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For anyone considering traveling to China for an extended period of time, it’s important to understand the difference between a Chinese visa and a residence permit. While both are necessary for an individual to live and work in China, there are significant differences in the application process, length of stay, and permitted activities.

Chinese Visa

A Chinese visa is a travel document that allows an individual to enter China for a limited period of time. The length of stay granted by a Chinese visa depends on the type of visa issued. For example, a tourist visa typically allows an individual to stay in China for up to 30 days, while a business visa may allow for a longer stay of up to 90 days. A Chinese visa can be valid for up to 10 years, but the length of stay allowed is determined by the immigration officer upon entry into China.

Read More: Different Types of Chinese Visa

Residence Permit

On the other hand, a residence permit is a document that allows an individual to live and work in China for an extended period of time. To obtain a residence permit, an individual must first enter China on a valid visa and then apply for a permit at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB). The application process might require extensive documentation, including a medical examination, employment contract, and proof of financial resources. Once approved, a residence permit is typically valid for one year, and can be renewed annually.

Note that only certain types of visas can be converted to a residence permit. Work visas, student visas, and family reunion visas are typically eligible for conversion, while tourist visas and business visas are usually not. It’s important to carefully review the requirements and restrictions associated with each type of visa to ensure eligibility for conversion to a residence permit.

Permitted Activities

One of the key differences between a Chinese visa and a residence permit is the activities that are permitted while in China. With a Chinese visa, an individual is typically only allowed to engage in tourist or business activities, such as attending conferences or meeting with clients. However, working or conducting business activities beyond those specified in the visa is not permitted. Violation of these rules may result in penalties, fines, deportation, or even imprisonment.

With a work residence permit, however, an individual is authorized to work and conduct business in China, subject to certain conditions. In general, foreigners are required to obtain a work permit before being allowed to work in China. The work permit application process involves a number of steps, including the submission of various documents and the passing of a medical examination. Once a work permit has been obtained, individuals can then apply for a residence permit that allows them to work legally in China.

It is important to note that the Chinese government has strict rules and regulations regarding employment of foreigners in China. For instance, certain industries are restricted or entirely off-limits to foreign employees. In addition, the employer must meet certain requirements, including being registered with the appropriate authorities and having a certain level of capital. Violations of these rules can result in severe penalties for both the employer and the employee.

China Q1 Visa is issued to foreigners that are family members* of a Chinese citizen or foreigners holding a Chinese permanent residence permit. Upon entry to China, holders of Q1 Visa should apply for a residence permit within 30 days after date of entry.

*Family members: spouses, parents, parents of spouses, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and spouses of children

Documents needed for applying residence permit for Q1 Visa holders

1. Passport with valid Q1 visa
2. Visa/Stay Permit/Residence Permit Application Form
3. Registration Form Of Temporary Residence (obtained from applicant’s local police stations in China)
4. Two 2-inch colour photo with white background
5. Inviters Identification document, one of either:
   1. Chinese ID card / 身份证
   2. Foreign passport and permanent residence permit (for foreigners holding a Chinese permanent residence permit)
6. Letter stating the family relationship signed by the inviter
7. Foreigner Physical Examination Form
8. Certificates to prove the family relationship (Original and photocopy) such as:
   1. Chinese marriage certificate
   2. Birth Certificate
   3. Adoption Certificate
   4. Note: For certificates issued outside of China, the certificates must be translated and authenticated by Chinese Embassy/Consulate within the last 6 month

Application Process

Application

Applicant submit documents at the exit and entry departments and complete relevant formalities.

Acceptance

Immigration office accepts and reviews the document. If the application complies with the conditions for acceptance, the applicant will be given an acceptance receipt. The decision for residence permit issuance will be made within the validity period of the acceptance receipt. The validity period of the acceptance receipt is at most 15 working days after the date of acceptance.

Review

The Exit-Entry Department verifies the authenticity of the application reasons through interviews, telephone inquiries, field investigations and other means, and confirm whether the applicant is of foreign nationality.

Decision

If the conditions and standards are met, the residence permit will be issued

Document collection

Applicant brings the acceptance receipt to the exit and entry department and collect their passport

X Student Visa

The student visa (X visa) is issued to individuals who intend to study in China. This visa is typically valid for the duration of the study program and must be converted to a residence permit upon arrival in China. To apply for an X visa, you’ll need to provide a passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a completed visa application form, a recent passport photo, and an admission letter from a Chinese university or school.

Q Family Visa

The family visit visa (Q visa) is issued to individuals who intend to visit family members living in China. This visa is typically valid for 30 to 90 days and can be converted to a residence permit if the visitor plans to stay in China for more than six months. To apply for a Q visa, you’ll need to provide a passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a completed visa application form, a recent passport photo, and proof of relationship with the Chinese resident.

