This guide sets out essential information for nationals residing in China, including advice on health, education, benefits, residence requirements and more.
Registering with the Public Security Bureau
Foreign nationals in China must register their temporary residence with the Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arriving in the country. This is mandatory for any length of stay. If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel should be able to register you with the PSB. If you are residing somewhere other than a hotel (for example with family or friends), you must register yourself at the nearest police station within 24 hours of your arrival in China, and obtain a ‘Registration Form of Temporary Residence for Visitors’.
If you intend to stay in China longer than 180 days, China’s immigration rules require you to obtain a Residence Permit. All foreigners living in China must register with the Public Security Bureau (PSB) on arrival via their local police station. Resident permit holders should also be aware that you are required to re-register each time you return from a trip abroad.
If you need to change or extend your visa, renew your residence permit or if you have had a baby, you will need to contact the local Public Security Bureau office for the area where you live. If you obtain a new foreign passport, you will also need to register the new passport with the PSB. Foreign resident issues are handled by the Entry-Exit Administration of the PSB. English speaking services are available.
PSB contact details for Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou and Shanghai are as follows:
Beijing
Division of the Entry and Exit Administration of the Beijing Public Security Bureau
No.2 Andingmen Dongjie, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Telephone: +86 (0)10 8402 0101
Office hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm
Shanghai
Division of the Entry and Exit Administration of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau
No.1500 Minshenglu, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Telephone: +86 (0)21 2895 1900
Office hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
Chongqing
Division of the Entry and Exit Administration of the Chongqing Public Security Bureau
No.555 Huangnibang, Yubei District, Chongqing
Telephone: +86 (0)23 6396 1944
Office hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00am-11:30am, 1:30pm-5:00pm
Guangzhou
Division of the Entry and Exit Administration of the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau
F/6 No.155 Jiefang South Road, Guangzhou
Telephone: +86 (0)20 9611 0110
Office hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am-12:00am, 2:00pm-5:30pm
Criminal record checks
China’s visa regulations state that proof of no criminal record is required for foreign nationals applying for a work or resident permit. The Chinese government may ask for your Criminal Record Check to be legalized. To obtain a criminal record check for use in China, covering time spent in the foreign country you can:
- contact the police authorities nearest to where you lived at the time.
- seek records via the Federal Government.
- contact foreign Embassy in China.
The Chinese authorities may ask for this document to be “legalized”. The process of legalization involves submitting a foreign public document to the Legalization Office and having this document counter-signed by the Chinese Embassy in foreign country.
Emergency travel documents
In certain situations, the foreign Embassy and Consulates-General can issue an emergency travel document, which enables nationals abroad whose passport is lost, stolen, unavailable because it is being renewed or has been sent for visa application, to make a single or return journey to your own country or another country of residence, via a maximum of five transit countries.
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any form of medication you should ensure you have a supply of it available, or are able to obtain it once in China. Certain medicines may not be available in China (including major brands readily available in your own country), and may be prohibited from entering the country. You should consult your doctor before travelling to China to learn of any alternatives which may be available.
Health insurance
If you are resident in China ensure you have taken out an appropriate health insurance policy. If you are a visitor, arrange comprehensive travel insurance before you travel. Make sure your policy covers the following:
- an air ambulance, in case you need to be flown home by this means
- full medical cover (medical bills can be expensive)
- repatriation of your remains in the event of death
- repatriation of your family in the event it is necessary for you to return home due to illness or injury
Medical emergencies
If you need emergency medical assistance whilst in China, dial 120 and ask for an ambulance. Ambulances can be very slow to arrive and may not have trained responders. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company as soon as possible to inform them of what has happened. Hospitals may seek immediate payment by cash or card before treatment is given.
Health and safety standards
Health and safety regulations are not always enforced to the standard of the foreign country. You should be aware of fire hazards and the location of fire exits where you stay.
If you live in China, ensure your home has both a working fire alarm and a working carbon monoxide alarm installed. There have been incidences of carbon monoxide poisoning due to incorrectly installed gas equipment, including one which caused the death of a foreign national.