🇨🇳China Visa for New Zealand Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents

X1/X2 Visa (Student)

Study at Chinese educational institutions

X1 for study programs 180+ days (must convert to residence permit in China); X2 for programs under 180 days. Requires JW201/JW202 form and admission letter from recognized Chinese educational institution.

Z Visa (Work)

Employment in China

Single-entry; must be converted to a work-type Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival. Requires work permit notification letter issued by Chinese authorities and employment contract. Sponsored by Chinese employer.

Q1/Q2 Visa (Family Reunion with Chinese Citizens/Permanent Residents)

Family reunion or short visits with Chinese citizens or holders of Chinese permanent residence; foster care

Q1: long-term family reunion (intended stay over 180 days) for family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners holding Chinese permanent residence, or for foster-care purposes - single entry; holder must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival. Q2: short-term visits to relatives (stay no more than 180 days per entry); can be multiple-entry and valid up to 10 years for US/Canadian citizens. Invitation letter from the relative in China required. Fee varies by nationality (reciprocity-based).

S1/S2 Visa (Family of Foreigners Working/Studying in China)

Relatives visiting foreigners who are working or studying in China, and other private affairs

S1: long-term (intended stay over 180 days) for spouses, parents, children under 18 or parents-in-law of foreigners residing in China for work/study - single entry; must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival. S2: short-term family visits or private matters (stay no more than 180 days). Equivalent of the Q visa but for relatives of FOREIGN (not Chinese) residents. Invitation letter from the foreign resident in China required. Fee varies by nationality (reciprocity-based).

R Visa (High-Level Talent / Urgently Needed Skills)

High-level foreign talents and foreigners whose skills are urgently needed in China

Official category: 'Issued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China.' China's premium talent visa - more favorable terms (multiple entry, longer validity, commonly up to 5-10 years) than a standard Z work visa. Requires a talent-qualification certification from competent Chinese authorities and/or a Confirmation Letter for High-level Foreign Talents from the inviting organization. Long-term holders convert to a residence permit after arrival. Fee varies by nationality. Fast-track processing (about 5 working days) is available for qualifying talent.

K Visa (Young Science and Technology Talent)

Young foreign STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) graduates and researchers - education, research, entrepreneurship and business exchange

New ordinary visa category effective October 1, 2025 (State Council decision amending the Regulations on Exit-Entry Administration of Foreign Nationals). For young science-and-technology talent (STEM bachelor's degree or higher from a recognized university/research institution, or engaged in related teaching/research). No domestic employer, job offer or invitation letter required - self-sponsored. Offers greater flexibility in number of entries, validity and duration of stay than the 12 other ordinary visa types; permits education, cultural and science/technology exchange plus entrepreneurial and business activities. Official announcement: https://english.www.gov.cn/policies/latestreleases/202508/14/content_WS689dd0d3c6d0868f4e8f4d1e.html. Detailed conditions and fees are published by individual Chinese embassies/consulates and not yet uniformly listed.

J1/J2 Visa (Journalist)

Foreign journalists and news-media personnel

J1: resident foreign journalists posted to China (intended stay over 180 days) - convert to a residence permit within 30 days of arrival. J2: foreign journalists on short-term news coverage (stay no more than 180 days). Requires prior clearance/authorization from China's competent foreign-affairs and press authorities. Fee varies by nationality (reciprocity-based).