Interpretation of the Policy on Promoting Online Registration for Foreigners' Accommodation Other Than Hotels
According to Article 39 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Administration, when foreigners stay in hotels within China, hotels shall, in accordance with relevant regulations on public security administration of the hotel industry, register their accommodation and report the information to the local public security organ; if foreigners reside or stay at places other than hotels, they or their hosts shall, within 24 hours of arrival, register with the public security organ of the place of residence. To further enhance the convenience of foreigners’ lives in China, the National Immigration Administration has decided to implement an online service for registering accommodation outside hotels. Foreigners who reside or stay at places other than hotels may now complete the registration online, without having to go to the public security organ in person. Online registration holds the same legal effect as on-site registration.
Hosts and guests can access the National Immigration Administration’s government service platform (via its official website, the “Immigration Bureau 12367” app, the “Immigration Bureau 12367” WeChat mini-program, or the Alipay mini-program), navigate to the “Foreigner Services” accommodation registration module, and follow the step-by-step instructions after completing registration and authentication. Upon completion, users can click “Registration Record Inquiry” to view their accommodation registration records.
Those who can register accommodation online include either the guest or the host. Given that hosts are typically more familiar with the address details, accuracy of registration information is ensured by having the host assist with the initial registration. Guests may register independently under the following circumstances: first, when they have previously registered through the National Immigration Administration’s government service platform and need to re-register at the same address; second, when staying at their own residence.
Hosts may be Chinese citizens or foreigners.
When foreigners reside or stay at places other than hotels and have already completed the required accommodation registration upon arrival, no further registration is necessary if they fall into any of the following categories: first, those residing in their own property within China and returning to it after traveling domestically or internationally; second, those holding residence permits or permanent residence permits and living in their habitual residence within China, returning to that residence after traveling domestically or internationally while the permit remains valid.
“Own property” refers to any residence owned by a foreigner or their spouse within China. “Habitual residence” means a place where a foreigner resides long-term or plans to reside long-term in China; according to Article 36 of the Regulations on the Administration of Entry and Exit of Foreigners, “long-term” is defined as a stay exceeding 180 days within China.
Effective March 20, 2026, the National Immigration Administration will pilot the online accommodation registration service for foreigners staying outside hotels in seven provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government, including Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing, and Sichuan. Subsequently, this service will be gradually rolled out nationwide, providing more efficient and convenient government services for foreigners working, studying, and living in China.
Hosts and guests can visit the National Immigration Administration’s government service platform to consult the “Online Accommodation Registration Guide” on the registration page and follow the instructions provided, or they can call the National Immigration Administration’s 12367 service hotline for assistance. Alternatively, they may visit the external service window of the immigration management agency at the local public security organ or the local police station to seek on-site assistance from staff.
According to Article 76 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Administration, if foreigners or their hosts fail to register their accommodation as required, they will receive a warning and may also be subject to a fine.