1. Residence Registration Needs to be Completed after Entry into China as Soon as Possible

(I) For foreigners staying in a hotel, residence registration can be handled by the hotel.

Foreigners can register residence by presenting a valid passport, the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, or other valid identity documents at the hotel reception.

(II) Foreigners who stay elsewhere need to register residence at the local police station within 24 hours after arrival.

Foreigners or the persons who accommodate them can register for residence at the local police station by presenting a valid passport, the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, or other valid identity documents, along with proof of address. Alternatively, they can register for residence via mobile apps where available.

2. Matters Requiring Special Attention‌

‌(I) Validity period of visa‌

Foreigners who enter the Chinese mainland with a visa and plan to work and live in the Chinese mainland 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 the Chinese mainland 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 renewal of residence permit within 10 days from the date the changes occur.

‌(III) Validity period of work permit‌

Foreigners working within the Chinese mainland should obtain a work permit. Foreigners with a working period not exceeding 30 days must adhere to the time frame specified in their foreigner's work permit, and apply for a work-type residence permit, valid for 90 days. This application should be made with the local public security organ by presenting their Foreigner's Work Permit, Z visa, and other supporting documents.

Foreign art performance groups and individuals can complete residence procedures with the exit and entry administration authority of public security organs at the location where the performance organizer is registered or where the first performance takes place, by presenting their work permit issued by the cultural authorities, the Z visa, and other supporting documents. Foreign performers who have obtained residence permits will not need to repeat these residence procedures when performing at other locations in the Chinese mainland.

The employer shall submit an application for an extension to the local administration department of foreigners working in the Chinese mainland 30 days before the expiration of the work permit.

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 the Chinese mainland in the place where the employer is located within 10 working days from the date the changes occur.

‌(IV) Others‌

Foreigners must abide by the laws and regulations of China when writing comments on social media in China.

Foreigners must comply with relevant regulations when keeping dogs, cats, and other pets.

Foreigners must not photograph military installations, including buildings, sites, and facilities directly used by China for military purposes.

3. 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.

For inquiries about immigration or entry-exit matters, please call the 12367 service hotline.

Source: Foreign Investment Guide of the People's Republic of China (2025 Edition) issued by the Ministry of Commerce