Family Visa

Guangzhou S Visa, Q Visa and Family Reunion Planning

For dependants of foreign employees, foreign relatives of Chinese citizens and families planning visits or longer reunion in Guangzhou.

For: Dependants of foreign employees and foreign relatives of Chinese citizens

Key points to confirm first

Typical S route The inviter is a foreign national working or studying in China
Typical Q route The inviter is Chinese or holds Chinese permanent residence
Document priority Relationship and identity information must be consistent

Start with the inviter's identity

If the inviter is a foreign national working in China, the S route is normally reviewed first. If the inviter is Chinese or holds Chinese permanent residence, the Q route is normally reviewed first.

Then review length of stay and later steps

Short family visits and longer reunion plans may involve different documents and post-entry procedures. Expected stay, accommodation and family plans should be considered.

Keep relationship evidence consistent

Marriage, birth and relationship documents, invitations and identity records should use matching names, dates and status information. Translation or authentication may also be required.

Information and evidence

Inviter status: Chinese citizen, permanent resident or foreign worker in China
Relationship and where the relationship evidence was issued
Expected stay, accommodation and whether long-term residence is planned
Whether marriage, birth or relationship evidence needs translation or authentication

Common risk points

S and Q routes are judged only by relationship, not inviter status
Names, dates, spelling or identity details are inconsistent across documents
Short visits and long reunion procedures are mixed together
A family visa is mistaken as permission to work in China

Good-fit situations

Spouse, child or parent of a foreign employee coming to Guangzhou
Foreign relatives invited by a Chinese citizen or permanent resident
Relationship documents were issued abroad and need route review

First-message template

Inviter status and current Guangzhou document status
Applicant relationship, nationality and current location
Expected arrival date, stay length and whether long-term residence is planned
Existing marriage, birth or relationship documents

Useful first-message details

Current location and expected filing location
Existing visa, residence permit, work permit or invitation status
Target start date, expiry date, visit date or family-arrival plan

Common questions

Should a foreign employee's spouse use an S or Q visa?

When the inviter is a foreign employee in China, the S category is normally reviewed first.

Can a family visa holder work in China?

The family visa itself does not authorize employment. A separate work permit assessment is needed.

Does a marriage certificate need authentication?

The requirement depends on where it was issued, where the application is filed and the specific procedure.