According to Chinese law, residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and foreigners who stay in China should apply for temporary accommodation registration within 24 hours after checking in.
Channels to handle accommodation registration for overseas personnel
1 Accommodation registration for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents and foreigners living in the hotel should be handled by the hotel front desk staff.
2 Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents and foreigners living in the community can apply for accommodation registration through the following channels:
01. The household registration service window of the police station and the public security service window stationed in the community administrative service center;
02. Overseas personnel service stations, immigrant integration service stations and other social declaration platforms;
03.Self-declaration platform for Internet applications.

In the " Public Service" section of the Wechat public account of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau for Exit and Entry Administration, there is a special "foreigners" column in the "Government affairs openness" option. In this column, we can inquire about foreigners' visas, residence certificates, permanent residence identity card and other foreigners' related business.

Whether you want to come to Shanghai for business, work, or travel, you will likely need a Chinese visa. Here you can find out how to apply for a Chinese visa, visa extension, hotlines, and how to apply for a port visa.

If you intend to settle in Shanghai, you can apply for permanent residence through the local immigration department, provided you meet certain conditions.

For the first documentation procedure for a child of foreign nationality (born in China), his/her parents should apply to the local Public Security Exit and Entry Department within 60 days of the baby's birth. You can learn about the policy requirements at the following website.

When you arrive in China, one of your main tasks is to buy a SIM card. There are three major mobile operators in China: China Unicom, China Telecom and China Mobile. You can get a SIM card at the official representative offices of these companies.

Living in or visiting China, you’ll find that Alipay is an essential app, as it is a popular method for paying for things. Here is a guide on how to pay with Alipay and some of its other handy features.

（Alipay Download - Android）

（Alipay Download - IOS）

Everyone living in or traveling in China learns quickly that they need WeChat as it is the easiest way to communicate. WeChat is a super app that offers many functions aside from connecting people.(The first QR code is the QR code for WeChat download, and the second is the WeChat User Guide)

(Wechat download)

(How to use Wechat)

As a newcomer to Shanghai, you may find it challenging to live and travel in the city. But with the right apps on your phone, your trip can go from zero to hero.

Whether you are doing business in China or planning to reside here, opening a bank account offers numerous advantages.

(Bank of Shanghai "ChinaPay")

Shanghai has a very well-developed and varied network of public transportation, including buses, taxis, ferries, metro and shared bikes. On the website below, we can find out how to use these public transportation options as well as the location of the two main airports in Shanghai, which are of interest to expats.

In order to further provide expatriates with convenient public transport services, the English version of Shanghai's "Mobility as a Service" (MaaS) platform, Suishenxing app, has launched the "Real-time Bus" information query service. "real-time bus information enquiry service.

In order to further enhance the experience of foreigners travelling to China in Shanghai, Shanghai Public Transportation Card Company, a subsidiary of Jiushi Group, has constructed a diversified public transportation service system for foreigners travelling to China, covering a variety of travel scenarios such as metro, buses, ferries, etc., and created a convenient and efficient payment service environment, providing a variety of payment methods such as online and offline payment and deduction services, and producing a relevant payment service guideline. It has also produced relevant payment service guides and a number of offline service stations to provide guidance for foreigners coming to China to enjoy payment services.

(DiDi download)

Anyone living in Shanghai other than in a hotel will need to pay utility bills, which include electricity, water and gas. There are currently two ways to pay utility bills. The first option is to pay in person at a post office, convenience store, bank or utility company. The other option is to pay online using an electronic payment platform such as WeChat Pay or Alipay.

As a metropolis, Shanghai boasts a wide variety of shopping centers and supermarkets with a wide range of products. Listed below are some popular supermarkets and internet shopping centers in Shanghai for you to explore.

