(I) For foreigners staying in a hotel, residence registration can be handled by the hotel.
Foreigners can register residence by presenting a valid passport or other international travel documents to the hotel reception.
(II) Foreigners who stay elsewhere need to register residence at the local police station within 24 hours upon arrival.
Foreigners can register residence at the local police station by presenting a valid passport or other international travel documents, along with the rental contract or property ownership certificate.
II. Matters requiring special attention when foreigners work and live in China
(I) Validity period of visa
Foreigners who enter China with a visa and plan to work and live in China need to apply for a residence permit within 30 days from the date of entry according to relevant requirements. If an extension of the duration of stay specified in the visa is required, the application should be submitted to the exit and entry administration authority of public security organs of local people's governments at or above the county level in the place of residence, at least 7 days before the expiration of the duration of stay specified in the visa, with the relevant materials relating to the purpose of the application.
(II) Validity period of residence permit
Foreigners who need to stay in China after the expiration of residence permits shall apply for an extension 30 days before the expiration. Foreigners who hold a valid residence permit and have changed passports or had other items on the residence permit changed shall apply to the exit and entry administration authority of public security organs for information update within 10 days from the date the changes occur.
(III) Validity period of work permit
1. Foreigners working within China should obtain a work permit. Those who intend to work in China for no more than 90 days shall apply for a Z visa from the Chinese embassy (consulate) with the Notification Letter for Foreigner's Work Permit, and work in China within the time indicated on the visa. Those who intend to work in China for more than 90 days shall apply for a Z visa from the Chinese embassy (consulate) with the Notification Letter for Foreigner's Work Permit, apply for a residence permit for work in accordance with relevant regulations after entry, and work in China within the validity period of the work permit.
2. The employer shall submit an application for an extension to the local administration department of foreigners working in China 30 days before the expiration of the work permit.
3. In case of any change in personal information (name, passport number, and position), an application for changes shall be submitted to the administration department of foreigners working in China in the place where the employer is located within 10 working days from the date the changes occur.
(IV) Scope of unilateral visa-free countries
From November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025, visa exemption will be applied to ordinary passport holders from Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia, Latvia and Japan on a trial basis. In addition, China has decided to further optimize its visa-free policy by including exchange visit as a purpose eligible for visa-free entry, extending the period of visa-free stays from the current 15 days to 30 days. Starting from November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from the 38 countries within this visa-free arrangement, including the aforementioned newly added nine countries, can enter China without applying for a visa for the purposes of business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits and transit, with stays of no more than 30 days.
(V) Others
1. Foreigners shall go through residence registration in accordance with the provisions of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China. The exit- entry administration of the public security department may, when accepting a foreigner's visa application, require the applicant to provide proof of residence registration in China.
2. Foreigners must abide by the laws and regulations of China when writing comments on social media in China.
3. Foreigners must comply with relevant regulations when keeping dogs, cats, and other pets.
4. Foreigners must not photograph military installations, including buildings, sites, and facilities directly used by China for military purposes.
III. How to get help in case of emergencies
In case of personal assault or property crimes, please call 110.
In case of fire, please call 119.
In case of first aid, please call 120.
In case of passport loss, please report it to the local police station Immediately.
Source: A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2025 Edition) issued by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China
(III) Validity period of work permit
1. Foreigners working within China should obtain a work permit. Those who intend to work in China for no more than 90 days shall apply for a Z visa from the Chinese embassy (consulate) with the Notification Letter for Foreigner's Work Permit, and work in China within the time indicated on the visa. Those who intend to work in China for more than 90 days shall apply for a Z visa from the Chinese embassy (consulate) with the Notification Letter for Foreigner's Work Permit, apply for a residence permit for work in accordance with relevant regulations after entry, and work in China within the validity period of the work permit.
2. The employer shall submit an application for an extension to the local administration department of foreigners working in China 30 days before the expiration of the work permit.
3. In case of any change in personal information (name, passport number, and position), an application for changes shall be submitted to the administration department of foreigners working in China in the place where the employer is located within 10 working days from the date the changes occur.
(IV) Scope of unilateral visa-free countries
From November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025, visa exemption will be applied to ordinary passport holders from Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia, Latvia and Japan on a trial basis. In addition, China has decided to further optimize its visa-free policy by including exchange visit as a purpose eligible for visa-free entry, extending the period of visa-free stays from the current 15 days to 30 days. Starting from November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from the 38 countries within this visa-free arrangement, including the aforementioned newly added nine countries, can enter China without applying for a visa for the purposes of business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits and transit, with stays of no more than 30 days.
(V) Others
1. Foreigners shall go through residence registration in accordance with the provisions of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China. The exit- entry administration of the public security department may, when accepting a foreigner's visa application, require the applicant to provide proof of residence registration in China.
2. Foreigners must abide by the laws and regulations of China when writing comments on social media in China.
3. Foreigners must comply with relevant regulations when keeping dogs, cats, and other pets.
4. Foreigners must not photograph military installations, including buildings, sites, and facilities directly used by China for military purposes.
III. How to get help in case of emergencies
In case of personal assault or property crimes, please call 110.
In case of fire, please call 119.
In case of first aid, please call 120.
In case of passport loss, please report it to the local police station Immediately.
Source: A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2025 Edition) issued by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China
