Residence Registration

Foreign nationals must register their residence within 24 hours of arriving at each accommodation in China. This is a legal obligation under the Exit and Entry Administration Law (出境入境管理法, 2012) and the implementing Regulations on Residence Registration of Foreigners in China — the 24-hour deadline is specified in those regulations.

How do I register my residence in China?

Accommodation	Who Registers	Process
Hotel / inn	Hotel front desk handles it	Show passport at check-in; hotel files with public security automatically
Private residence (rented apartment, friend’s or family’s home)	You, in person	Bring passport to the local public security station (派出所) within 24 hours
Short-term rental / homestay	Host registers — but you remain liable if the host fails to file (see Important Notes)	Host must file within 24 hours; not all short-term rentals hold the license required by law to receive foreign guests — confirm before booking

Important Notes

• Carry your passport or residence permit at all times — police are empowered to request identification and document checks do occur, particularly at transport hubs and tourist attractions.
• Short-term tourists staying in hotels are usually covered automatically — no extra step.
• Failure to register can result in a fine or other administrative penalties under the Exit and Entry Administration Law.
• Multi-city trips: the 24-hour clock resets at each new accommodation. If you travel from Beijing to Xi’an on day 3, you must register at your Xi’an accommodation within 24 hours of arrival there — even if you were already registered in Beijing. Hotel stays handle this automatically; private/rental stays require a repeat visit to the local 派出所.
• Short-term rental / host liability: under the Exit and Entry Administration Law and implementing regulations, both the host and the foreign guest bear responsibility for ensuring registration is completed. If your host fails to file, register yourself at the local 派出所 — do not assume the host has handled it. Properties receiving foreign guests are subject to public security registration requirements; in practice, not all short-term rental operators are set up to file foreign-guest registrations with local police, and some operate without the necessary approval — staying at such a property may leave your registration incomplete regardless of your actions.

What law requires residence registration in China?

• Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China (2012)
• Regulations on Residence Registration of Foreigners in China (implementing regulation; specifies the 24-hour deadline and registration procedures)
• National Immigration Administration (NIA): https://www.nia.gov.cn

Note: the source file raw/12306-guide-for-foreign-business-visitors-2025.md is a comprehensive guide to working and living in China (not limited to train travel despite the filename) — it covers residence registration as part of its entry procedures chapter. The NIA website and the regulations above are the authoritative primary sources.