Visit Family or Handle Personal Matters in China – Legally and Efficiently
Planning a short-term visit to family or friends residing in China? The S2 Visa allows foreign nationals to enter China temporarily for private affairs, including family visits, medical care, or other personal reasons.
At Borderless Lawyers, we help you navigate the S2 Visa process from start to finish—ensuring your travel is fully compliant, your documents are properly certified, and your stay goes smoothly.
✈️ What Is the S2 Visa?
The China S2 Visa is a short-term private visa issued to:
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Immediate family members of foreigners working, studying, or residing long-term in China (Z, X1, D, R visa holders)
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Individuals entering China for personal reasons, including medical treatment, caregiving, or legal matters
🕒 Valid for up to 180 days and can be issued as single, double, or multiple entry depending on the applicant’s situation and consulate discretion.
👨👩👧👦 Who Should Apply?
You may qualify for an S2 Visa if you are:
✅ A spouse, parent, sibling, or child** of a foreign resident in China
✅ Visiting a family member who holds a Z, R, X1, or D visa
✅ Traveling to China for medical reasons, funerals, or other humanitarian grounds
✅ Coming for short-term caregiving or private obligations
📝 For stays longer than 180 days, consider applying for the S1 Visa instead.
📄 Required Documents
From the Applicant:
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Valid passport (6+ months with blank pages)
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Completed Visa Application Form (Form V.2013)
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Recent passport-sized photo
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Proof of relationship (marriage, birth, or kinship certificates)
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Travel itinerary or details of visit
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Medical documents (if visiting for treatment)
From the Inviting Family Member in China:
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Copy of valid residence permit and passport
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Invitation letter stating purpose, relationship, duration, and address
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Local police registration or housing lease
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Employment or school certificate (if applicable)
📑 All foreign documents must be notarized, translated to Chinese, and legalized.
🛠 How We Help
1️⃣ Visa Strategy & Category Assessment
We help determine if the S2 Visa is the right fit or if a longer-term S1, Q2, or other visa is better for your needs.
2️⃣ Document Review & Legalization
We handle the full process of translating and legalizing marriage, birth, or kinship documents as required by Chinese consulates.
3️⃣ Application Filing & VFS Support
We complete your application and coordinate submission with the Chinese Visa Application Center (CVASC) or the relevant consulate.
4️⃣ Travel Planning & Entry Compliance
We provide clarity on permitted activities under the S2 Visa, renewal options, and what to expect upon arrival.
🔁 S2 vs. S1 Visa Comparison
| Feature | S2 Visa (Short-Term) | S1 Visa (Long-Term) |
|---|---|---|
| Stay Duration | Up to 180 days | Over 180 days |
| Converts to Permit? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Entry Options | Single/double/multiple | Single-entry only |
| Employment Allowed? | ❌ No | ❌ No (separate work visa needed) |
| Best For | Visits, caregiving, family events | Family relocation or long-term stays |
📍 Typical Use Cases
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Parents visiting their children working or studying in China
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Spouses attending childbirth or family events
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Visiting ill family members for caregiving
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Settling estates or handling legal family matters
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Short-term family reunification
⚠️ Legal Notes
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S2 Visa does not permit work or long-term stay
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Overstaying the 180-day limit leads to penalties or bans
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If your plans may extend beyond 180 days, consider applying for an S1
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Chinese authorities may require proof of relationship and justification of visit at the port of entry
📞 Travel to China—With Legal Confidence
At Borderless Lawyers, we ensure that family-based visits and private trips to China are fully compliant with visa law, properly documented, and smoothly executed. Whether you’re planning a short reunion or caregiving trip, we’ll make sure the legal side is handled.