevant documents (business license/ID card).
The invitation letter
(same with the information filled in on the visa application form)
1. Invited person’s personal information: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.
2. Invited person’s itinerary information: arrival and departure dates, travel destinations, etc.
- Previous Chinese visa (if any): Applicable to those who have previously obtained a Chinese visa; having one increases the approval rate.
For first-time travel to China
(not applicable to foreign citizens who used to have Chinese citizenship / applicants under 18 years old）
(Aditional Requirement)
- Bank Certificate of Deposit Balance(including the past 6 months bank statement) and the receipt for payment of this certificate (required)
- Provide one of it base on your situation.(required)
- BIR-stamped Income Tax Return Form and Certificate of Employment(detailing the salary and the length of employment )
- Business Registration Certificate(if you are the owner)
- Professional ID/Student ID (if applicable)
- Other relevant documents proving the applicant’s economic condition/ employment/study, or supporting the applicant’s travel to China, or explaining the travel purpose (if applicable)
Applicants under 18 years old
(Aditional Requirement)
- Photocopy of the Birth Certificate with parents’ names
- Photocopy of the parents’ passport
- Photocopy of the parents’ Chinese visa (if available)
- A consent letter demonstrates that the applicant has permission to travel from every parent who is not accompanying them on the trip.
- If parent(s) is holding non-Filipino passport, please also provide the original and photocopy of the legal status (work visa, study visa or residence permit) in the Philippines.(if applicable)
- If the applicant was born of a transnational marriage between China and the Philippines, and is applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, in addition to the above documents, a copy of the residence or visa certificate in the Philippines held by the parent who is a Chinese citizen when the child was born should be provided.(if applicable)
3. Visa validity and duration of stay
- Validity: Usually 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year (depending on the applicant’s nationality, past record, and the embassy/consulate’s ruling).
- Number of Entries: Can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.
- Duration of Stay: Sometimes the embassy only grants 15 days, but usually 30 days, with a maximum of 90 days (specifically indicated on the visa page as “Duration of Each Stay”).
- Extension: L visas generally cannot be extended within China. To extend your stay, you must leave China before the visa’s validity and duration of stay expire and reapply for a visa; alternatively, in exceptional circumstances (such as force majeure), you can consult the local public security bureau’s entry-exit administration department about extension opportunities, but approval is difficult to obtain.
4. Extra Notes
- First-time Chinese Visa Application: Since first-time Chinese visa applications require embassy review, expedited service is not available. This applies to all visas.
- Regional Restrictions: L visa holders can generally travel to most open areas of China. However, if planning to travel to specific regions such as Tibet, a Tibet Travel Permit may be required.
- Accommodation Registration: Upon entry with an L visa, if staying in a hotel, the hotel will handle the registration. If staying with relatives or friends, registration with the local public security bureau must be completed within 24 hours. (Not mandatory)
- Compliance: Working or engaging in activities unrelated to tourism while holding an L visa is strictly prohibited. Violators may be deported and blacklisted.
- Regarding the Length of Stay: The consular officer decides whether to issue a visa and the validity, duration of stay, and number of visa entries based on the individual circumstances of the applicant.
🚨 Are You Stressed About Your Visa Application?
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- Don’t know how to write application letter properly?
- Too swamped with work to spend so much hours on forms?
- Don't know how to handle your own special circumstances?
→ You’re not alone. Thousands face this every year.
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✅ What You Get When You Work With Us:
Embassy-Level Document Review
→ No more missing signatures or wrong formats
Faster Processing & Higher Approval Rates
→ Our clients get visas 30% faster than average
Personalized Travel Advice for China
→ From airport transfers to local SIM cards — we’ve got you covered
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Q-VISA
(Family Reunion Visa)
The Chinese Q visa is a type of visa issued by the government of the People’s Republic of China specifically to foreign citizens entering China for the purpose of family reunification.
The Q visa is divided into two categories: Q1 and Q2.
（The two categories differ significantly in terms of applicable subjects, validity period, length of stay, and subsequent procedures.）
1. Q1 Visa: Long-term family reunification residence
Family members of Chinese citizens include spouses, parents, children, children’s spouses, siblings, grandparents, maternal grandparents, grandchildren, maternal grandchildren, etc.The Q1 visa is an “entry permit” designed specifically for family members who plan to reside in China for an extended period (more than 180 days).
Basically, the “Family Reunion ” heavy-lifter. If you’re looking forward to moving into China to live with family (Chinese citizens or permanent residents ) for the long haul, this is your golden ticket.
- Applicable Person
a.Family members of Chinese citizens include spouses, parents, children, children’s spouses, siblings, grandparents, maternal grandparents, grandchildren, maternal grandchildren, etc.
b.Those with Chinese permanent residency (Chinese green card): The scope of relatives is the same as above.
c.Those applying for entry and residency due to reasons such as foster care.