(Costco APP Download)

(Sam APP Download)

(FRESHIPPO APP Download)

(DingDong Grocery App Download)

（Taobao official website）

（JD APP download）

（JD official website）

（Pinduoduo APP Download）

（Meituan APP Download）

（Eleme APP Download）

（Dazhong Dianping APP Download）

Firstly, we are able to see the contact numbers of various courier companies in China as well as the contact numbers of foreign courier companies. Secondly, we can learn how to receive and send parcels in China. Especially in sending parcels, we also distinguish how to send domestic pieces and foreign pieces.

Here are some platforms to help you book the ideal hotel and other travel options to make your Shanghai stay as pleasant as possible.

（qunar official website）

（qunar APP Download）

（ctrip official website）

（ctrip App Download）

（fliggy official website）

（fliggy APP Download）

More and more foreigners are choosing to live and work in China and for many renting apartment is the first step to a new life here. Here are some tips and suggestions.It includes the following four areas:agencies you can choose to get accommodation information, how to find the perfect apartment, other suggestions, rent a house on "Suishenban" app.

(Anjuke Official Website)

（Anjuke APP Download）

If you plan to live in Shanghai for a long time, you may begin to consider buying a house. But it will take you some time to know how to become a home owner, and become familiar with the requirements and procedures involved. Below is some basic information and advice for you to prepare for your home purchase plan.

To work in Shanghai, you need to know about work visas, residence permits for work, protection of labour rights, work permits, national holidays and personal income tax.

Foreign students who want to stay in China to work or start their own business after graduation can find a suitable job in China in the following ways.

(Boss Official Website)

(Boss APP Download)

(Liepin Official Website)

(Liepin APP Download)

(51Job Official Website)

(51Job APP Download--IOS)

(51Job APP Download--Android)

Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Foreign Expertise (SMBFE) is the administrative organ of the Chinese government in charge of the introduction of national intelligence, and is mainly responsible for the management of foreign experts who come to work in China (including the fields of economy, technology and management, UNESCO and health care system, foreign-invested enterprises, foreign experts who come to China with the introduction of project contracts and key construction projects, etc.), as well as the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

(SMBFE Official Website)

Since the implementation of the Work Permit System for Foreigners to Work in China on 1 April 2017, it has played a positive role in facilitating foreigners to work in China and regulating the management of foreigners. In order to provide a clearer, more concise and more accurate description of the system, the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SFAA) has produced the "Picture Description of the Permit System" in Chinese and English for the benefit of the general readers.

The Single Window for Work and Residence Permits for Foreigners, jointly created by the Exit-Entry Administration of the Municipal Public Security Bureau and the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Foreign Experts, has been further upgraded on the basis of the offline processing of the business opened in 2019, and can be processed online with a single click.

A total of 77 countries have consulates in Shanghai. The addresses and contact numbers of all consulates are listed below.

This is a step-by-step guide on what to do when you come to a local Chinese hospital. We will outline each process you need to go through to avoid confusion and make things easier. Patients who want to see an experienced doctor are suggested to arrive at the hospital earlier to wait in line. Most hospitals have appointment booking services, through the hotline or online platforms.

List of major foreign or joint venture medical institutions in Shanghai.

Visiting a Chinese pharmacy can be a challenging experience for foreigners because everything is written in Chinese characters. This video will help you navigate a Chinese pharmacy and create your basic medical kit.

Insurance is essential for any expat living and working in China. Below are some important things you should know before buying insurance in China.It contains questions about the conditions for obtaining social insurance in China, which type of business insurance to buy in China and how long it takes to get insured.

It is a good choice to study in Shanghai for further education. There are many world-class universities for you to choose, such as Fudan University, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Tongji University, etc. In these universities, there are also many kinds of short-term courses, so you can choose the one that is suitable for you according to your interests. Some stories of expatriates studying in Shanghai are also shown.

In Shanghai, if your child wants to study in Shanghai, there are many international schools to choose from, as detailed in the list. If you are overwhelmed by these schools, it is a good idea to attend a school's campus open day, which provides a clearer picture of the school's characteristics, so that you can choose the most suitable school for your child. Apart from this, you need to know about the approval of eligibility for children of overseas citizens to study abroad.

