Who can apply

The S visa is issued to persons who intend to visit family members who are foreign nationals staying or residing in China for work, study, or other purposes, as well as to persons entering China for other private matters.

• S1 Visa (stay for over 180 days): Spouses, parents, children under 18, or parents-in-law who intend to enter China for a family visit of more than 180 days to foreign nationals residing in China for work, study, or other purposes; individuals who need to reside in China for other private matters.

Note: S1 visa holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days after entering China at the exit-entry administration of the public security authority at or above the county level in the place where they intend to reside.

• S2 Visa (stay for no more than 180 days): Family members, including spouses, parents, children, children's spouses, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and parents-in-law, who intend to enter China for a family visit of no more than 180 days to foreign nationals staying or residing in China for work, study, or other purposes; persons who need to stay in China for other private matters.

How to apply

Follow the requirements of the Chinese embassy or consulate in the place where you are applying, complete the visa application form online, and submit the required application materials.

Documents required

Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Check the "Guidance on Visa Application" section of the China Online Visa Application system or the website of the Chinese embassy or consulate handling your application. Basic application materials include the applicant's passport and photograph, proof of legal stay or residence where applicable, and a previous Chinese passport or Chinese visa where applicable. In addition, the following documents are required:

For an S1 visa for a family visit:

• An invitation letter issued by the foreign national residing in China;
• A photocopy of the inviter's passport and residence permit;
• The original and a photocopy of proof of the qualifying family relationship.

For an S2 visa for a family visit:

• A photocopy of the inviter's passport and residence permit;
• An invitation letter issued by the inviter;
• A photocopy of proof of the qualifying family relationship.

For an S1 or S2 visa for other private matters: Supporting documents concerning the private matter as required by the consular officer. 

For an S1 visa, the invitation letter should include the invitee's personal information; the purpose of the visit, proposed date of arrival, intended place and duration of residence, relationship with the inviter, and source of expenses; and the inviter's name, contact number, address, and signature. For an S2 visa, it should include the invitee's personal information; the purpose of the visit, dates of arrival and departure, places to be visited, relationship with the inviter, and source of expenses; and the inviter's name, contact number, address, and signature.

Click here for more details on required materials.

Visa extension, replacement, and reissuance

If you want to have your visa extended, replaced, or reissued after entering China, you can submit your application to the Exit-Entry Administration Corps of Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau or an exit-entry administration office of a district branch.  

Related: Shanghai exit-entry bureau locations, business hours

For more details on extending, replacing, or reissuing your visa, visit the website of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau.

Service hotline

If you have questions about immigration or visa services in Shanghai, call +86-21-12367. 

Updated Aug 7, 2026

Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Visa Application Service Center, Exit-Entry Administration Corps of Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau