ForeignHub

Accommodation registration: online filing nationwide since September 2026

2026-11-10 Settlement Guide

This is the step newcomers most often miss. Accommodation registration is not a visa or a residence permit — it is a separate report of your address to the police after you move in.

1. The rule

  • Staying in a hotel: the hotel registers your stay and reports it to the police. Show your passport and confirm the front desk actually completed it.
  • Staying anywhere other than a hotel (rented flat, a friend's home, your own property, a homestay): you or your host must register with the local public security organ within 24 hours of moving in.
  • Register again when you change address. The 24 hours start when you actually move in, not on your entry date.

2. What changed in September 2026: online filing nationwide

National Immigration Administration Announcement No. 7 of 2026: from 21 September 2026, online accommodation registration for non-hotel stays is available nationwide, via the NIA online service platform, the "NIA 12367" app, or its WeChat / Alipay mini-program. In-person registration at the local police station remains available, and online filing has the same legal effect.

  • Renting or staying with someone: the host usually files on your behalf.
  • Living in your own property, or if you have filed through the platform before: you may file yourself.
  • If online filing fails, go to the local police station. Call 12367 or visit the local exit-entry office / police station for help.

3. What to have ready

  • Your passport or valid travel document, and visa / residence permit details.
  • Your full address in Chinese (compound, building, room), move-in date and a contact number.
  • Your host's details if the host is filing for you.

4. Why not to delay

Under Article 76 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC, failing to register as required may lead to a warning and a fine, and can complicate later visa extensions or residence permit applications.

This page only organizes official public information. Always follow the latest official publications and the requirements of the receiving authority.

Official Source
国家移民管理局关于全国推广网上办理外国人旅馆以外住宿登记的公告（2026年第7号）节选：根据《中华人民共和国出境入境管理法》第三十九条规定，外国人在中国境内旅馆住宿的，旅馆应当按照旅馆业治安管理的有关规定为其办理住宿登记，并向所在地公安机关报送外国人住宿登记信息；外国人在旅馆以外的其他住所居住或者住宿的，应当在入住后二十四小时内由本人或者留宿人，向居住地的公安机关办理登记。……国家移民管理局决定自2026年9月21日起，在全国推广网上办理外国人旅馆以外住宿登记。……网上办理与到公安机关现场办理的住宿登记具有同等效力。

https://www.nia.gov.cn/n897453/c1806111/content.html

Content Compliance Statement

All guides on this platform are based solely on official public information from the relevant Chinese authorities. We only organize and plainly restate it; we do not interpret, promise, or offer any agency service. Visa, residence and permanent-residence policies follow the latest official publications. Content about immigration / PR quotes official texts verbatim without exaggeration. We do not provide any unlawful or shortcut options. Report discrepancies via the footer "Contact / Report".

Verification Info

This guide was manually verified on 2026-11-10 (0 days ago). Based on official publications; always refer to the latest official source.

Official source: https://www.nia.gov.cn/n897453/c1806111/content.html

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