When we come to China, we can use our free time to learn Chinese. We can use Pleco to learn Chinese at home, or we can go to a specialized Chinese learning institution to learn Chinese. In Shanghai, the top three Chinese training institutions are Shanghai Good Morning Chinese, Shanghai Kate Language Training Centre and Shanghai Meiji Education. Besides, we can also take the HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test). The Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) is a Chinese proficiency test. It is an international standardized test designed to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers (foreigners, overseas Chinese and Chinese minorities). On this page, we can also learn about various Chinese customs, festivals, and culture.

(pleco APP download)

(Shanghai CIIC Education & Training Co.)

Chinese Examination Services Website：www.chinesetest.cn

“Getting around” is an important issue for foreigners living in Shanghai. Apart from using public transport, driving your own car is also an option. To drive a car, you need a Chinese driver's licence. Foreigners in China can also get a Chinese driver's licence, but there are certain conditions and documents that need to be prepared, which are explained in detail on the website.

Public transportation in Shanghai is cheap and convenient, making it the preferred way to get around for many expats. As such, driving is often unnecessary. But if you want to drive, you can convert your overseas driving license into a local Chinese one. Here is a guide through the entire process.

Article (6) of this link, "IV. Application Documents", details the documents required for foreigners to participate in car quota auctions.

(Gaode Maps APP download)

(how to use Gaode Maps)

(Baidu Maps APP download)

If you are in an emergency situation in Shanghai, you can find out the fire and police numbers as well as medical emergency numbers. If you have any questions about living in Shanghai and need advice, you can call the various types of public service hotlines for advice.

Focusing on the family life needs of expatriates after their arrival in Shanghai, we can provide professional housekeeping services such as foreign-related mother and child care, illustration and art, and organization and storage. To further open up the "last kilometre" of foreign-related services, and to make expatriate families living in Shanghai feel like they are at home.

(Swan to Home APP download)

(Swan to Home mini-programme)

(Home King official website)

(Ardor Gardens Official Accounts)

(Yihe Nursing Homes Official Accounts )

(Yihe Nursing Homes Official Website)

Shanghai is the city with the largest number of expats and largest number of regional headquarters of international companies in China. Here are some international communities with a large amount of expats living there.There are also many international communities in Pudong, such as Lujiazui, Jinqiao, Zhangjiang, Qiantan, Weifang and Kangqiao.

Biyun International Community, known as the "Little United Nations", has gathered nearly 1,000 expatriate families from more than 60 countries and regions in the world, with the proportion of expatriate families accounting for about 90 percent. Biyun International Community is an excellent example of a new international community built with advanced planning and concepts in accordance with the functional positioning of an outward-looking, multi-functional and modern new international city and with reference to international standards and practices during the process of the development and opening up of Pudong, Shanghai, China. After more than 8 years of development and construction, Biyun International Community has formed a large-scale international community with multiculturalism, "harmony between human and nature", diversified architectural styles, first-class ecological environment, and suitable for the needs of foreigners in a variety of living modes. Biyun International Community is also one of the most densely populated international communities for high-level foreigners working and living in Shanghai.

We provide temporary accommodation registration, policy and living information consultation, volunteer recruitment and community activities for foreign residents in Zhangjiang. Zhangjiang International Community is the first large-scale residential community project under Zhangjiang Group's integrated rental community operation brand "NES", which extracts the pronunciation and meaning of "Nice" and "Nest" respectively. NES extracts the pronunciation and meaning of "Nice" and "Nest" respectively, hoping to create a good home for talents at home and abroad.

When you come to live in China, you need to know about Chinese laws, and here you can find out what you should do as an owner if you are going to have a pet as well as how to prevent noise pollution and other issues. Of course, if you need legal assistance, you can find out about legal aid centers in various parts of Shanghai in the list. You can also visit the official website of the Shanghai Courts for legal issues.

(Shanghai High People’s Court Official Website)

The Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office is mainly responsible for handling interactions and negotiations with foreign consular offices in Shanghai and related consular services, guiding the interactions of various units in the city with foreign consulates, and handling interactions and negotiations with foreign consular offices in Shanghai and related consular services, and other services.

The service station for foreigners was established to better serve and manage foreigners in the district and to adapt to the new needs of building an internationalized community. The service station for foreigners is a new community service model that integrates the functions of lodging registration, licensing and counselling, liaison and communication.

SHINE client features English-language news from Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region, provides native English information streams with both Chinese perspectives and international patterns, and provides Chinese and foreign readers with the latest and most comprehensive English-language news and information about Shanghai and China in a diversified format combining text, pictures and videos, and tells real and vivid Chinese stories in the English-speaking world. SHINE client is supported on Android, Apple and other platforms.

(official accounts)

(official website)

The new Shanghai International Services Portal is the foreign language version of the "China-Shanghai" government portal, which is dedicated to providing authoritative policy services, accurate information services and intimate life services for foreigners who come to Shanghai to do business, work, travel, study and shop, and it is an important platform for Shanghai to promote the spirit of the city's character, show a good business environment and spread the city image of Shanghai. It is an important platform for Shanghai to promote the spirit and character of the city, show the good business environment and spread the image of Shanghai, and is a beautiful international business card for Shanghai to accelerate the building of a modern socialist international metropolis with global influence.

(Shanghai International Services APP)

Shanghai Culture and Tourism Promotion Website is a multilingual official website providing the most comprehensive information on Shanghai's culture and tourism services to domestic and overseas tourists, and is currently available in 14 languages, including Chinese Simplified Chinese, Chinese Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean.

Le Tour Shanghai is the main entrance to Shanghai's cultural tourism. In Shanghai, buildings can be read, neighbourhoods can be strolled, parks can be rested, and the city has a temperature. You can discover more and experience more!

E-visa is an innovative form of visa that is issued to foreign applicants through electronic documents without having to paste a paper visa on their passport. Applicants can enter and stay with an e-visa and passport. The introduction of this visa form aims to further promote the efficient flow of international talent and international capital, and enhance the convenience and efficiency of cross-border activities.

(1)Facilitation of application process

The electronic port visa simplifies the application process for traditional visas and reduces the preparation time of applicants. Applicants do not need to go to the visa center to submit paper materials, only through the e-government affairs platform to upload relevant materials to complete the application.

(2)Rapid approval

Electronic port visas are processed using an electronic system, which greatly reduces the approval time. Through the efficient electronic review process, the approval efficiency of visa applications has been significantly improved, and applicants' urgent entry needs can be met more quickly.

（3）Information security and reliability

The electronic port visa adopts advanced encryption technology in the process of information storage and transmission, effectively safeguarding the security of the applicant's personal information. Electronic visa to reduce the paper documents in the transmission process may bring information leakage risk, to ensure the applicant's personal information security.

Enterprises in Pudong will invite foreigners to China.

At present, the teleport visa can be issued M (business) word, F (visit) word, R (talent) word, Z (work) word, S2 (private affairs) word visa.

The basic application materials are: (1) an application letter for an electronic port visa issued by the inviting organization; (2) the applicant's entire passport (with blank pages); 3. A 2-inch, front-facing, bareheaded electronic digital photo taken within the last six months; 4. The Electronic Port Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China; 5. Signature of the Statement of Application. Those whose passport has been issued for less than six months must also provide the previous full passport.

To apply for different visa types, the corresponding application materials are required. The list of materials is detailed in the annex.

In addition to the application form stating that the signature documents and electronic digital photos are in JPG format, the remaining application materials are in PDF format.

1. Login:Enterprises registered in Pudong use the CA digital certificate (Shanghai legal person pass) to log on the e-government affairs platform of Shanghai public security bureau. For business registration, please call 12367 for advice.

