China S1/S2 Visa for Family Members of Foreign Residents

S1 is for family members planning to stay in China more than 180 days (for example, a spouse accompanying a partner who works in China long term); after entry it must be exchanged for a residence permit within 30 days. S2 is for short-term private affairs of no more than 180 days — family visits, medical treatment, litigation and so on — and you stay for the number of days stated in the visa.

S1 applicants must be the spouse, minor child, parent or parent-in-law of a foreign national working or studying in China. S2 covers a wider group and also includes non-direct relatives coming to China for private affairs such as medical treatment, litigation or inheritance.

For a spouse, a notarized and legalized marriage certificate; for a parent-child relationship, a notarized and legalized birth certificate. The usual legalization chain is: notarization in your home country → authentication by your home country's foreign ministry → authentication by the Chinese embassy or consulate in that country (or an Apostille). OTGEO can guide you through the cross-border notarization process.

Government fees for an S visa are similar to those for an ordinary visa (a few hundred yuan). The timeline: notarization of the relationship (1–3 weeks, depending on the route) + visa processing (1–4 weeks) + exchanging the residence permit after S1 entry (about 15 working days), about 1–2 months in total. The biggest variable is cross-border notarization and legalization — Apostille countries are 2–4 weeks faster than the consular legalization route. OTGEO's service fee is transparent and covers document review, visa submission and assistance with the residence permit after entry.

The most common reason is insufficient proof of family relationship — the marriage or birth certificate has not been notarized and legalized, translations are not standard, or the notarial certificate is more than 6 months old. Secondary reasons include an incomplete invitation letter and a relative's residence permit nearing expiry or being cancelled. If refused, you can reapply with complete documents; there is no mandatory cooling-off period. OTGEO recommends having a consultant review your full set of notarized documents before submission to ensure compliance.

No. The S visa (private affairs residence permit) explicitly prohibits employment. Family members can, however: (1) take short-term study or cultural courses of no more than 180 days (no additional visa required); (2) once they find a qualifying employer, cancel the S residence permit, and the employer applies for a Foreigner's Work Permit and a Z visa; (3) if they personally qualify for an R visa or Class A talent status, apply separately.