(Q1) Family member or relative of Chinese citizen(s) or foreigner(s) with permanent residence status in China (more than 180 days)

According to the notice from the Cansulate of the People’s Republic of China in Osaka, starting from June 30, 2025, applicants are required to complete the Online Visa Application Form and upload supporting documents through the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Osaka.

After the online review has been approved, applicants should bring the “Visa Application Certificate” to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Osaka to submit their passport and other required documents, and make the payment. No appointment is required.

Please click here to learn more about the online Chinese Visa Application Procedure.

I. Basic Documents

 1. Passport:

The applicant’s current passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application and contain at least two blank visa pages, accompanied by a photocopy of the passport’s personal information page. If the applicant  holds passports of other nationalities, the original passports and photocopies of each passport’s personal information page must also be provided.

(Previous passport may be requested)

2. Visa Application Form and Photo:

1) Please click “Application Form” on the homepage of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Osaka website and complete the “Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China” online truthfully and completely.

* Once the online review has been completed and approved, the applicants do not need to print the visa application form when submitting their passport and other required documents at the Visa Application Center.

2) Uploaded photos must meet the following requirements: taken within the last 6 months, frontal view, color, no hat, white background, 2-inch size (48mm × 33mm).

[Click here for detailed photo requirements]

* If you are notified that the uploaded photo is unqualified, please bring a printed photo that meets the requirements when submitting your passport and other documents at the Visa Application Center.

3. Third-country nationals residing in Japan are required to provide valid proof of their legal stay or residence in Japan:

1) The applicants who are residing long-term in Japan must provide their original Residence Card along with the entry stamp or  the Japanese Landing Permission seal in passport from their most recent entry into Japan.

2) Those entering Japan on a short-term visa or under visa exemption must provide the Japanese Landing Permission seal in passport.

4. Original Chinese passport or previous Chinese visa (applicable for former Chinese nationals who have acquired another nationality, or applicants whose parent(s) are/were Chinese nationals) :

1) If the applicants are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, they must provide their original Chinese passport and original naturalization documents (e.g., a certificate copy of the family register showing naturalization information).

2) If the applicants have previously held a Chinese visa and are now applying with a new passport, they must provide their previous passport containing the Chinese visa(s), along with a photocopy of the personal information page. They must also provide their most recent Chinese visa and entry/exit records. If the name in the new passport differs from that in the previous passport, an official name change certificate must be provided.

3) If one of the applicants’ parents is or was a Chinese national, the applicants must provide documentation proving their relationship with the parent and the parent’s residence document (e.g., Residence Card in Japan or other countries).

5. For applicants under 18 years old:

1) Original and valid ID of the legal guardian (passport, driver’s license, Residence Card, etc.)

2) Proof of relationship with the legal guardian (for Japanese nationals: certificate copy of family register; for third-country nationals: residence certificate, birth certificate, etc.)

3) Letter of consent from the guardian authorizing the minor to apply for a visa.

II. Supporting Documents 

1. For family reunion, the following documents are required:

1) Invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreigner holding a Chinese permanent residence permit and residing in China.

The invitation letter must contain:

①　Information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, and other relevant information.

②　Information of the planned visit: purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, places to be visited, duration of stay, relationship between the applicant and the inviter, financial source of expenses, and other relevant information.

③　Information of the inviting individual: full name, gender, date of birth, Chinese national ID number (or foreign passport number, or Chinese permanent residence permit number), current address in China, contact number, signature, and date.

2) Photocopy of the inviting individual's Chinese ID (front and back), or photocopies of a foreign passport information page and Chinese permanent residence permit (front and back).

3) Original documentation proving the kinship between the applicant and the inviting eligible family member (spouses, parents, parents-in-law, children, children’s spouses, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren): for Japanese nationals: certificate copy of family register; for third-country nationals: certificate of residence, marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by the Public Security Bureau, or notarized certification of kinship.

2. For foster care, the following documents are required:

1) Foster entrustment notarization issued by Chinese Embassies or Consulates General abroad, or a Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China.

2) Original and photocopy of the consignor’s passport(s), as well as documentation proving the kinship between the consignor and the foster child (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by the Public Security Bureau, or notarized certification of kinship).

3) A letter of consent from the trustee agreeing to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the trustee’s ID.

4) If either or both parents of the foster child are Chinese citizens, a photocopy of the certificate showing their permanent residence abroad at the time of the child’s birth.

We kindly remind you that:
Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners’ residence permits.

Notes:

1. The invitation letter may be submitted as a fax, photocopy, or computer printout; however, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide the original copy of the invitation letter.

2. If necessary, the consular officer may request additional supporting documents or supplementary materials, or may require the applicants to appear for an interview.

3. The consular officer will decide whether to issue the visa, as well as determine its validity, duration of stay, and number of entries, based on the applicant’s specific circumstances.