S Private Matter Visa

The private visit visa (S visa) is issued to individuals who are visiting friends or family members in China for personal reasons. This visa is typically valid for 30 to 90 days and can be converted to a residence permit if the visitor plans to stay in China for more than six months. To apply for an S visa, you’ll need to provide a passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a completed visa application form, a recent passport photo, and proof of relationship with the Chinese resident.

M Business Visa

The business visa, also known as the M Visa, is issued to people traveling to China for business purposes. This visa allows you to stay in China for up to 60 days and is valid for three months from the date of issue. You can apply for this visa if you are attending business meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts in China.

C Crew Visa

The C visa is issued to foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above-mentioned ships.

R High-level Talent Visa

The talent visa (R visa) is issued to individuals who have been recognized as high-level talents in certain fields, such as science and technology, economics, and education. This visa is typically valid for 180 days and can be used for single or multiple entries. To apply for an R visa, you’ll need to provide a passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a completed visa application form, a recent passport photo, and a certificate of recognition as a high-level talent issued by the Chinese government.

D Permanent Residence Visa

The permanent residence visa (D visa) is issued to individuals who plan to reside permanently in China. This visa requires a more rigorous application process, including a review of the applicant’s background, education, and work experience. Once approved, the D visa holder can apply for a permanent residence permit in China.

Major Purpose of Visit	Visa Categories	Description of Visa
Exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities	F	Issued to those who are invited to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities.
Commerce & Trade	M	Issued to those who are invited to China for commercial and trade activities.
As a tourist	L	Issued to those who are going to travel to China for tourism.
Family reunion, foster care or visiting relatives with permanent residence in China	Q1	Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for a long-term family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purposes of foster care (intended duration of stay in China exceeding 180 days).   “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
	Q2	Issued to those who intend to visit relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China; the intended duration of stay is limited to no more than 180 days.
Visiting relatives working or studying in China or other private affairs	S1	Issued to relatives of foreigners working or studying in China for the purpose of long-term visit, or to those who intend to visit China for other private reasons (intended duration of stay exceeding 180 days).   “Relatives” refer to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 years and parents-in-law.
	S2	Issued to those wishing to visit family members that are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private reasons.  The intended duration of stay in China is limited to no more than 180 days.   “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
Employment	Z	Issued to those taking up a post or employment, or giving commercial performances, in China.
Commercial performances
Transit	G	Issued to those who are going to transit through China en route to a third country (or region).
As a crew member or a motor vehicle driver	C	Issued to foreign crew members of aircraft, trains and ships, motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, and also to the accompanying family members of the above-mentioned ships’ crew members.
As a student	X1	Issued to those intending to study in China for a period of more than 180 days.
	X2	Issued to those intending to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days.
As an introduced talent	R	Issued to those who are high-level qualified talents or whose skills are urgently needed by China.
As a journalist	J1	Issued to resident foreign journalists/media staff of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
	J2	Issued to foreign journalists/media staff on temporary news coverage missions.  The intended duration of stay in China is limited to no more than 180 days.
Permanent Residence	D	Issued to those who are going to reside in China permanently.

Eligibility

Indonesian Passport with either:

• Expiry date less than 6 months, or
• No blank pages left

Documents Required

• Indonesian Passport eligible for renewal (Original)
• Indonesian Identity Card (Copy or Printed Scan)
• Family Identity Card/KK (Copy or Printed Scan)
• Birth Certificate (Copy or Printed Scan)
• Valid visa in China (Copy or Printed Scan)

Additional Documents

• Holders of Q/Family Reunion Visa/Residence Permit:
  • For applicants who have married in Indonesia:
    • Marriage certificate that has been legalised by relevant authorities, including Chinese Embassy or Consulate General of China in Indonesia
  • For applicants who have married outside of Indonesia:
    • Marriage certificate released by Indonesian Embassy or Indonesian Consulate General of the applicant’s domicile

Renewal Cost & Payment Method

170 RMB

Accepted payment method: Credit Card, Debit Card, Alipay

Location

Procedure

1. Bring required documents to visa center of Indonesian Embassy
2. Fill out Passport Application Form
3. Submit Application Form and documents to the immigration officers
4. Capture photo for new passport
5. Pay renewal cost and receive receipt.
6. Average renewal process: 3 work days.

Additional Notes

• After you receive your new passport, the embassy will return your old passport with a sticker denoting the pickup date.
• You will have 10 days starting from the pickup date that are written on the sticker to submit your new and old passports to the Exit & Entry Administration of your local public security bureau
  • Read more: Moving your visa from your old passport to your new passport
• Do keep your old passport with you as you will need it to renew personal informations in several institutions and service providers, such as your mobile phone numbers and bank accounts
  • Read more: Updating your personal informations after renewing your passport