Special Visa Categories in China
The special visa categories in China can be quite complicated, with visas for different reasons to enter the country, each with different requirements to fulfill. Whether you are visiting China to visit a relative, tourism, or you are planning to relocate to China as an expat, you will need a visa.
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Are you planning to visit or relocate to China? In this guide, we will cover all the different visa categories in China and give you a rundown on the requirements and documents you will need. Expats applying for visas will be able to find everything they need in our comprehensive travelers guide.
General Visa Requirements for Chinese Visas
When applying for a visa in China, there are several documents and supporting documents that you have to provide for your application. Depending on the visa you are applying for, the required documents may be different.
Here is a list of the required documents for all visa types in China:
-
- Valid Passport – Original passport with at least six months remaining validity and a blank visa page
- Photocopy of PassPort Data Page and Photo Page if it is separate
- Visa Application Form and Photo
- Proof of Legal Stay or Residence Status – For those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship
- Photocopy of Previous Chinese Passport – For foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens but have since obtained foreign citizenship
- Photocopy of Previous Chinese Visa – For those applying for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa
Category Z Visa in China – Work Visa
The Z Visa is issued to foreigners between the age of 18 – 60 years old employed by a company incorporated in China, it is the most common type of visa for expats working in China. Z Visas are issued prior to entry into China.
Once you have accepted a role in China, your employer will apply for a work permit on your behalf. Once your employer has applied for a Foreigner’s Work Permit, it should only take between three to four weeks to receive the notification letter. This is required for your Z Visa.
Category M Visa in China – Business Visa
M Visas in China are issued to individuals who intend to enter China for commercial and trade activities. These visas are typically used for business meetings, negotiations, and other short-term business purposes.
Supporting Documents for M Visa in China
Applicants applying for the M Visa will also have to provide additional supporting documents, such as documents on commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, invitations to trade fairs, or invitation letters issued by relevant entities or individuals.
Please note that the invitations should contain:
- Applicant’s Information (Full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
- Details on the Planned Visit – including purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, places to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting party, etc.
- Inviting Parties Information (name, contact information, official stamp, signature of legal representative or the inviting party)
Category X Visa in China – Student Visa
The X visa is issued to foreigners seeking education in China. It is important to know that X visa holders do not have working rights in China. However, they may take internships if they are authorized by their educational institution.
Within the X category, there are two subcategories, X1 and X2:
- X1 Visa is applicable to those with a study period of over 180 days
- X2 is applicable to those with a study period of under 180 days
Supporting Documents for Category X Visa in China
X visa applicants will have to provide supporting documents such as admission letters and admission notices when applying for their visa.
X1 Visa Supporting Documents:
- Original and Photocopy of admission letter issued by a school or other entities in China
- Original and photocopy of Form JW201 or JW202
X3 Visa Supporting Documents:
- Original and photocopy of admission notice issued by a school or other entities in China
Category Q Visa in China – Family Visa
Q visas are issued to foreigners visiting family members who are Chinese citizens as well as foreigners visiting a foreigner residing in China.Q visas are also applicable to foreigners visiting China for personal purposes such as foster care.
Q1 Visa vs Q2 Visa
The category Q visas include two sub-categories, the Q1 and the Q2 visa. The key difference between the two subcategories is the duration of stay. The Q1 visa is for those who intend to stay in China over 180 days and the Q2 visa is for those who will stay for over 180 days.
Category L Visa in China – Tourist Visa
L visa is the tourist visa in China. It is issued to those who intend to visit the country as a tourist. To apply for an L visa you will need to provide your travel itineraries including arrival and departure dates, flight tickets and hotel reservations.
Transit Through China with G Visa
For travelers who do not plan to visit China but need to transit through China, they will need the G visa which is issued to those who intend to transit through the country. To apply for a G visa, you will need to show your travel ticket (flight, train, or ship) to your destination.
Other Visa Categories in China – J, S Visa
The other visa categories include J Visas, R visas, F visas, and the S Visas. The J visa is issued to foreign journalists of foreign news organizations. The S Visa is issued to relatives of foreigners who are working or studying in China.
J Visas in China
The J visa or Journalist visa has two sub-categories. For journalists who will be stationed in China and will stay for over 180 days, the J1 visa will be issued. For those who are on temporary assignments and will stay for only up to 30 days, the J2 visa will be issued.
R Visas for Highly Qualified Individuals
The R visa is issued to highly qualified individuals with skills that are urgently needed in China. Applicants are required to submit relevant certifications in accordance with relevant regulations, and meet the requirements of the Chinese government on high-level talents.
F Visas in China Explained
F visas are different from the other visas in China as they are not specifically for educational purposes nor are they for business purposes. These visas are issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours, and other non-business activities.
When applying for a F visa, you are required to specify the purpose of your visit, arrival and departure dates, places you will visit, relationship between the applicant and the inviter (if any), and the financial source for expenditures.
S Visas for Families Visiting Expats in China
For family members of expats who are in China, they will need the S visa to enter China to visit their family or relatives. For those who intend to stay for over 180 days, the S1 visa is required. For those planning to stay for no more than 180 days the S2 visa is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a work visa in China?
To apply for a work visa in China, you will first have to find employment in China. Your employer will then apply for a work permit on your behalf which you will need to apply for the work visa (Z visa). You will also need to fill in form JW201 or JW202 and provide them as supporting documents.
Can I work in China with a student visa?
Expats holding the student visa do not have working rights in China, however it is possible for them to partake in internships if they are authorized by their educational institute.
Can I convert my business visa to a work visa if I find a job in China?
It is typically not possible for you to directly convert your business visa to a work visa in China if you find employment there during your stay with a business visa. You will be required to first leave the country then apply for a work visa whilst outside of China.
Conclusion
For those planning to visit China, applying for the right visa is important to ensure that your application does not get rejected unnecessarily. Whether you’re applying for a work visa in China or just traveling, Pacific Prime can provide information you’ll need to simplify your visa process.
Although health insurance is not mandatory in China, we still highly recommend that expats secure their own international health insurance during their stay. China offers quality healthcare services especially in major hubs such as Shanghai, a good insurance policy can bring extra benefits.
Many top insurers in China offer additional benefits in their health insurance plans such as access to telehealth and telemedicine services in China. These services can give expats more flexibility in their choice of medical services and also help them find facilities that have English support.
If you are planning to relocate or visit China, Pacific Prime can help you find the right insurance for your needs.
As a global insurance broker with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Pacific Prime’s team of expert advisors can help you sort through countless plans from top insurers in China to help you find the best insurance plan.
Contact us today for a free plan comparison and an obligation-free quote!
Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.
In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
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