Short answer

For a visit of up to 180 days to a PRC-citizen relative — Q2. For long-term stay (over 180 days) — Q1, followed by a Residence Permit. For relatives of foreigners with Work/Student Permit — S2 (short) or S1 (long). Q1/S1 require registration at the Exit-Entry Bureau within 30 days of entry.

Q1 vs Q2: visiting a PRC citizen

Q1 — for long-term stay (over 180 days) with a 1–5-year Residence Permit. Q2 — short visit up to 180 days, no Residence Permit.

• Q1 — relatives of PRC citizens planning to live together.
• Q2 — same categories, short visit.
• Immediate relatives: spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws.

S1 vs S2: visiting a foreign relative with permit

S1 — long-term (over 180 days) stay with a relative holding Work Permit (Z), Student Permit (X) or diplomatic status. S2 — short visit up to 180 days. S1 allows a Residence Permit.

Required documents

The key document is an Invitation Letter from the relative in China (not a PU Letter but a personal invitation) plus a copy of their Chinese passport or Residence Permit. Proof of relationship — birth/marriage/adoption certificates, notarised, translated and apostilled.

• Visa Application Form V.2013
• Passport (≥6 months validity, 2 blank pages)
• Photo 33×48 mm on white background
• Invitation letter from relative + copy of their ID/passport
• Notarised copies of certificates (marriage/birth) with translation + apostille
• Employment letter + bank statement (for Q2/S2)
• Proof of residence in China (for Q1/S1)

Registration after entry (30 days)

Q1 and S1 holders must register at the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau in their city of residence within 30 days of entry to obtain a Residence Permit (plastic card, 1–5 years). Without it you cannot stay longer than 180 days.

Common mistakes

Most common: applying for Q2 when a long-term stay is actually planned — you then have to leave China and re-apply abroad. Second: missing apostille on Ukrainian certificates.