Shanghai

Foreigners are required to register in the local police station within 24 hours of arrival, although doing it within a 72 hour limit is enough. When you get a new visa – ANY TYPE OF VISA — or move to a new place, you need to redo it, with the same time limit.

If you are staying at a hotel, the staff there will automatically do it for you. If you ask, they will give you the form. Please make sure they stamp it with the hotel seal.

If you are renting an apartment or staying with your friends, you need to go to the local police station yourself. Normally, you are required to take the following documents:

• Photocopy of your lease (every page)
• Photocopy of the photo page of your passport
• Photocopy of the visa page of your passport
• Photocopy of the last date of entry stamp in your passport
• Take your passport with you to the police station

They will fill out a form for you and you just need to sign it. The process, which is completely painless, takes about 10-15 minutes. Most of the times, but not always, in the police station you will find somebody who speaks a little English. After this process, you will get a paper officially called “Registration Form of Temporary Residence.”

For the first time registration, it is better to ask your landlord to come with you. Or at least take one copy of the landlord’s ID. Keep in mind that you will have no chance of a visa extension without being registered.

In case you did not register within the time limit, there are two options. You can stay in the country without the registration and do it the next time you go abroad and come back. It’s very unlikely that a policeman will ask for it in the street. But sometimes, especially for a visa extension, you will need it. The only option is going to the police station and risk paying a fine. If the delay is less than a month, try to “bargain” with the officer, most of the time you will get the registration without paying the penalty. For longer delays, you will most probably have to pay a variable fine.

Location of Shanghai Police Stations

Unfortunately, the list below is only available in Chinese. Ask your landlord or a Chinese-speaking friend to locate your local station. Try to do the registration in the nearest station to your home.