Foreigners Take Note: How to Apply for S1 and S2 Visas for Family Members Visiting Yiwu

For foreign merchants doing business in Yiwu, once their operations are stable, the next step is often to bring over their spouses and children. Many people assume that all family visit visas are the same, leading to situations where they apply for an S2 visa when an S1 is needed, or find out after entry that they need to convert to a residence permit within 30 days, resulting in incomplete documentation and multiple trips to the service window.

This article clearly explains the differences between S1 and S2 visas, who can apply, what documents are required, and what to do after entry, based on current regulations. The policy references are the Regulations on the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (2025 revision) and the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China.

I. First, Distinguish: S1 is for Long-Term, S2 is for Short-Term

Article 6 of the Regulations on the Entry and Exit of Foreigners divides family visit visas into two categories:

• S1 Visa: Issued to the spouse, parents, unmarried children under 18 years old, and the parents of the spouse of a foreigner who is residing in China for work, study, or other reasons and is applying for long-term family visits.
• S2 Visa: Issued to the family members of a foreigner who is staying or residing in China for work, study, or other reasons and is applying for short-term family visits.

The terms 'long-term' and 'short-term' are not subjective. Article 36 of the regulations clearly states: short-term is 180 days or less (including 180 days), and long-term is more than 180 days. Therefore, calculate the intended duration of stay before deciding which type of visa to apply for.

II. Don't Apply for the Wrong Category: S1 and S2 are for 'Foreigners'

If the inviter is a Chinese citizen or has obtained permanent residency in China, the family members should apply for Q1 and Q2 visas, not S1 and S2. Article 6 of the regulations clearly distinguishes these two sets of visas: Q visas are for family members of Chinese citizens and permanent residents, while S visas are for family members of foreigners working or studying in China.

In Yiwu, it is common for foreign merchants to marry Chinese nationals or for their spouses to have obtained permanent residency. Before submitting the application, check the identity of the inviter to ensure the correct category is applied for.

III. Required Documents for S1: Invitation Letter and Proof of Kinship, Both Essential

According to Article 7, Item 10 of the regulations, applications for S1 and S2 visas must include an invitation letter from the foreigner residing in China and proof of family relationship.

• Invitation Letter: Who is inviting, what is the relationship, purpose of the visit, duration of stay, accommodation arrangements, as well as the passport, residence document information, and contact phone number of the inviter.
• Proof of Kinship: Marriage certificate, birth medical certificate, etc. For documents formed overseas, follow the visa authority's requirements for notarization, authentication, and Chinese translation.
• Basic Documents: Passport, visa application form, and photos that meet the specified requirements.

The most easily overlooked prerequisite here: to apply for an S1, the inviter must be a 'resident', not a 'temporary resident'. The clause for S1 specifies 'foreigners residing in China'. If someone has just entered with a Z visa and has not yet converted it to a work residence permit, they are technically still in the 'temporary stay' phase. The S1 application for family members usually needs to wait until the inviter's work residence permit is issued, which makes the process smoother. S2 is more lenient, as the clause mentions 'stay or residence', and short-term visits are not subject to this restriction.

We review these documents every month for foreign merchants in Yiwu. The most common issue is not the lack of a marriage certificate, but that the inviter is still holding a Z visa. If you are unsure, call 135 6699 1667; it's more convenient than going to the service window and then having to return with additional documents.

IV. Entry with an S1 Visa is Not the End: Apply for a Residence Permit within 30 Days

Article 30 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law (《出境入境管理法》) stipulates that those who hold a visa indicating the need to obtain a residence permit after entry shall apply to the exit and entry administration of the public security organ at or above the county level in the place of intended residence within 30 days from the date of entry.

Family members should apply for a private affairs residence permit. Article 16 of the regulations requires the submission of proof of kinship, the residence permit of the person being visited, and other materials. For applications with a validity period of more than one year, a health certificate is also required, which is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.

