Accommodation Registration for Foreign Nationals in China: Hotels, Private Homes, and Online Filing

Foreign nationals staying in China must register their accommodation in accordance with the law. Hotels handle registration for their guests in accordance with hotel industry public security requirements. Those staying somewhere other than a hotel, such as a friend's home, rented property, or school dormitory, must not overlook registration merely because they are not in a hotel. The foreign national or the person providing accommodation must register with the public security authority for the place of residence within 24 hours of arrival.

Check registration again after moving or changing rooms

Accommodation registration is tied to the actual residential address. Travelers who change non-hotel accommodation, long-term residents who move, and people who move to a new city should all reconfirm their registration obligation. Authorities handling work, study, banking, or residence formalities may ask to verify accommodation information, so the registration must match the passport and actual address.

Nationwide online filing is now available

According to the National Immigration Administration's September 21, 2026 announcement, foreign nationals can register non-hotel accommodation through the National Immigration Administration government services website, the “Immigration Bureau 12367” app, or its WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. Online registration has the same effect as in-person filing. Those unfamiliar with the online process can still use offline channels such as a local police station.

For filing channels and scope, see the Announcement on the Nationwide Rollout of Online Registration of Foreigners' Non-Hotel Accommodation. Successful registration does not mean that a lease filing or residence formalities have also been completed; these obligations must be checked separately.