Police registration for foreigners in Hangzhou

Who needs to register

Under Article 39 of China's Exit and Entry Administration Law, foreigners who stay somewhere other than a hotel must register their accommodation with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels register their guests automatically. For an apartment, either you or the person housing you (usually your landlord) can complete the registration.

When to register

• Within 24 hours of moving into a new apartment.
• Again whenever you move to a new address.
• In most cases again after returning to China from a trip abroad. Check with your local police station.

Option 1: Register online

Since 20 March 2026, the National Immigration Administration has run a pilot of online accommodation registration in seven provinces, including Zhejiang. You can register through:

• the NIA 12367 app;
• the NIA 12367 mini program in WeChat or Alipay;
• the NIA government service website.

Online registration has the same legal effect as registering in person. For a first registration at a new address, hosts are generally expected to help, because they know the exact address details.

Option 2: Register at the police station

Go to the police station responsible for your neighbourhood. Your landlord or agent can tell you which one, and many landlords come along. Bring:

• your passport with a valid visa or residence permit;
• your lease;
• usually a copy of the landlord's ID and the property ownership certificate.

You will receive a registration form or record. Keep it safe: you need it when you apply for or renew a residence permit and for some other procedures.

What happens if you forget

Failing to register can lead to a warning and a fine of up to ¥2,000 under Article 76 of the same law. It can also delay your residence permit application, so it is worth doing on your first day.

Tips from experience

• Agree with your landlord before signing that they will help with registration.
• Take photos of your registration record and keep them on your phone.
• If you change apartments, register at the new address straight away.

Registration is one of the steps in our full guide to renting an apartment in Hangzhou as a foreigner.

Related

Staying in a serviced apartment or monthly rental first? Read short-term rentals in Hangzhou. For everything else in your first days, from SIM cards to the residence permit, see the first-week checklist.