How to Register with the Police in Shanghai: Expat Guide (2026)
Shanghai Police Registration: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide.
New in Shanghai? If you're a foreigner living or staying in the city, one of the very first legal requirements you must complete is the Temporary Residence Registration (ไธดๆถไฝๅฎฟ็ป่ฎฐ) within 24 hours of arrival.
You must do this every time you arrive in China from abroad or change your address within the country. Here | Housing & Coliving guides foreigners and expats step-by-step through the process, covering key documents, deadlines, and expert tips to avoid hefty fines.
The 24-Hour Rule
By Chinese law, foreigners must register their residential address with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of moving in. Failure to do so can result in warnings, fines (up to 2,000 CNY), and complications with future visa renewals.
Do I Need to Register If I Stay in a Hotel?.
Staying in a Hotel
No personal registration is needed. Licensed hotels will automatically scan your passport and report your stay to the local police network upon check-in.
Moving to an Apartment
Registration is mandatory. If you move from a hotel to a private apartment, Airbnb, or stay with a friend, you must manually register your new address within 24 hours.
Option 1: Online Registration (Most Convenient).
If youโre staying at a private address in Shanghai, you can use the cityโs official Self-Help Police Registration portal. This digital method is free, fast, and highly recommended.
๐ What You Will Need
Before you begin the online process, gather the following information and files to your smartphone or computer:
- Full address of your current residence (in Chinese characters).
- Arrival date & intended departure date (when your visa expires or you plan to leave).
- Chinese mobile phone number (capable of receiving SMS verification codes).
- Passport information (a clear, glare-free image of your photo ID page).
- A selfie holding your passport (both your face and the document must be clearly visible).
Step-by-Step Online Instructions.
Follow these steps on the Shanghai Self-Help Declaration System.
Create an Account
Visit the official portal and create an account using your email address or phone number. We recommend using a desktop browser with translation tools enabled if you do not read Chinese.
Select Registration
Log in and select the โRegistrationโ (ไฝๅฎฟ็ป่ฎฐ) option from the main menu.
Fill in Your Details
Carefully enter your personal details. Ensure your name matches your passport exactly. Input your complete address, Chinese phone number, and your exact arrival/departure dates.
Upload Documents
Upload the clear photo of your passportโs ID page and the selfie of you holding your passport next to your face. Ensure the file sizes are under the portal's stated limits (usually 2MB).
Submit & Wait
Submit your application. The system is highly efficient; it is usually approved within 5โ10 minutes. In some edge cases, manual review may take 1โ3 business days. An email will notify you once accepted (always check your spam folder!).
Download Your Official Form
Once approved, log back into the website and go to the "History" section. Look for the registration marked โPassโ with a QR code. Download your Temporary Residence Registration Form (ไธดๆถไฝๅฎฟ็ป่ฎฐ่กจ).
In-Person Police Registration: The Shanghai Expat Guide.
If you are unable to use the online self-declaration system, or if your specific residential compound requires a physical stamp, you must visit your local police station (ๆดพๅบๆ) to complete your Temporary Residence Registration.
At Here | Housing & Coliving, we guide foreigners step-by-step through this essential legal process. Here is everything you need to bring and say to ensure a smooth, stress-free registration.
How to Find the Nearest Station
Every apartment building in Shanghai is assigned to a specific jurisdictional police station.
- Ask Your Landlord: Request the exact name of the assigned Pai Chu Suo (ๆดพๅบๆ) from your landlord or roommate.
- Get the Pin: Have them send the location pin directly to your WeChat or Apple Maps.
- Transportation: Use Didi or public transport to navigate there. Be aware of their operating hours, which typically close for a lunch break between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM.
What to Say at the Station
You do not need to be fluent in Chinese to complete this process.
- The Keyword: Go to the front desk and simply say: โ็ป่ฎฐโ (Dฤng jรฌ), which means โregister.โ
- The Process: A staff member will direct you to the correct window. The data entry typically takes 10โ15 minutes.
- The Result: Once approved, they will print and stamp your official Temporary Residence Registration Form.
๐ The Mandatory Document Checklist.
Chinese administrative offices require hard copies. Do not rely solely on digital photos on your phone; print these documents before you arrive.
๐ก Pro Tips for a Smooth Registration
Avoid common pitfalls and fines with these operational habits.
Prepare in Advance
Take high-quality, flat scans of your passport and visa pages before you travel so you can easily print them upon arrival.
Keep Multiple Copies
Always keep both a digital PDF on your phone and a printed paper copy of your finalized registration form. You will need it for banking and visa renewals.
The Re-Entry Rule
You must register again every time you re-enter China from abroadโeven if you are returning to the exact same apartment.
Need Help Navigating Your First Days?.
At Here | Housing & Coliving, we do much more than help you find the perfect apartment in Shanghai. Our bilingual team guides you through all essential expat procedures, from police registration to utility setup.
Whether you're a student, professional, or family, we ensure your move to China is smooth, legal, and stress-free.