- Features
a.Entry Permit: The Q1 visa primarily serves as an entry permit, and its specified stay period is usually “000” days or a very short time (such as 30 days), meaning that the holder cannot stay for an extended period solely with this visa.
b.Residence Permit Required: After entering China with a Q1 visa, the applicant must apply for a Foreigner’s Residence Permit (family reunion category) at the local public security bureau’s entry and exit administration office within 30 days.
c.Long-Term Validity: Once issued a residence permit, the document is valid for up to 5 years (the specific duration is determined by the public security bureau based on the applicant’s circumstances). Within the validity period of the residence permit, the holder can travel to and from China multiple times without needing to apply for a visa again.
- Key Application Materials
Besides basic documents such as passport, photo, and application form, the core of a Q1 visa application lies in proving the necessity and authenticity of “long-term family reunification”:
a.Invitation letter: Issued by a relative in China. It must include the invitee’s personal information (name, gender, date of birth, etc.), the purpose of their visit to China, the intended duration of stay, place of residence, source of funding, and the inviter’s contact information.
b.Inviter’s identity verification: Provide a photocopy of your Chinese ID ( for Chinese citizens) or a photocopy of your passport and permanent residence permit ( for foreigners).
c.Proof of kinship: such as a copy of a marriage certificate, birth certificate, household registration booklet, or a notarized kinship certificate, used to prove the kinship between the applicant and the inviter.
2. Q2 Visa: Short-term family visit
The Q2 visa is a “visit visa” specifically designed for people planning a short stay (not exceeding 180 days) in China to visit relatives.
For first-time visa applicants, the embassy generally issues a Q2 visa for the first time.
- Applicable Person:Relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residency in China (same as the family relationship chart above).Suitable for people who are visiting relatives or friends for a short period of time and do not intend to stay for a long time.
- Features
a.Direct stay: After entering the country with a Q2 visa, you can stay legally for the period of stay specified on the visa without having to apply for a residence permit after entry.
b.Flexible and diverse:
i.Duration of stay: A single stay is usually no more than 180 days, with the specific number of days determined by the visa issuing authority based on the application (commonly 30, 60, 90 or 180 days).
ii.Number of entries: Single, double, or multiple-entry visas can be issued. Multiple-entry visas greatly facilitate those who need to frequently travel to visit relatives.
c.Extension Possible: If you need to stay in China for more than the period specified in your visa due to special reasons, you can apply for a visa extension with the entry and exit administration department of the public security organ before the expiry of your stay period. However, each extension is usually limited to no more than 180 days and cannot be directly converted into a long-term residence permit.
- Application Materials: Same with Q1.
3. Visa Comparison
| Aspects |
Q1-visa (long term) |
Q2-visa (short term) |
| Main Purpose | Long-term residence, family reunification | Short-term family visits, visits |
| Duration of stay | > 180 days | ≤ 180 days |
| Post-entry procedures | Residence permits must be renewed within 30 days. | No residence permit is required; stay for the duration of your visa. |
|
Validity Period/ Stay Period |
The visa itself has a short stay period, but after renewing it as a residence permit, the stay can be up to 5 years. | Flexible stay (30-180 days), multiple-entry visas available. |
| Main Materials | Invitation letter + Inviter's identification + Proof of kinship | Invitation letter + proof of identity of the inviter (proof of kinship may be simplified) |
| Flexibility | Suitable for settling down, the procedures are relatively complicated but offer long-term convenience. | Suitable for short-term visits, with simple procedures and high flexibility. |
4. Notes
- Accurate declaration: Providing false information or forging materials is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, it will result in visa refusal, visa revocation, or even denial of entry, and may affect future visa applications.
- Important points to note regarding permitted stay：
a.Q1 visa holders: Remember to apply for a residence permit at the Public Security Bureau within 30 days of entry. Do not mistakenly believe you can stay indefinitely with your visa.
b.Q2 visa holders: Strictly adhere to the “Permitted Stay (Number of Days Allowed)” information on your visa page. Overstaying is illegal and will result in fines, detention, or even deportation.
- Definition of family members: The scope of family members eligible for Q visas is clearly defined by law. Collateral relatives (such as cousins, uncles, aunts, etc.) are generally not eligible for Q visas. In such cases, you may need to apply for other types of visas (such as S2 or L tourist visas). Please consult the embassy or consulate for specific details.
🚨 Are You Stressed About Your Visa Application?
- Drowning in paperwork? (Passport copies, bank statements, invitation letters…)
- Scared of getting rejected at the last minute?
