1. Legal Requirement

According to Article 39 of the "Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China," all foreigners residing in China must register their temporary accommodation within 24 hours of check-in. Failure to do so may result in a warning or a maximum fine of 2000 yuan.

2. Methods of Registration Depending on Accommodation Type

1. Staying at a Hotel

• Automatic Processing: The hotel will handle the registration for you; simply provide your passport and valid visa/residence permit.
• Obtaining Receipt: Request a copy of the "Temporary Accommodation Registration Form for Foreigners" upon checkout (this may be required for visa renewal).

2. Staying at a Private Residence (Friend/Family Home, Rented Apartment)

• Processing Location: Local police station or community police office where the residence is located.
• Required Documents:
• Guest: Original passport and copy of the visa page
• Host: Original ID card, property deed/rental contract
• Both parties present: The host must accompany the guest (some cities allow the host to act as proxy)
• Processing Steps:
• Fill out the "Temporary Accommodation Registration Form for Foreigners"
• Submit documents for review
• Receive a stamped receipt

3. Other Situations

• School/Company Dormitories: Registration handled by the school’s foreign affairs office or the company’s HR department.
• Homestays/Short-Term Apartments: Confirm if the landlord has the authority to register; otherwise, proceed to the police station.

3. Important Notes

1. Time Limit:
2. Regardless of when you enter, registration must be completed within 24 hours (extended to the first working day during holidays).

3. Re-register if changing accommodation addresses.

4. Registration Details:

5. Name, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number

6. Visa type, address of stay, host information

7. Language Issues:

8. Some police stations offer English forms; it is recommended to download translations or use translation apps for assistance.
9. Use the WeChat Mini Program “Immigration Bureau” (supports multi-language searches for police station addresses).

4. Consequences of Non-Registration

• First Offense: Typically results in a verbal warning and requirement to complete registration.
• Severe Cases: Fine ranging from 500 to 2000 yuan, which could affect visa extension or residence permit applications.
• Associated Responsibility: Landlords failing to assist with registration may face fines of 500 to 1000 yuan.

5. Practical Suggestions

1. Prepare Materials in Advance:
2. Take photos of your passport information page, visa page, and the host’s ID card for archival purposes.

3. Save contact details of the police station (searchable via Gaode Map).

4. Online Processing (In Some Cities):

5. Shenzhen, Shanghai, and other cities allow submission of materials via apps like “Yueshengshi” or “Suishenban,” with physical receipt collection afterward.

6. WeChat Mini Program “Immigration Bureau” → Government Services → Temporary Accommodation Registration (pilot program).

7. Handling Special Cases:

8. No Fixed Address: Contact the nearest police station within 24 hours to explain your situation (e.g., camping, RV travel).
9. Urgent Matters: Call the National Immigration Administration hotline at 12367 for inquiries.

6. Sample Registration Form

Tip: Keep the receipt after completing registration, as it may be required for visa extensions, bank account openings, or driver's license applications. For any questions, contact the local immigration bureau at 12367.