Residence permits, extensions and changes after arrival

2026-11-10 Visa Guide

A visa is only the first step. If you will work, study, join family or live in China long term, you will usually need a residence permit after arrival, and must update or extend it when your situation changes.

1. Three different things

Visa: obtained before travel, stating the purpose of entry.
Accommodation registration: reporting your address within 24 hours of moving in — separate from both visa and residence permit.
Residence permit: applied for after entry at the local exit-entry administration authority for long-term stay.

2. Situations that usually need action

After entering on a work, study or family-reunion visa, apply for the corresponding residence document within the required period. Time limits, documents and office depend on the receiving authority — do not rely on day counts in third-party articles.
Extensions, a new passport, a change of address, employer or school, or replacement of a lost passport may all require follow-up procedures.
Read the dates printed on your document and apply early. Never overstay.

3. Where to go and who to ask

NIA online service platform (s.nia.gov.cn), the "NIA 12367" app and its WeChat / Alipay mini-programs: guidance, appointments and selected online services.
Your local public security exit-entry administration office: in-person filing.
12367: 24/7 multilingual human service — ideal for asking "which procedure applies to me and what documents do I need".

4. What to avoid

Do not trust agents promising "inside channels", "guaranteed extensions" or "no personal appearance". Do not confuse accommodation registration with a residence permit, and do not wait until the day before expiry. Rules change — follow the latest NIA publications and the receiving office.

This page organizes official channels and general process only. Always follow the latest official publications.

Official Source

https://s.nia.gov.cn/

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://s.nia.gov.cn/

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