After accepting the application, the exit and entry administration will issue a receipt with a validity period of no more than 15 days and make a decision within the validity period of the receipt (Article 18). During the waiting period, legal residence can be maintained with the receipt.

The validity period of non-work residence permits, according to Article 30 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law, ranges from a minimum of 180 days to a maximum of 5 years. The specific duration depends on the validity period of the residence permit of the person being visited and the reason for the application, and is not uniformly 5 years. To extend, an application must be made 30 days before the expiration of the residence permit (Article 32).

V. Three Common Pitfalls

1. Using S1 or S2 Visas for Employment or Running a Store

S1 corresponds to a private affairs residence permit, not a work residence permit. Foreigners wishing to work in China must obtain a work permit and a work residence permit (Article 41 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law). Working without these two documents is considered illegal employment: the individual can be fined between CNY 5,000 and 20,000, and in serious cases, detained for 5 to 15 days; the hiring entity can be fined CNY 10,000 per person, with a total fine not exceeding CNY 100,000 (Article 80).

2. Treating 30 Days as a Grace Period

The application for a residence permit must be submitted within 30 days of entry. Overstaying is considered illegal residence: a warning; in serious cases, a fine of CNY 500 per day of illegal residence, with a total fine not exceeding CNY 10,000, or detention for 5 to 15 days (Article 78).

3. Assuming Family Visas Can Be Continuously Renewed

S2 is for short-term family visits, and departure must occur before the end of the stay. After converting an S1 to a residence permit, any extension must be applied for 30 days in advance. Do not wait until the expiration to find a solution, as an overstay record can affect future visa applications.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: I have a work residence permit in Yiwu, and my wife is bringing our child. Should we apply for an S1 or S2?

If planning to stay for more than 180 days, apply for S1 and convert it to a residence permit for private affairs within 30 days of entry; if only staying for ten days or half a month, apply for S2 and depart on time.

Q2: My child is about to turn 18, can we still apply for S1?

S1 clearly states “children under 18 years old.” If the applicant is already 18 at the time of application, they do not fall within this category. Do not force an S1 application; first, clarify which type of visa is appropriate.

Q3: Can family members run a store or conduct business in Yiwu?

They cannot work with an S1 or S2 status. For short-term visits to inspect goods or negotiate, apply for a visa according to the specific purpose; for long-term operations in Yiwu, one must obtain their own work permit and work-related residence permit.

Q4: If the elderly cannot come to the window, can someone else handle it on their behalf?

Article 19 of the regulations allows for proxy handling in several situations: under 16 years old, over 60 years old, or unable to move due to illness; not the first entry and with a good record of stays and residence; or if the inviting entity or individual provides a financial guarantee. Whether or not it is accepted depends on the authority handling the application.

7. Policy Basis

• Regulations on the Entry and Exit of Foreigners of the People's Republic of China (Order No. 637 of the State Council, revised by Order No. 814 of the State Council, effective from October 1, 2025) Articles 6, 7, 15, 16, 18, 19, 36 (《中华人民共和国外国人入境出境管理条例》)
• Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China Articles 30, 32, 41, 43, 78, 80 (《中华人民共和国出境入境管理法》)
• Government of China Website: https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/202508/content_7036507.htm
• National Immigration Administration: https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741547/c1013311/content.html

The above is a general policy guideline. Specific materials and deadlines are subject to the latest requirements of the handling authority.

8. Final Reminder

The challenge in arranging family visits is not filling out forms, but the sequence: first, confirm that the inviter has a work-related residence permit, then decide whether to apply for S1 or S2 based on the duration of stay, and convert to a residence permit within 30 days of entry. Following the correct sequence ensures a smooth process; otherwise, you may end up losing your flight tickets and vacation time.

If unsure, you can call 135 6699 1667 to consult us first. You can also proceed on your own after the consultation. Jinfan (Yiwu) Tax & Finance Management Co., Ltd.