5 October 2026
Spouse Visa for China
You can rely on our lawyers if you want to acquire a marriage visa in China. Contact our law firm in China for details about the Chinese spouse visa.
If you would like to apply for a spouse visa in China, this page explains the key conditions. We recommend that our new clients or applicants get legal assistance from our Chinese lawyers by accessing our online services.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of spouse visas in China | S1 and S2 visas for short or long-term visits to China |
Who needs an S1 visa? | Spouses of foreign citizens working or studying in China |
Who can apply for S2 visa? | – family members (spouses, parents, sons, daughters, parents-in-law, etc) – working or studying in China |
| Duration of stay with a spouse visa in China | Up to 180 days per stay with Q2/S2; Q1/S1 holders must apply for a residence permit (valid up to 5 years) within 30 days of entry |
| Documents required for getting a spouse visa in China | – valid passport, – invitation letter, – information on the visit to China, – certificates attesting the relationship with the inviter, notarised and apostilled (or legalized where the Apostille Convention does not apply) |
| Q visa for family members in China | Spouses, parents, grandparents, sons, and daughters can apply for Q1 or Q2 visa if they are family members with a Chinese citizen. |
| What is a dependant visa in China? | Is the same thing as a Q visa or S visa |
| Registration with the municipality (YES/NO) | YES |
| Administration fee for temporary residence visa in China | Around CNY 400 |
| Time frame to obtain a spouse visa for China | Normally a few days, but the process might prolong for a few weeks. |
| Pre-application advice for a spouse visa for China | It is recommended to work with a Chinese lawyer in order to avoid possible complexities due to the language barrier. |
| Age restrictions | Spouse visa application for citizens above 18 years of age |
| Translation of documents for getting a spouse visa in China | Specific documents must be translated into Chinese. |
| Who issues Chinese visas for interested applicants? | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China through embassies and consulates |
| Why work with our law firm in China? | We have experience in immigration matters, we can prepare the solicited documents, represent clients with a power of attorney, provide tailored services at affordable costs |
What types of spouse visas are available in China?
- Q visa – if your spouse is Chinese or a permanent resident in China,
- S Visa – if your spouse is a foreigner working or studying in China.
Is there an age requirement to apply for a spouse visa in China?
Yes, 18.
What are the main features of Q and S spouse visas in China?
- a Q1 visa is valid for more than 180 days of living in China. It is suitable for long-term family reunification in China,
- a Q2 visa is valid for only 180 days, and it is suitable for short-term visits in China,
- an S1 visa is valid for long-term stays of more than 180 days. A residence permit is needed in this case,
- an S2 visa is available for only 180 days of living in China and cannot be combined with a job offer/work position in this country.
Where do I apply for a spouse visa in China?
- at the Chinese Visa Application Center,
- at the Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin.
Do I need to register with the local administration when entering China?
Yes, as soon as you arrive in China.
Where do I apply for a residence permit in China if entering with a spouse visa?
At the Public Security Bureau Exit & Entry Administration.
What are the main documents required for obtaining a spouse visa in China?
- Marriage & birth certificates,
- Valid passport for at least 6 months,
- Visa application form from the immigration department,
- Proof of domicile of the spouse living in China,
- Health insurance,
- Passport-size photo,
- A copy of the Chinese ID of the spouse,
- A signed invitation letter detailing the purpose of the visit, etc.
IMPORTANT: Marriage certificates issued outside China must be authenticated via Apostille.
What can you do and cannot do with a spouse visa in China?
- Remotely working for a company outside China is possible as long as income is deposited in a foreign bank account,
- Long-term residence is possible through a spouse visa in China if all the conditions are met,
- This permit allows multiple entries to and from China,
- Spouse visa holders can open bank accounts in China, obtain a driver’s license, rent an apartment, etc.
NOTE: Transition from a spouse visa to a work permit is possible in China.
What is the time frame to obtain a spouse visa in China?
About 3-4 weeks.
What is the administration fee for a spouse visa in China?
The visa fee depends on nationality and is paid at the embassy or visa centre; the residence permit fee in China is CNY 400 for less than 1 year (CNY 800 for 1-3 years, CNY 1,000 for 3-5 years).
Ready to find out more about a spouse visa in China and the conditions imposed? We suggest you contact our law firm in China and discuss with our local specialists. You can also be guided when applying for a residence permit in China.