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 WeChat.

Documents required when registering at a police station

For new registration:

a. Original passport.

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

c. Lease contract (if not staying with friends or family).

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

For registration renewal:

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

b. 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.

Frequently asked questions about obtaining a Chinese entry visa

Q1. Where can I apply for a visa?

A: Usually, applicants are required to apply for visas from the relevant embassy, consulate, or other Chinese diplomatic missions that are authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Applicants who reside or travel away from the country of his or her nationality can instead apply for visas at a local Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

Applicants who are already on the Chinese mainland can apply for an extension of duration at a local municipal-level public security bureau.

Q2. My Chinese visa says that it is valid for 3 months, but that the duration of each stay is 30 days. Will it be a problem if I stay in China for 3 consecutive months?

A: Yes, it will be a problem. You are required to exit the Chinese mainland before each 30-day period expires. If you plan to stay for three months, you will need to exit, reenter, and reregister your residence every 30 days.

*The “Duration of Each Stay after Entry” on your visa, which is given in days, is the longest period of time that you are permitted to stay in China. Besides valid time and duration of each stay, you should also pay attention to the number of entries. If it is single entry, this means you can only enter China one time with the visa and can stay no more than 30 days.

*Foreigners violating exit-entry administration laws and regulations may be detained, ordered to exist the country within a time limit, repatriated, or denied entry into China.

Q3. What should I do if I want to stay in China longer than the duration?

A: When the duration of stay needs to be extended, the visa holder shall apply for an extension with the exit/entry administration of the local municipal public security bureau 7 day prior to the expiration of the duration specified on the visa and and shall submit information of specific application matters in accordance with relevant requirements. Basic documents include a visa application form, a visa photo with receipt, the original passport and photocopies, a temporary residence registration form, and other documents related to different purposes of stay.

Editor’s note:

To better serve foreign visitors and expats arriving in Shenzhen, we present “A Foreigner’s Guide to Shenzhen.” This series features guidebook-style videos and articles about work and travel in the city. This is part one of temporary residence registration regulations.

To be continued