Q1 family reunion visa and residence permit
China · Official name: Q1 visa (family reunion over 180 days) and residence permit for family reunion
Family members of Chinese citizens, or of foreigners with permanent residence in China, who want to live in China for more than 180 days apply for a Q1 visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate. 'Family members' includes spouses, parents, children, children's spouses, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren and parents-in-law. Within 30 days of entry, Q1 holders must apply to the local public security exit-entry department for a residence permit. Shorter visits use the Q2 visa.
1 entry rule for China based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers aged 9 months and over arriving from a yellow fever risk country (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit in one) need a valid yellow fever certificate. Without one: may be held for observation for up to 6 days after leaving the infected area, or vaccinated and held until the vaccination takes effect.
WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Frontier Health and Quarantine Law of the People's Republic of China Beijing Municipal Government FAQ: Do I need immunizations to enter China? Checked October 19, 2026
Life in China
Finance
3
Currency
Chinese Yuan
CNY
Chinese Yuan
Cost of living
48
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
3–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 13%
45% applies to annual taxable comprehensive income above CNY 960,000 after a CNY 60,000 basic deduction.
Living
1
Happiness
#63 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Premium
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign family members of Chinese citizens and of foreign permanent residents of China.
Eligibility
Qualifying family relationship
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou must be a close family member of a Chinese citizen or of a foreigner with permanent residence in China.
- Spouse, parent, son or daughter
- Spouse of a son or daughter
- Brother, sister, grandparent or grandchild
- Parent-in-law
Official wording
Spouse, parent, son, daughter, spouse of a son or daughter, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild or parent-in-law of a Chinese citizen or of a foreigner with permanent residence in China.
Stay over 180 days
Sign in to check this route against your profileQ1 is for family reunion stays of more than 180 days.
Stay length by visa type
- Q1
- Over 180 days
- Q2visits
- Up to 180 days
Official wording
Q1 is for family reunion stays over 180 days; Q2 covers visits of up to 180 days.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
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- 4 documents
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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Other routes to China
- Visit & tourismTourist visa (L visa), plus 30-day visa-free entry for listed nationalities
- StudyX1 Visa (study over 180 days) and residence permit for study
- Work permitsZ (work) visa with Foreigner's Work Permit and work-type residence permit
- 1 more route with Premium
