Visa Types and Extension of Residence Permits
Q: What are the types of Chinese visas?
- Chinese visas are categorized as diplomatic, courtesy, service, and ordinary visas. Ordinary visas are further divided into the following types:
| Visa Type | Applicable Applicants |
| C | Crew members of international flights, vessels, train attendants, and personnel engaged in international passenger services. |
| D | Individuals seeking permanent residency in China. |
| F | Personnel entering China for non-commercial exchanges, such as cultural or scientific research activities. |
| G | Transit passengers passing through China. |
| J1 | Resident foreign journalists of permanent foreign news agencies stationed in China (for stays exceeding 180 days). |
| J2 | Foreign journalists entering China for short-term news coverage (up to 180 days). |
| L | Individuals entering China for tourism. |
| M | Personnel entering China for commercial and trade activities. |
| Q1 | Family members (spouse, parents, children, in-laws, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, step-parents, and foster parents) of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residency in China, applying for long-term family reunions (over 180 days). |
| Q2 | Spouses and family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residency, entering for short-term family visits (up to 180 days). |
| R | Foreign professionals urgently needed by the state or specialized talents in high demand. |
| S1 | Family members (spouse, parents, children, step-parents, and foster parents) of foreigners residing in China for work, study, or other reasons, applying for long-term stays (over 180 days). |
| S2 | Family members of foreigners in China, applying for short-term visits (up to 180 days), or individuals entering for other personal purposes. |
| X1 | Students planning to study in China long-term (over 180 days). |
| X2 | Students planning to study in China short-term (up to 180 days). |
| Z | Individuals entering China for employment. |
Q: Can I apply for an extension if I need to stay longer?
If you need to extend your stay for valid reasons after entering China, you must apply for a stay permit at the local Public Security Bureau’s Exit-Entry Administration Office.
Q: How do I apply for a visa extension?
To apply for a visa extension, you must submit your application within the visa’s validity period to the local Public Security Bureau’s Exit-Entry Administration Office.
Required documents include:
- A valid passport.
- Visa application form and photo.
- Supporting documents relevant to the extension reason.
Q: How do I apply for a residence permit?
For long-term residence after entering China, you need to apply for a residence permit. Applications can be submitted by the individual or an authorized representative to the local Public Security Bureau.
For details, see the National Immigration Administration: https://en.nia.gov.cn/n182/n285/n20208/n26006/c38080/content.html
For more information about guide to working and living in China as Business Expatriates, please refer to the following QR Code:
