Mar. 2026 - Foreigners in seven Chinese provinces and municipalities can now complete accommodation registration online

Legal requirement for accommodation registration

Pursuant to Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law,

• Hotels are responsible for handling accommodation registration for foreigners staying on their premises.
• Foreigners staying outside hotels must register with local public security organs at the places of residence within 24 hours of check-in, either by themselves or their host.

Online registration channels

Foreigners or their hosts can complete registration online via four channels:

• The National Immigration Administration’s website (https://s.nia.gov.cn)
• The "Immigration Bureau 12367" app
• WeChat Mini Program
• Alipay Mini Program

Online and offline registration validity

• Offline registration at local public security organs remains available, and online registration has the same legal effect as on-site registration.

Key reminders

• The online service applies only to non-hotel residences (e.g., own houses, rentals, relatives’ homes).
• Registration must be completed within 24 hours; overdue registration may result in warnings or fines.

Offline registration guidelines

For offline registration, the below documents are needed:

• A valid passport or other international travel documents
• Accommodation proof

Should you have questions on this matter, feel free to reach out to your usual point of contact at Forvis Mazars.

References

National Immigration Administration, [2026] No:1: Announcement of the National Immigration Administration on the Pilot Implementation of Online Accommodation Registration for Foreigners Residing or Staying in Domiciles Other Than Hotels (link here in Chinese).