S1 vs S2 Visa for China: Which One for Your Family?

Both are family visas for relatives of foreigners in China; S1 is for long-term stays over 180 days and leads to a residence permit, while S2 is for short visits of up to 180 days with no residence permit.

No. S visas are for the family of foreigners living in China; Q visas are for the family of Chinese citizens or permanent residents. Choosing Q when you need S is a common reason applications are refused.

The S1 visa gets them into China; the dependent residence permit they apply for within 30 days sets how long they can stay, and it's renewable. So the long-term stay is governed by the permit, not the visa itself.

No, an S2 is a short-visit visa, so your relative stays for the period shown on the visa and doesn't apply for a residence permit. If they need longer, S1 is the route.

S1 (and Q1) holders must apply for a residence permit at the local Public Security Bureau within 30 days of entering China. Missing it risks falling out of status, so it's a deadline we track and handle.

Typically an invitation and the China-based relative's passport and residence documents, plus your authenticated proof of relationship (marriage certificate for a spouse, birth certificate for a child). Requirements vary by consulate, so we confirm yours.

Not on the S1 or dependent permit alone, working generally requires separate work authorisation. Let us know if your spouse plans to work and we'll map the route.

If the plan is to live in China together, choose S1 from the start, it's the long-term route and converts to a residence permit. We'll confirm the best fit for your situation before you apply.

Yes. We confirm S vs Q and S1 vs S2, prepare the authenticated documents, file the application, and handle the residence permit after arrival, so it's right the first time.