Temporary residence registration

Where you sleep in China usually must be registered with the public security system. Hotels often do it for you; private housing usually means you (with landlord/agent) handle it.

Why it matters for work stay

• Residence-permit applications often expect valid registration
• Police or HR may ask for the registration record/slip
• Address changes need timely updates

Who must register & when

• Hotel / serviced apartment: ask front desk the night you check in
• Private rental or staying with a host: register promptly after move-in (same day / next working day is the safe habit — confirm local rule)
• Every new address = new registration

What you need (typical)

• Passport
• Visa / residence permit pages
• Lease or host’s property documents
• Landlord / host ID and presence (or authorized agent)
• Phone number that works in China

Exact packet varies by police station.

Where to go

• Local police station (派出所) that covers your address — ask landlord/agent which one
• Some districts offer online pre-registration; still confirm whether you must appear in person

Aftercare

• Keep the registration slip / digital record
• Photo it immediately
• If you travel and return to the same address, ask whether anything must be renewed
• Move-out: complete new registration at the next address without a gap

Common delays

• Landlord unavailable or documents incomplete
• Address not clearly assigned to a station
• Name mismatch vs passport
• Trying to register without the property owner’s cooperation

Pitfalls

• Assuming “HR will do it” for a private lease (often they won’t)
• Waiting until the residence-permit appointment to discover you’re unregistered
• Ignoring WeChat notices from the station if they ask for follow-up

Related: Renting & the Police Station