Every foreigner in China must report where they are staying. In a hotel, the front desk does it for you, but if you rent an apartment, a guesthouse or stay with friends, you must register yourself — usually within 24 hours of checking in. Here is the procedure in plain terms.
Who must register, and when
The rule is simple: within 24 hours of arriving at a new place of residence, a foreigner must register at the local police station (paichu suo). Hotels, hostels and licensed guesthouses register guests at check-in — you only show your passport. In a private apartment, guesthouse or a friend's home, the responsibility lies with you and the landlord.
If you move from Sanya to Haikou, or from one district to another, you must register again at the new address; the old registration does not cover it.
What to bring
• Passport with a valid visa or a visa-free entry stamp.
• A rental contract or a letter from the landlord stating the address, dates and signature.
• The landlord's identity details and a copy of the property ownership certificate — usually brought by the landlord.
• The address in Chinese: district, street, compound, building and apartment number.
In most cases the landlord must appear in person, because the police verify that the person is actually renting to you. If the landlord cannot come, ask in advance whether a proxy is accepted — practice varies between stations.
The procedure in practice
1. Contact your landlord right after check-in and arrange a joint visit to the station.
2. Take your passport, the rental contract and the property documents.
3. Fill in a short form at the window: passport details, address, dates of stay.
4. Receive the registration receipt — paper slip or system record — and photograph it to keep until departure.
5. Register again after moving or renewing the lease.
How long it takes
The procedure itself usually takes 15–30 minutes at a quiet time. In high season and popular tourist districts there are queues, especially in the first days after a large arrival wave. Plan a weekday morning visit.
If you arrive late at night
The law does not require a midnight visit: the 24 hours start from check-in. If you land at 23:00 and check in at 00:30, you can go the next day during working hours — but do not postpone for several days, as that becomes a violation.
Consequences of not registering
During checks or at departure you may be asked for proof of address. Staying without registration usually carries a fine of up to 2,000 CNY, and additional measures are possible in some cases. It also makes visa extensions, bank services and other paperwork harder. Registration is a practical necessity, not paperwork for its own sake.
Common mistakes
• Telling the landlord you will do it later, then leaving for a week of sightseeing.
• Giving an address only in English when the station needs Chinese — ask the landlord to write it in characters in advance.
• Renting through a middleman whose real owner refuses to cooperate: confirm this point before paying.
• Losing the registration slip and being unable to find it at departure.
How to make it easier
Ask the landlord to prepare the property documents and write the address in Chinese characters. Carry some cash for small copying fees, and bring a translation app or a Chinese-speaking friend: small stations rarely speak English. If you book through an agency, ask whether registration assistance is included.
If you need help with renting a home, renting a car, arrival assistance, or property in Malaysia, feel free to contact us — we can help arrange the visit and tell you exactly what to prepare.