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Asked: 2025-05-08T20:03:09+08:00 In:

Can my family members get visas to stay with me if I get a job in China? What's the process?

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Can my family members get visas to stay with me if I get a job in China? What’s the process?
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    1. Fabio Mejía
      Begginer
      Family members (spouses and children) of foreign workers in China can obtain visas to live together under specific conditions, facilitated by streamlined policies updated as of 2025. Below is a structured overview of eligibility, visa types, application processes, and key considerations:

      1. Eligibility for Family Dependent Visas

      Spouses

      • Must be legally married to the primary applicant before the primary applicant’s work-related return to China.
      • Common-law partnerships or unregistered unions are not recognized for visa purposes.

      Children

      • Under 16 years old: Eligible for dependent visas regardless of education status.
      • 16–18 years old: Must be enrolled in a recognized high school in China to qualify for long-term stays.

      2. Visa Categories and Validity

      S1 Visa (Long-Term Stay)

      • Duration: Issued for stays exceeding 180 days, ideal for family members planning to reside in China long-term.
      • Residence Permit Conversion: After arrival, holders can apply for a residence permit valid for the same period as the primary applicant’s work permit (up to 5 years for “A-class” high-skilled talent).

      S2 Visa (Short-Term Stay)

      • Duration: Valid for visits under 180 days, suitable for temporary family reunions or vacations.

      Key Difference:

      • S1 visas require subsequent residence permit registration, while S2 visas do not allow employment and have no residence permit conversion option.

      3. Step-by-Step Application Process

      Step 1: Document Preparation

      • For Spouses:
        • Notarized marriage certificate (if issued abroad, authenticated by the Chinese embassy/consulate in the home country).
        • Copy of the primary applicant’s work permit and Z-visa.
        • Proof of accommodation in China (rental contract or property ownership document).
      • For Children:
        • Birth certificate (showing parent-child relationship with the primary applicant).
        • If one parent remains abroad, a notarized consent form from the absent parent.
        • School enrollment proof (for children aged 16–18).

      Step 2: Submission Channels

      • Applying from Abroad:
        • Submit applications at the nearest Chinese embassy/consulate, along with the primary applicant’s work permit notification letter and family documents.
      • Applying from Within China:
        • Holders of S1 visas must convert them to residence permits within 30 days of arrival at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration.

      Step 3: Processing Timeline

      • Visa Issuance (Abroad): 4–7 working days for S1/S2 visas, depending on the embassy’s workload.
      • Residence Permit (Within China): 7–15 working days, with faster processing in Tier 1 cities like Shanghai (as quick as 7 days).

      4. Updated Policies and Regional Variations

      National Policy Streamlining (Effective December 2024)

      • Integration of work permits with social security cards reduces documentation requirements for dependents.
      • Online application portals now allow pre-screening of documents, cutting processing times by 30%.

      City-Specific Benefits

      • Shanghai/Beijing: Spouses holding S1 residence permits may apply for separate work permits if they meet skill requirements (e.g., teaching, consulting), expanding family employment opportunities.
      • Shenzhen/Hangzhou: Priority processing for families of “A-class” talent, with dedicated service windows at PSB offices.

      5. Critical Requirements and Notes

      Health Examinations

      • Mandatory for Adults: Spouses and children aged 18+ must provide a valid health certificate from a Chinese-designated medical center.
      • Exemption for Children: Kids under 18 are not required to submit health checks.

      Financial Proof

      • Some cities (e.g., Guangzhou, Chengdu) may request bank statements showing the primary applicant has at least ¥10,000/month in disposable income to support dependents.

      Employment Restrictions

      • Spouses on S1 residence permits can work legally only if they obtain their own work permits; S2 visa holders are strictly prohibited from employment.

      6. Summary Table: Key Details at a Glance

      Category
      Spouse Requirements
      Child Requirements
      Processing Timeline
      Eligibility
      Legally married before primary applicant’s work return
      Under 16; or 16–18 with high school enrollment
      4–7 days for visas (abroad); 7–15 days for permits (China)
      Required Documents
      Notarized marriage certificate, primary work permit copy
      Birth certificate, parental consent (if applicable)
      Standard across Tier 1/Tier 2 cities
      Work Rights
      Requires separate work permit for employment
      None (children are not permitted to work)
      Faster in cities with talent zones (Shanghai, Shenzhen)

      7. Practical Tips for Success

      1. Early Document Authentication: Ensure foreign-issued documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates) are notarized and authenticated by Chinese authorities well in advance.
      1. Leverage Online Tools: Use the national “China Work Permit” portal or city-specific platforms (e.g., Shanghai PSB’s online service) to track application statuses.
      1. Consult Local Experts: Engage visa agencies or HR departments at the primary applicant’s workplace for city-specific guidance, especially regarding financial proof or health check requirements.
      China’s dependent visa system balances regulatory compliance with family reunion needs, offering clear pathways for foreign workers to bring their families to live in the country. Staying informed about regional policies and preparing documents thoroughly will help streamline the process.