Who can apply

Private matter visa (S-visa) is issued to those wanting to visit family members that are foreigners working or studying in the Chinese mainland, or to those who intend to visit the Chinese mainland for other private reasons.

How to apply

Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website to fill in your application form and make an appointment for the visa application online.

Documents required

• Passport
• One Visa Application Form completed online and signed by hand
• A recently-taken within 6 months, colour passport photo
• A photocopy of the inviting party's passport and residence permit.

Click to see the checklist for applying for a S1 (long-term private matter) visa or S2 (short-term private matter) visa.

How to extend your visa 

If you are in Shanghai and want to extend your S visa, you can apply to the Exit-Entry Administration of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau. 

Address: No 1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area

Open: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

You can make an appointment at the website of Government Online-Offline Shanghai. 

Documents required

• The applicant's original, valid passport and visa
• A completed Visa and Residence Permit Application Form for Foreigners, and then go to the exit-entry administration of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau in person to take a free photograph
• Supporting documents. 

Click here for more information about applying for a S-visa extension.

Service hotline

If you have issues with your visa application, call 021-12367, the service hotline of the Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau.