What are the objects and required materials for issuance of private affairs visa (S1 and S2 visa)?

(1) Recipients of the Visa S1 Visa: For spouses, parents, children under 18 years, and parents of spouses of foreigners […]

(1) Recipients of the Visa

S1 Visa: For spouses, parents, children under 18 years, and parents of spouses of foreigners who are residing in China for long-term family visits (exceeding 180 days) due to work, study, or other reasons, as well as for individuals who need to stay in China for other private matters.

S2 Visa: For family members (spouses, parents, children, children’s spouses, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and parents of spouses) of foreigners who are in China for short-term family visits (not exceeding 180 days) due to work, study, or other reasons, as well as for individuals who need to stay in China for other private matters.

(2) Required Materials

1. Passport: An original passport with a validity of more than 6 months and at least one blank visa page, along with a photocopy of the passport information page.
2. Visa Application Form and Photo: One completed “Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China” and one recent color passport photo with a plain light background, attached to the application form.
3. Proof of Legal Stay or Residence (Applicable to applicants not applying in their country of nationality): If you are not applying for the visa in your country of nationality, you must provide valid proof of legal stay, residence, work, or study in the host country, as well as the original and a copy of the relevant visa.
4. Original Chinese Passport or Visa (Applicable to those who had Chinese nationality and later acquired foreign nationality): If this is your first application for a Chinese visa, you must provide the original Chinese passport and a photocopy of the passport information page. If you previously held a Chinese visa and are applying with a newly issued foreign passport, you must provide a photocopy of the information page of the old foreign passport and the previously obtained Chinese visa (if the name on the new passport is different from the original passport, you must also provide official documents regarding the name change).
5. S1 Visa:
   • (1) An invitation letter from the foreigner residing in China. This letter must include the following:
     • Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, etc.
     • Visit information for the invitee: purpose of visit to China, intended arrival date, intended place of residence, intended duration of stay, relationship with the inviter, source of expenses, etc.
     • Information about the inviter: name, contact number, address, signature, etc.
   • (2) A photocopy of the inviter’s passport and residence permit.
   • (3) Proof of family relationship between the applicant and the inviter (spouse, parents, children under 18, parents of the spouse), such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or notarized proof of kinship from a public security bureau, both original and photocopy.
   [Note] Visa holders must apply for residence permits at the local public security authority within 30 days of entering China.

S2 Visa: For short-term family visits, the following must be provided:

• (1) A photocopy of the inviter’s passport and residence permit.
• (2) An invitation letter from the inviter (specifically referring to the foreigner residing in China due to work, study, etc.). This letter must include:
  • Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, etc.
  • Visit information for the invitee: purpose of visit to China, dates of entry and exit, location of visit, relationship with the inviter, source of expenses, etc.
  • Information about the inviter: name, contact number, address, signature, etc.
• (3) A photocopy of the proof of family relationship between the applicant and the inviter (spouse, parents, children, children’s spouses, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and parents of the spouse).

If it is for private matters, relevant proof materials as required by the consular officer must be provided.