Policy Interpretation of the Online Accommodation Registration Service for Foreigners Residing or Staying in Domiciles Other Than Hotels

I. What is the scope of application of online accommodation registration?

According to Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China, where foreigners stay in hotels in China, the hotels shall register their accommodation in accordance with the regulations on the public security administration of the hotel industry, and submit foreigners’ accommodation registration information to the public security organs in the places where the hotels are located. For foreigners who reside or stay in domiciles other than hotels, they or the persons who accommodate them shall, within 24 hours after the foreigners’ arrival, go through the registration formalities with the public security organs in the places of residence. To further enhance the convenience for foreigners in China, the NIA has introduced the online accommodation registration service for foreigners who reside or stay in domiciles other than hotels. Foreigners who reside or stay in domiciles other than hotels may go through the registration formalities online without the need to visit the public security organs in person. Online registration has the same legal effect as on-site registration.

II. What channels are available for online accommodation registration?

Accommodation hosts or foreigners may access the NIA Government Service Platform, including the official website, the “NIA 12367” App, and “NIA 12367” WeChat mini program, or the Alipay mini program. After completing user registration and identity verification, users may follow the step-by-step prompts of the Accommodation Registration module under Foreigner Service. Upon completion, users may click “Registration Record Inquiry” to view their accommodation registration record.

III. Who may go through the registration formalities online?

Accommodation registration may be completed online either by the foreigners who reside or stay in domiciles or by the persons who accommodate them. Considering that accommodation hosts are generally more familiar with the information regarding the residence, the initial registration should be completed with their assistance to ensure the accuracy of the registration information. Under the following circumstances, the foreigners may go through the registration formalities independently: where the foreigners have previously gone through the registration formalities through the NIA Government Service Platform and need to register again at the same residence; where the foreigners reside at a self-owned residence.

The accommodation host may be either a Chinese citizen or a foreigner.

IV. Under what circumstances can the registration formalities be simplified?

For foreigners who reside or stay in domiciles other than hotels and have already gone through the registration formalities after arrival in accordance with the relevant regulations, re-registration is not required under the following circumstances: where foreigners reside at their own residences within China and return to the same residences after traveling within or outside China; where foreigners holding residence permits or permanent residence permits reside at their habitual residence in China and return to the same residences after traveling within or outside China during the validity period of the same permit.

A self-owned residence refers to a residence owned by the foreigner or his/her spouse within China. A habitual residence refers to a residence where the foreigner resides or plans to reside in China for a long term. According to Article 36 of the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners, “long term” refers to residing in China for a period exceeding 180 days.

V. What is the scope of implementation of the online accommodation registration service?

Starting from March 20, 2026, the NIA will pilot the online accommodation registration service for foreigners who reside or stay in domiciles other than hotels in seven provincial-level regions, including Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing, and Sichuan. In the next step, the service will be gradually expanded nationwide to provide more efficient and convenient government services for foreigners working, studying and living in China.

VI. What should users do if they encounter questions or difficulties when going through the registration formalities online?

Accommodation hosts and foreigners who reside or stay in domiciles may access the Guide to Online Accommodation Registration on the accommodation registration page of the NIA Government Service Platform and follow the instructions provided. They may also call the NIA 12367 service hotline for inquiries. Alternatively, they may visit the exit-entry administration service windows of the local public security organs or local police stations to seek assistance with on-site registration.

VII. Will there be legal liability for failure to go through the registration formalities as required?

According to Article 76 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China, foreigners or their accommodation hosts who fail to process accommodation registration in accordance with the relevant regulations shall be given a warning and may also be subject to a fine.