- Don’t know how to write application letter properly?
- Too swamped with work to spend so much hours on forms?
- Don't know how to handle your own special circumstances?
→ You’re not alone. Thousands face this every year.
💡 We’ve Been Where You Are — And Helped Hundreds Succeed
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Now, we bring that real-world expertise to you — so you don’t have to guess, stress, or waste time.
✅ What You Get When You Work With Us:
Embassy-Level Document Review
→ No more missing signatures or wrong formats
Faster Processing & Higher Approval Rates
→ Our clients get visas 30% faster than average
Personalized Travel Advice for China
→ From airport transfers to local SIM cards — we’ve got you covered
Peace of Mind Guaranteed
→ If your application gets rejected due to our error, we’ll reapply free.
Ready to stop stressing and start traveling?
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S-VISA
(Personal Affairs Visa)
The S-visa is a visa category issued by the government of the People’s Republic of China to foreign citizens entering China for private matters.
It is mainly applicable to those visiting foreigners who are working or studying in China for extended periods, or those who need to enter China for other private matters (such as medical treatment, litigation, or handling property).
Depending on the length of stay and the purpose of the application, the S-visa is divided into two categories: S1 (long-term) and S2 (short-term).
1. S1 Visa: Long-term Private Affairs Residence
The S1 visa is an “entry permit” designed specifically for private business personnel who plan to stay in China for an extended period (more than 180 days).
- Applicable Person
a.Relatives of foreign nationals: Family members of foreigners who intend to visit long-term workers (holding Z visas/work residence permits) or students (holding X1 visas/study residence permits) in China.This typically includes spouse, parents, children under 18 years of age, and the spouse’s parents. ( Collateral relatives such as siblings and grandparents are usually not directly covered by S1 and may require an S2 application depending on the specific circumstances ).
b.Other private affairs personnel: Persons who need to reside in China for a long period of time due to private affairs such as marriage, inheritance, litigation, medical treatment, etc.
- Features
a.Entry Permit: Similar to the Q1 visa, the S1 visa primarily serves as an entry permit, with the stay period usually indicated as “000” days or a very short period (e.g., 30 days).
b.Required to Renew Residence Permit: After entering China, the holder must apply for a private affairs residence permit at the local public security bureau’s entry-exit administration office within 30 days.
c.Validity Consistency: The validity period of the renewed residence permit is usually the same as that of the person being visited (the foreigner working or studying in China), with a maximum of 5 years.
d.Convenience: Once the residence permit is obtained, multiple trips to China are permitted within its validity period without the need for a new visa application.
- Key application materials
a.Invitation Letter: Issued by a foreigner residing in China (the person being visited). It must include the invitee’s information, purpose of visit to China, intended length of stay, place of residence, source of funding, and the inviter’s contact information.
b.Inviter’s Identification and Residence Permit: A photocopy of the inviter’s passport and a photocopy of the inviter’s valid work or study residence permit in China.
c.Proof of Kinship: Such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc., proving the kinship between the applicant and the inviter. If the document is in a foreign language, a Chinese translation is usually required; some consular districts may require notarization and authentication.
d.Other Private Documents
2. S2 Visa: Short-term Private Affairs visit
The S2 visa is a “visit visa” designed specifically for private business personnel planning a short stay (not exceeding 180 days) in China. It is currently one of the most frequently applied-for visas due to its high flexibility.
- Applicable Person
a.Relatives of foreign nationals: Short-term visits to family members of foreigners working or studying in China (the scope of relatives is slightly broader than that of S1 visa, and almost the same as that of Q visa, which may include siblings, grandparents, etc., depending on the requirements of the embassy or consulate).
b.Other private affairs personnel: People entering the country for short-term private matters such as medical treatment, litigation, handling real estate, or attending a funeral.
- Features
a. Direct stay: After entry, you can stay legally for the period of stay specified on your visa without needing to apply for a residence permit.
b.Flexible and diverse:
i.Duration of stay: Usually 30 to 90 days, with a maximum of 180 days. The specific number of days is approved by the visa officer based on the application materials.
ii.Number of entries: Single, double, or multiple-entry visas can be issued. The multiple-entry S2 visa is particularly convenient for applicants who need to frequently visit family members for short periods.
c.Extension restrictions: If you need to extend your stay, you can apply to the public security authorities for an extension. However, the total stay should not be too long, and you cannot directly convert it into a long-term residence permit (you need to leave the country and reapply for an S1 or meet other conditions).
- Application Materials: Same with S1.
