Apply for a Reunion-type Residence Permit (Q1/S1 visa holder)

Where a foreigner's visa indicates that application for residence permit is required after entry, an application shall be filed at the exit and entry departments of public security organs in the intended place of residence within 30 days after entry.

Valid passport or other international travel documents. Fill out a Visa/Stay Permit/Residence Permit Application Form and submit a photo that complies with the Guidelines for Exit-Entry Documents Photographs. The original of relevant materials will be required for verification, and photocopies shall be submitted.

Foreigners entering China with Q1 visa shall submit the identity certificate of the person being visited and a letter explaining the relationship between family members. Foreigners entering China with other categories of visa shall also submit proofs of family member relationship.

For foreigners entering China with S1 visa for the purpose of visiting family, the applicant shall submit a letter explaining the kinship (spouse, parents, spouse's parents, minor children below 18) from and the residence permit of the person being visited. A residence permit with a validity period consistent with that of the residence permit of the person being visited in China may be issued.

Where a foreigner applies for residence permit with a validity period of above 1 year, the applicant shall submit, in accordance with relevant provisions, a health certificate issued by the local health and quarantine authority or health and medical institution above county level.

Foreigners applying for a residence permit shall apply in person at exit and entry departments of China's public security organs to complete relevant formalities. For foreigners who are high-level talents or urgently-needed professionals, or under 16 or over 60 years old, or disabled due to illness or other reasons, an application may be filed by the inviting entity/individual, families or relatives or a professional service agency on behalf of the applicant.

For those under the age of 18 or at or above the age of 60, residence permit with a validity period of not more than 3 years may be issued. The date of expiry of the residence permit for a person under the age of 18 shall not be later than the date on which he/she turns 18. For other persons, a residence permit with a validity period of no more than 2 years may be issued.