2. Electronic port visa application:

(1) Email Verification. Before applying for an e-port visa, you must enter your usual e-mail address and verify it. Email verification is valid for six months and needs to be re-validated when it is overdue. Mainly used for receiving relevant notices during the application process.

(2) Business application

◆ Please download the Electronic Port Visa Application Form and the Signature of the Statement of Application Form first and send it to foreigners.Foreigners fill out the Electronic Port Visa Application Form (electronic document) of the People's Republic of China, print out the Statement of Signature of the Application Form and complete their signature on the document.

◆ The foreigner transmits back to the inviting organization a picture of the Electronic Port Visa Application Form (electronic document) and signed Statement of Signature of the Application Form.

◆Invite the unit to log on to the e-government affairs platform of Shanghai public security bureau, You can import the application information through the electronic form or fill in the application information manually, and upload the relevant application materials (PDF format) and the declaration file (JPG format).

3. Payment of visa fees:

After the approval of the e-port visa application, Shanghai Port Visa Authority will issue the electronic receipt and send the notification by email and SMS. Please visit our website to check and pay the visa fee in time.

4. Getting an electronic port visa:

Shanghai Port Visa Authority will issue e-port visas to approved applicants who have paid the visa fee. Notice (email, SMS) will be sent after the issuance. After receiving the notice, the inviting unit can be downloaded from the e-government affairs platform of Shanghai public security bureau.

A. Exit-entry Administration Detachment Of Pudong Sub-bureau

1. Consultation on Visa Application

（1）On-site consultation

If you have any questions about visa processing and want to consult on the spot, you can go to the nearest service station for overseas personnel. The foreign affairs social workers will provide on-site relevant services.

（2）Online self-service inquiry

You can follow the Wechat public account "Shanghai Public Security Exit-Entry Administration" under the section on government affairs disclosure. It contains information on various visa processing, residence permit processing, etc., and supports multi-language query.

2. Talent Follow-Up

（1）Talent follow-up service

The foreign-related social workers at each overseas personnel service station in Pudong conduct regular talent follow-up visits to ensure a smooth integration process for immigrants, understand their needs and provide targeted support.

（2）Visiting requires services

By visiting and understanding the actual needs of immigrants, personalized services are provided to help solve problems in their lives and work.

3. Residence Registration

（1）Online self-service

You can through the use of mobile phone related qr code scanning or login （https://gaj.sh.gov.cn/crj/24hr） or use along with the bid, free net phone, entry and exit service card, pudong new area of foreign nationals and facilitation service pack login self-help declaration system on registration of accommodation.

（2）On-site processing

You can choose to have a foreign-related social worker assist you with online self-service registration at the Overseas Personnel Service Station. Or you can go to the household registration window of the local police station to handle the registration by yourself.

B. Municipal Traffic Police Corps

1. Foreign Driver's License Conversion

For the first time, overseas personnel applying for a Chinese driver's license can go to the nearest overseas personnel service station for on-site consultation. The foreign affairs social security bureau will inform the relevant handling department, address and phone number. If it involves talents, contact the two "direct connection platforms" in this city for consultation and appointment. Through "Shanghai Municipal Services", provide explanations of relevant regulations.

2. First-time Application and Renewal of Domestic Driver's Licenses

For the first time applying for and renewing a Chinese driver's license, overseas personnel can first go to the nearest overseas personnel service station for on-site consultation. The Overseas social workers' Union will inform the applicants to pass the driver's license examination at the local motor vehicle driver training institution and obtain the motor vehicle driver's license. If it involves talents, contact the two "direct connection platforms" in this city for consultation and appointment. Through "Shanghai Municipal Services", provide explanations of relevant regulations.

3. Private Vehicle Registration

If overseas personnel want to register their personal vehicles, they can go to the nearest overseas personnel service station for on-site consultation. The overseas social security department will inform them of the relevant handling department, address and phone number. If it involves talents, contact the two "direct connection platforms" in this city for consultation and appointment. And provide the non-practicing bus lines and clap to individuals for qualification review guide "in the English version (Website link: https://jtw.sh.gov.cn/bszn/20241231/8a2c5ac9ec49462fba64e308fba97d75.html).