3. Visa Comparison
S-visa
| Aspects |
S1 visa (long-term) |
S2 visa (short-term) |
| Main Purpose |
Long-term residency (family reunification, accompanying children to study, long-term medical care, etc.) |
Short-term family visits, business trips, handling temporary private matters. |
| Duration of stay | >180 days | ≤180 days |
| Post-entry procedures |
Must apply for: Within 30 days of entry, you must apply to the public security authority for a new "private affairs" residence permit. |
No application required: You can stay legally for the specified period of stay with just your visa; there is no need to renew your residence permit. |
| Stay Period | They are usually marked as “000” days or very short days (such as 30 days) and are only used as a buffer period for entry. | Clearly indicate the specific number of days (e.g., 30/60/90/120/180 days). |
| Validity Period | The visa itself is usually valid for 3 months (for entry), and its long-term validity depends on the renewal of the residence permit (up to 5 years). | The validity period is flexible (ranging from 3 months to 5 years) and can be issued for single, double or multiple entries. |
4. Notes
- Status of the Person Being Visited: An S-visa application requires that the foreigner being visited have a valid and lawful residence status in China. If the work/study residence permit of the person being visited has expired or been cancelled, the S-visa application will be refused.
- Guardianship of Minors: If the S1-visa holder is a child under 18, the validity of their residence permit generally cannot exceed the validity of the residence permit of their guardian (the parent working or studying in China).
- Accommodation Registration: After entering China with an S1/S2 visa, whether staying in a hotel or with relatives, temporary accommodation registration must be completed at the local police station within 24 hours (72 hours in rural areas). This is a necessary prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit (S1 to residence permit conversion).
- Risk of Illegal Employment: Holders of S visas (whether S1 or S2) are strictly prohibited from working in China. If work is required, a separate work permit and work-related residence permit must be applied for. Illegal employment will result in fines, detention, and deportation.
- Eligibility of the person being visited: Whether applying for an S1 or S2 visa, the foreign national being visited must hold a valid work or study residence permit. If the person being visited holds a Q (family reunification) or S (private affairs) residence permit, they generally cannot be the inviter for an S visa (in which case a Q visa should be applied for).
🚨 Are You Stressed About Your Visa Application?
- Drowning in paperwork? (Passport copies, bank statements, invitation letters…)
- Scared of getting rejected at the last minute?
- Don’t know how to write application letter properly?
- Too swamped with work to spend so much hours on forms?
- Don't know how to handle your own special circumstances?
→ You’re not alone. Thousands face this every year.
💡 We’ve Been Where You Are — And Helped Hundreds Succeed
We didn’t just study visa rules — we lived them. Our team has personally navigated complex applications, avoided rejections, and secured approvals under tight deadlines.
Now, we bring that real-world expertise to you — so you don’t have to guess, stress, or waste time.
✅ What You Get When You Work With Us:
Embassy-Level Document Review
→ No more missing signatures or wrong formats
Faster Processing & Higher Approval Rates
→ Our clients get visas 30% faster than average
Personalized Travel Advice for China
→ From airport transfers to local SIM cards — we’ve got you covered
Peace of Mind Guaranteed
→ If your application gets rejected due to our error, we’ll reapply free.
Ready to stop stressing and start traveling?
👉 Fill out the form below — it takes less than 2 minutes.
Our team will review your case and reply within 24 hours with professional advice.
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OTHER VISAS
(Z/X/M and other Visa)
Besides L, Q, and S visas, common Chinese visas include Z (work), X (study), M (business), and other special types.
These visas are specifically for those coming to China for employment, study, business negotiations, and other purposes, with clearly defined uses and correspondingly different application materials, requiring applications to be submitted according to the specific reason for application.
🚨 Are You Stressed About Your Visa Application?
- Drowning in paperwork? (Passport copies, bank statements, invitation letters…)
- Scared of getting rejected at the last minute?
- Don’t know how to write application letter properly?
- Too swamped with work to spend so much hours on forms?
- Don't know how to handle your own special circumstances?
→ You’re not alone. Thousands face this every year.
💡 We’ve Been Where You Are — And Helped Hundreds Succeed
We didn’t just study visa rules — we lived them. Our team has personally navigated complex applications, avoided rejections, and secured approvals under tight deadlines.
Now, we bring that real-world expertise to you — so you don’t have to guess, stress, or waste time.
✅ What You Get When You Work With Us:
Embassy-Level Document Review
→ No more missing signatures or wrong formats
Faster Processing & Higher Approval Rates
→ Our clients get visas 30% faster than average
Personalized Travel Advice for China
→ From airport transfers to local SIM cards — we’ve got you covered
Peace of Mind Guaranteed
→ If your application gets rejected due to our error, we’ll reapply free.
Ready to stop stressing and start traveling?
👉 Fill out the form below — it takes less than 2 minutes.
Our team will review your case and reply within 24 hours with professional advice.
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