According to Chinese regulations for foreigners who reside or stay in domiciles other than hotels, they and the person they stay with shall, within 24 hours after the foreigners’ arrival, register with the public security organs in the places of residence. Those who stay in a hotel shall register at the hotel’s reception desk.

Scenarios:

1. If staying at a hotel: Register at hotel’s reception desk (no need to go to police station)

2. If not staying at a hotel: Register at the local police station (this includes staying with friends or family)

3. Online self-service registration by scanning the QR code below

Documents required when registering at a police station

For new registration:

• Original passport

• One photo (2 inches) that meets standards set by the public security department

• Lease contract (if not staying with friends or family)

• Other relevant documents (a work certificate, a birth certificate for a foreign infant born here, and a travel visa)

For registration renewal:

• Passport (if your visa or entry information is in a different passport or APEC card, bring it)

• Related files to support the renewal (a new lease contract for a change of address)

Frequently asked questions about the registration process

Q1. Do I need to renew my residence registration every time I reenter the Chinese mainland?

A. Yes. lf you reenter and the registration expiry date changes, you need to renew it.

* lf, you’re out of the country for more than half a year, the registration may be canceled automatically, you can update it when you come back.

Q2. How do I calculate my registration expiration date?

A: There are different ways to calculate the registration expiration date. If you register with a residence permit or other types of permits issued by public security departments on the Chinese mainland, the registration expiration date will be the same as “Valid for Residence until” on your permits. For visas issued overseas, the registration expiration date will be your latest entry date plus the duration of each stay.

Q3. If I have already done the residence registration in Shenzhen, do I need to register again once I go to another city in China?

A: If you do not stay in a hotel and stay in the other city for more than 24 hours, then you should register at the local police station. If you stay in a hotel, you can register at the hotel’s reception desk.

Q4. My friend is coming to visit me and plans to stay with me for several days. Should I go to the police station to do the temporary residence registration for them?

A: You can register for them or accompany them to the police station.

* Remember, your friend must be registered with the local police station if they stay at your apartment for longer than 24 hours.

* Foreign citizens must apply for and successfully obtain appropriate entry visas before traveling to China, unless they are visa-exempt according to certain agreements and regulations.