Guide to Obtaining Family Reunion Residence Permits

I. What is a Family Reunion Residence Permit?

The Family Reunion Residence Permit is a residence document issued by the Chinese public security authorities’ immigration administration to foreigners who need to reside in China long-term for family reunification.

After obtaining the Family Reunion Residence Permit, the holder may:

• Legally reside in China for an extended period;

• Enter and exit China multiple times within the permit’s validity period;

• Live together with relatives residing in China;

• Handle daily affairs such as opening bank accounts, renting housing, and accessing communication services.

It should be noted that the Family Reunion Residence Permit does not equate to permanent residency in China, nor does it directly grant the right to work in China.

II. Eligible Applicants

It primarily includes the following two categories of individuals:

1. Foreign family members of Chinese citizens

For example:

Foreign spouse, foreign parents, foreign children, and other relatives meeting the conditions for family reunification.

2. Family members of foreign permanent residents in China

The visitation target is a foreigner holding a “Foreigner’s Permanent Residence Identity Card.”

Typically, one must enter China on a Q1 visa before applying for the Family Reunion Residence Permit.

III. Application Requirements

Applicants generally must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid passport upon entry;

• Hold a Q1 visa or meet the conditions for visa conversion;

• Maintain a legitimate familial relationship with the inviter;

• Have completed accommodation registration;

• Comply with relevant Chinese immigration regulations.

IV. Required Documents

Generally, the following documents are required:

• Valid passport;

• Visa page and entry records;

• “Application Form for Foreigners’ Visas and Permits”;

• Recent passport-sized photograph;

• Accommodation registration certificate for foreigners;

• Invitation letter;

• Inviter’s identification: Chinese citizen’s ID card; or “Foreigner’s Permanent Residence Identity Card”;

• Proof of familial relationship: marriage certificate; birth certificate; notarized certificate of kinship, etc.;

• Other materials required by the immigration authorities.

Documents proving familial relationships issued abroad usually require notarization, authentication, or an Apostille certification.

V. Application Process

Step 1: Enter China with a Q1 visa

After obtaining the Q1 visa, the applicant enters China.

The Q1 visa typically serves only as proof of entry for long-term residence.

Step 2: Complete accommodation registration

Upon arrival, promptly complete the accommodation registration.

• If staying at a hotel, the hotel will handle the registration;

• If staying at a relative’s home, register at the local police station.

Step 3: Prepare application materials

Prepare the necessary documents according to the requirements of the local public security authority’s immigration department.

Step 4: Submit the residence permit application

Generally, the application should be submitted to the public security authority’s immigration department within 30 days of entry.

Staff review the documents and accept the application.

Step 5: Receive the Family Reunion Residence Permit

Upon approval, the public security authority issues the Family Reunion Residence Permit in the passport.

After receiving the residence permit, you may legally reside in China for an extended period and make multiple entries and exits.

VI. Validity Period

The validity period of the Family Reunion Residence Permit is typically:

More than 180 days, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or 5 years (for certain eligible individuals).

The specific duration is determined by the public security authority based on family ties, residency needs, and other factors.

VII. Renewal and Changes

When any of the following situations occur, promptly handle the relevant procedures:

• The residence permit is about to expire;

• Passport is replaced;

• Marital status changes;

• Information about the inviter changes;

• Change of residential address.

It is generally recommended to apply for an extension 30 days before the residence permit expires.

VIII. Important Notes

1. After entering China with a Q1 visa, apply for the Family Reunion Residence Permit within 30 days.

2. Holders of the Family Reunion Residence Permit may enter and exit China multiple times during its validity period.

3. This permit is primarily intended for family reunification and does not directly confer employment eligibility.

4. Proof of familial relationship is a key focus of the review; ensure it is authentic, complete, and lawful.

5. Material requirements may vary by region; always follow the guidelines provided by the local immigration authorities.