Accommodation registration
Mandatory for all foreigners — complete guide to the process
⚠ Legal requirement — 24 hour deadline
Chinese law requires ALL foreigners to register their accommodation within 24 hours of arrival. This applies every time you arrive in China and every time you change your address. Non-compliance can result in fines of ¥2,000 or more.
What is accommodation registration?
Accommodation registration (住宿登记) is a legal requirement under China's Entry and Exit Administration Law. Every foreigner staying in China must report where they are living to the local police. This is not optional — it applies to tourists, business travelers, students, and long-term residents alike. The official name of the document you receive is the Registration Form of Temporary Residence (境外人员临时住宿登记表).
Your situation
Hotel / Hostel / Serviced apartment
Hotels are legally required to register foreign guests and do so automatically at check-in. This includes hostels, Airbnb-style serviced apartments managed by a company, and most guesthouses.
Nothing — the front desk registers you when you check in. Ask for a copy of the registration slip for your records.
Private apartment / Friend's home
If you are staying in a rented apartment, a friend's home, or any private residence that is not a registered hotel, YOU must go to the police station to register in person.
Visit the nearest police station (派出所) with your landlord or host within 24 hours. See the step-by-step guide below.
Changing address within China
Every time you move to a new address — even within the same city — you must re-register at the police station nearest to your NEW address. Moving from a hotel to an apartment also counts.
Re-register at the local police station near your new address within 24 hours of moving.
Police station visit — step by step
Find your local police station (派出所)
Search '派出所' in Amap or Baidu Maps to find the one nearest to your home. Not all stations handle foreigner registration — look for one with an '出入境' (Entry-Exit) or '境外人员' (Foreign Persons) service window. If unsure, call 12345 (Shanghai service hotline) to confirm.
Go with your landlord or their representative
Your landlord (or someone authorized by them) must come with you, or at minimum provide their original ID card. Some stations accept a signed authorization letter + ID copy if the landlord cannot attend. Call the station ahead of time to confirm what they accept.
Bring all required documents
See the document checklist below. Missing even one item may mean a wasted trip. Bring originals AND photocopies — some stations keep copies, others make their own.
Fill out the registration form
The officer will give you a registration form (登记表) to fill out. It asks for your name, passport number, nationality, visa type, local address, and landlord info. Some stations fill it in for you based on your documents.
Submit and wait for processing
The officer checks your documents, verifies the address, and enters your information into the system. This typically takes 10-20 minutes. During busy periods, you may wait longer.
Receive your registration slip
You'll receive the Registration Form of Temporary Residence (境外人员临时住宿登记表) — a small printed or stamped form. This is your proof of legal registration. Keep it safe; you will need it for many other processes.
Required documents checklist
Your passport
With valid visa or entry stamp. Must be the original — copies are not accepted for your own passport.
Landlord's ID card (身份证)
Original preferred. Some stations accept a clear photocopy if the landlord is present. If the landlord cannot come, bring their original ID + signed authorization letter.
Rental contract or lease agreement
The contract between you and the landlord showing the address. If staying with a friend, a written statement from them confirming your stay is usually sufficient.
Property ownership certificate (房产证)
Proves the landlord owns or has the right to rent the property. A photocopy is usually sufficient. If the landlord rents from someone else, a subletting authorization may be needed.
Your photos (some stations)
A few stations require 1-2 passport-size photos. Bring them just in case — photo booths are available near most stations.
At the police station — what to expect
- Operating hours: typically Mon-Fri 9:00-11:30 AM, 1:30-4:30 PM. Some stations open Saturday mornings. Closed on Sundays and public holidays
- Look for the service window marked '出入境管理' (Entry-Exit Administration) or '境外人员服务' (Foreign Persons Service)
- Take a queue number when you arrive — some stations have a separate queue for foreigners
- Most officers speak basic English. If there's a language barrier, show this phrase: '我是外国人，要办理住宿登记' (I am a foreigner, I need to do accommodation registration)
- The process is free — there is no fee for registration
- Some districts now offer registration via the '随申办' (Suishenban) app, but availability varies — call 12345 to check if your district supports it
After registration — keep your slip safe
- The registration slip is required for visa extensions at the Entry-Exit Bureau
- Chinese banks require it to open a bank account
- Some mobile carriers ask for it when buying a SIM card
- You may need it when signing up for local services (gym, co-working space, etc.)
- If you lose it, go back to the same police station to request a replacement
- Take a photo of the slip and save it to your phone as backup
Chinese phrases for the police station
Show these on your phone — most officers can read them even if they don't speak English
我是外国人，要办理住宿登记。
Wǒ shì wàiguórén, yào bànlǐ zhùsù dēngjì.
I am a foreigner and I need to do accommodation registration.
请问这里可以办理境外人员住宿登记吗？
Qǐngwèn zhèlǐ kěyǐ bànlǐ jìngwài rényuán zhùsù dēngjì ma?
Excuse me, can I do foreigner accommodation registration here?
这是我的护照和租房合同。
Zhè shì wǒ de hùzhào hé zūfáng hétong.
Here are my passport and rental contract.
我的房东不能来，这是他的身份证复印件和委托书。
Wǒ de fángdōng bù néng lái, zhè shì tā de shēnfènzhèng fùyìnjiàn hé wěituōshū.
My landlord can't come. Here is a copy of their ID and authorization letter.
我换了新地址，需要重新登记。
Wǒ huàn le xīn dìzhǐ, xūyào chóngxīn dēngjì.
I've moved to a new address and need to re-register.
请问登记表怎么填？
Qǐngwèn dēngjì biǎo zěnme tián?
How do I fill out the registration form?
我的住宿登记表丢了，可以补办吗？
Wǒ de zhùsù dēngjì biǎo diū le, kěyǐ bǔbàn ma?
I lost my registration slip. Can I get a replacement?
我住在这个地址。
Wǒ zhù zài zhège dìzhǐ.
I live at this address. (Then show the address on your phone)
Online registration pilot (2026)
Starting in 2026, Shanghai and several other major cities are piloting online accommodation registration for foreigners. This means you may be able to complete the process without visiting a police station — but availability depends on your district.
Download the '随申办' (Suíshenban) app or open the '随申办' WeChat mini-program
Select '境外人员住宿登记' (Foreigner Accommodation Registration) from the services menu
Scan your passport, enter your Chinese address, and upload a photo of your lease
Your landlord may need to confirm via their own Suishenban account or SMS verification
If approved, you'll receive a digital registration confirmation — some processes still require the physical slip, so check before relying on the digital version only
⚠ This pilot is NOT available in all Shanghai districts as of early 2026. Call 12345 before attempting online registration to confirm your district supports it. If it doesn't, visit the police station in person — the in-person process is always available and reliable.
Penalties for non-registration
- Warning for first-time minor violations
- Fine of ¥500-2,000 for individuals who fail to register on time
- Fine of ¥2,000-10,000 for landlords who fail to report foreign tenants
- In serious cases, administrative detention of up to 10 days is possible
- Non-registration can complicate visa renewals and future entry to China
Common questions
Last updated: March 2026 · Source: Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau, Entry-Exit Administration