Police Registration in China
The 24-hour rule every foreigner must know. Failure to register = fines up to ¥2000.
⚠️ CRITICAL: The 24-Hour Rule
- ✓ All foreigners staying >24 hours
- ✓ Airbnb/short-term rental guests
- ✓ Long-term apartment renters
- ✓ Anyone NOT in a licensed hotel
- ✓ Hotel guests (hotel does it)
- ✓ Same-day departure
- ✓ Transit passengers (24hr stay)
Deadline: Within 24 hours of arrival at your accommodation
Penalty: ¥500-2000 fine, possible detention, visa complications
Quick Summary
Staying at a hotel? You're covered — hotels automatically register you.
Renting apartment/Airbnb? You MUST register yourself within 24 hours.
Where to go: Local police station (派出所) near your address.
What to bring: Passport + rental contract + landlord's contact.
Time needed: 30-90 minutes depending on queue.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Determine Where to Register
| Where You're Staying | Who Registers | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed hotel | ✓ Hotel does it | At check-in |
| Airbnb/short-term rental | ✗ You must do it | Local police station |
| Long-term apartment | ✗ You must do it | Community police station |
| Friend's/family home | ✗ You must do it | Police station for that address |
How to find your police station: Ask your landlord "附近的派出所在哪里？" or search Google Maps for "police station" near your address. The station must serve your specific address area.
Gather Required Documents
- • Original passport
- • Rental contract (租赁合同)
- • Landlord's phone number
- • Landlord's ID card copy
- • Property ownership certificate
- • Your Chinese phone number
Tip: Ask your landlord to provide a copy of their ID and the property certificate BEFORE you go. Many police stations require these. If landlord refuses, find a new apartment.
Visit the Police Station
What to Say (Key Phrases)
Chinese
我要办理外国人住宿登记
Wǒ yào bànlǐ wài guó rén zhù sù dēng jì
English meaning
"I need to register foreigner accommodation"
Show this text to staff
Best time to go: Weekday mornings (9-11am) have shorter queues. Avoid lunch time (12-2pm) when staff may be unavailable.
Complete the Registration Form
You'll fill out the Temporary Residence Registration Form (外国人住宿登记表). Staff may help with basic English, but bring a translator app just in case.
Information You'll Need
- • Full name (exactly as in passport)
- • Passport number and nationality
- • Date of birth
- • Complete Chinese address (get exact address from landlord)
- • Date of arrival in China
- • Date of entry to this address
- • Purpose of stay (work/study/tourism)
- • Contact phone number
Keep Your Registration Proof
✓ Registration Complete!
The police will stamp your form or give you a registration receipt. This is your legal proof.
- • Take a photo immediately as backup
- • Keep the original with your passport
- • Show this if police ever ask
- • Update within 24 hours if you move to new address
Special Situations
Moving to a New Address?
You must register AGAIN at the new police station within 24 hours of moving. Each address requires separate registration.
Traveling to Another City?
For trips under 24 hours: No registration needed. For longer stays in hotels: Hotel registers you. For Airbnb in other cities: Register at local police station there.
Living in Different Cities?
Register at your primary residence (where you spend most time). For secondary addresses, check with local police if registration is required.
Police Check/Raid
Police occasionally check apartments for unregistered foreigners. If caught without registration: immediate ¥500-2000 fine, possible detention up to 15 days, visa extension complications.
What Happens If You Don't Register?
Real consequence: Unregistered foreigners have been caught during routine police checks, especially during major events or holidays. The fine must be paid immediately, and the violation goes on your immigration record.
People Also Ask
Do I need to register if I'm staying at a hotel?
No. Licensed hotels register all foreign guests automatically during check-in. You'll see them photocopying your passport — that's the registration. Keep your hotel receipt as proof of where you stayed.
Can I register online or through an app?
Generally no. Most cities require in-person registration at the police station. A few major cities (like Shanghai, Shenzhen) have online systems, but they're often in Chinese only and unreliable. In-person is safest.
What if my landlord refuses to provide documents?
Find a new place. If a landlord won't help with registration, it's a red flag. They may be illegally subletting or avoiding taxes. Legitimate landlords know foreigners must register and will provide documents.
How long does registration take?
Usually 30-90 minutes including travel time. The form-filling takes 10-20 minutes. Queues vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are fastest. Bring something to read while waiting.
Do I need to register every time I enter China?
Yes. Each entry requires new registration at your accommodation. If you're staying at the same long-term apartment, you still need to update your registration with the new entry date.
Is registration the same as the residence permit?
No. Police registration (住宿登记) is temporary and required for ALL foreigners. Residence permit (居留许可) is a long-term visa sticker for work/study/family reunification. You need police registration even with a residence permit.
Related Guides
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about China's foreigner registration requirements. Immigration policies change and vary by city. Always verify current requirements with your local police station or the National Immigration Administration (12367 hotline). This is not legal advice — consult an immigration lawyer for complex situations.
Last updated: April 2026 | Next review: July 2026