4. Domestic Driver's License Renewal

If foreign personnel want to renew their domestic driver's licenses, they can go to the nearest foreign personnel service station for on-site consultation. Foreign social security personnel will inform them of the required materials, the renewal location and the local traffic management phone number. And through "Shanghai Municipal Services", provide explanations of relevant regulations.

C. District Traffic Police Departments

1. Processing of Minor Traffic Violations

If overseas personnel commit minor traffic violations (with no injuries), they can seek assistance from the Overseas Personnel Service Station. Foreign-related social workers will inquire about traffic violations. If they occur on urban roads, they should call 110 to report the incident and contact the traffic police department. If it occurs in a residential area or other places, call 110 to report the incident or contact the local police station. If it is an electronic violation, go to the traffic violation acceptance point for handling. In the above situations, foreign-related social workers will provide an emergency call number or assist in making contact.

2. Domestic Driver's License Renewal

If foreign personnel want to renew their domestic driver's licenses, they can go to the nearest foreign personnel service station for on-site consultation. Foreign social security personnel will inform them of the required materials, the renewal location and the local traffic management phone number. And through "Shanghai Municipal Services", provide explanations of relevant regulations.

D. District Public Security Units

1. Dog Registration

If overseas personnel keep dogs, they must register their dog ownership in a timely manner. You can first go to the nearest overseas personnel service station for consultation. The foreign-related social workers will assist with the processing. If the dog breed meets the regulations for keeping dogs, you can go to the officially designated dog vaccination site to obtain an immunization certificate. Next, you can follow the Wechat service account "Maidao" to complete the application for the dog registration certificate or assist in handling it through the "One-Stop Online Service". Once the official review is passed, you can collect the dog registration certificate.

2. Drone Real-Name Registration

Foreign social workers can guide foreign residents to know the registration information through the registration website (https://uom.caac.gov.cn). The real-name registration of the drone can be completed by downloading the QR code of the UOM App and providing network technical support.

E. District Population Management Units

1. Settlement Procedures for New/Restored Chinese Nationals

If overseas personnel wish to acquire Chinese nationality or restore it, they can go to the nearest overseas personnel service station for consultation. The foreign-related social workers' union will coordinate with the entry-exit department, the population office and the local police station to provide assistance. And contact the Population detachment of the affiliated branch to apply for processing. The affiliated police station will accept the application and report it to the Exit-Entry Administration.

2. Shanghai Residence for Senior Professionals from HK, Macau & Taiwan

The foreign-related social workers' union will provide on-site consultation services, informing high-level talents from Hong Kong and Macao of the application conditions for settling in Shanghai, as well as informing residents from Taiwan of the application conditions for settlement. And go to the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau to apply for processing. Through the "One-Stop Online Service" and the government service platform of the National Immigration Administration, etc., guide the access to relevant policy documents.

F. Municipal "Blue Whale" Enterprise Protection Service Stations

The "Blue Whale" enterprise protection station is a professional service platform established by the Economic investigation Corps of the Municipal Public Security Bureau and the Municipal Federation of Industry and Commerce to further optimize the business environment and protect the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises. The station aims at "diversified prevention, rapid detection and service on demand", combined with the "six zero" working method, that is, "zero distance" between police and enterprises, "zero blind spot" in legal publicity, "zero blind spot" in risk warning, "zero tolerance" in cracking down on crimes, "zero absence" in escorting development, and "zero complaint" in serving with heart, striving to provide a sound business environment for enterprises.

1. Corporate Legal Advisory Services

（1）Enterprise: The foreign-related social worker contacts the police officer of the affiliated department to handle the consultation matters

（2）Individuals: If you reside in this jurisdiction, contact the legal specialist of your neighborhood committee to handle the consultation matters. If you do not reside in this jurisdiction, foreign-related social workers will assist the "Three Offices Linkage" in handling inquiries.