Under Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of China, every foreigner in China must have their accommodation registered. This is not optional. How you register depends on where you are staying.
If You Stay at a Hotel
Hotels handle registration automatically. When you check in, the front desk scans your passport and transmits your information to the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) through their internal system. You do not need to visit a police station.
However, not every hotel can accept foreigners. Before booking, confirm the hotel has a foreign guest reception license. International chain hotels, 3-star and above hotels, and most business hotels in major cities all have this. Smaller guesthouses, hostels, budget chains, and rural accommodations may not — always call ahead or check the listing.
If you arrive at a hotel that cannot register foreigners, they will refuse to check you in. You will need to find alternative accommodation that is licensed to accept foreign guests.
If You Stay at a Private Residence
This covers staying with friends, family, at an Airbnb, or in any non-hotel accommodation. The registration must happen within 24 hours of arrival.
Option 1: In-Person Registration at Police Station (All Cities)
Take the following to the nearest police station (you and your host go together, or your host goes alone with your documents):
- Your passport (original)
- Your most recent entry stamp in China (likely the one you received at the airport)
- A photocopy of your host's Chinese ID card
- Property ownership certificate or rental contract for the accommodation
- A completed Temporary Accommodation Registration Form (available at the station)
The process at the station takes 10-20 minutes and is free. The police will issue you a Registration Form of Temporary Accommodation — a small paper slip. Keep this document. You will need it for visa extensions, bank account applications, and possibly during random police checks.
Option 2: Online Registration (7 Pilot Provinces Only)
Since March 2026, foreigners in seven provinces can complete registration online: Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing, and Sichuan.
The process:
- Open the local PSB WeChat mini-program or government service platform for your province
- Upload a photo of your passport information page
- Enter the accommodation address and host information
- Submit — an electronic registration certificate is generated upon approval
Online registration has the same legal validity as the in-person version. This option is expected to expand to all provinces gradually.
Option 3: Host Registers Without You
In some cities, the host (Chinese citizen or foreign resident) can register on your behalf by bringing all documents to the police station. This varies by city — ask your host to check local rules.
If You Move Between Accommodations
Each time you change accommodation, you need to re-register at the new address. The 24-hour clock resets. You do not need to cancel the old registration — the new one replaces it.
