A Registered Address

Before you begin

What is PSB registration?

Police registration (also called PSB registration or residence registration) is a legal requirement for all foreigners staying in China. It creates an official record of your residence location and is essential for many subsequent services, including opening a bank account, applying for a residence permit, and accessing various government services.

Prerequisites

Before registering, you’ll need:

• Valid passport with current visa
• Housing contract or proof of accommodation
• Landlord’s information (name, ID number, contact)
• Property ownership certificate (房产证) - your landlord should provide this
• Property management contact (if applicable)

Estimated time and cost

• Time required: 15-30 minutes at the PSB office
• Cost: Free (no registration fee)
• Validity: Registration is valid as long as you live at that address

Registration process

Step 1: Determine your PSB office

The Public Security Bureau office you need to visit depends on your residential address. Each district and sub-district has its own PSB office.

How to find your PSB office:

• Ask your landlord or property management which PSB office serves your area
• Check with your building’s property management office (物业管理处)
• Contact the district PSB office for guidance
• Some areas have online directories (though these may be in Chinese)

Note: If you’re staying in a hotel, the front desk typically handles registration automatically. Always verify this has been completed and request a copy of your registration form.

Step 2: Gather required documents

Bring the following documents to the PSB office:

Required documents:

• ✅ Valid passport (original)
• ✅ Current visa or residence permit (original)
• ✅ Housing contract (租赁合同) or accommodation proof
• ✅ Property ownership certificate (房产证) - provided by landlord
• ✅ Landlord’s ID card copy (if renting)
• ✅ Registration form (临时住宿登记表) - may be available at PSB or download online

Additional documents that may be required:

• Marriage certificate (if registering with spouse)
• Birth certificates (if registering with children)
• Previous registration form (if updating/changing address)

Step 3: Visit the PSB office

What to expect:

1. Arrive during business hours (typically 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday)
2. Take a number or wait in line (depending on the office)
3. Present your documents to the officer
4. Fill out the registration form (if not pre-filled)
5. Receive your registration form (临时住宿登记表)

Processing time: Usually 15-30 minutes, but can be longer during peak times or if documents are incomplete.

Language: Most PSB offices have limited English support. Consider bringing a Chinese-speaking friend or using a translation app for assistance.

Step 4: Receive your registration form

After successful registration, you’ll receive an official registration form (临时住宿登记表). This document is important - keep it safe!

What the form contains:

• Your personal information
• Your registered address
• Registration date
• PSB office stamp and signature

Keep this form - you’ll need it for:

• Opening a bank account
• Applying for a residence permit
• Various government services
• Updating your registration when you move

Common issues and solutions

Issue: Landlord won’t provide property certificate

Solution:

• Some landlords are reluctant to provide the property certificate. Explain that it’s a legal requirement for your registration.
• If the landlord refuses, you may need to find alternative accommodation or contact the PSB for guidance.
• Some PSB offices may accept alternative proof of residence, but this varies by location.

Issue: Don’t know which PSB office to visit

Solution:

• Contact your property management office - they should know
• Call the district PSB office for guidance
• Ask in community groups (WeChat, Discord) - other expats in your area can help
• Some areas have online tools to find the correct office (may require Chinese language skills)

Issue: Documents are in English

Solution:

• Most PSB offices accept English documents, but may require Chinese translations for some items
• Have key documents translated if possible (housing contract, etc.)
• Bring both original and translated versions if available

Issue: Registration form lost or damaged

Solution:

• You can request a replacement from the PSB office where you registered
• Bring your passport and explain the situation
• There may be a small fee for replacement (verify current fee)

Issue: Moving to a new address

Solution:

• You must re-register at your new address within 24 hours of moving
• Visit the PSB office for your new area
• Bring the same documents plus your previous registration form
• The old registration will be cancelled and a new one issued

Tips and best practices

Before registration

• Verify hotel registration: If staying in a hotel, confirm they’ve registered you and get a copy of the form
• Prepare documents in advance: Gather all required documents before visiting to avoid multiple trips
• Check office hours: PSB offices may have different hours, especially around holidays
• Bring a translator: If you don’t speak Chinese, consider bringing a friend or using translation services

During registration

• Arrive early: Offices can be busy, especially in popular expat areas
• Be patient: The process may take longer if there are language barriers
• Ask questions: If something is unclear, ask the officer (use translation if needed)
• Verify information: Check that all information on the registration form is correct before leaving

After registration

• Make copies: Photocopy or photograph your registration form for your records
• Store safely: Keep the original in a safe place - you’ll need it frequently
• Update when needed: Remember to re-register within 24 hours if you move
• Keep with passport: Some people keep the registration form with their passport for easy access

Costs and fees

Registration fee: Free (as of January 2025)

Additional costs (if applicable):

• Document translation: Varies by service provider
• Transportation to PSB office: Depends on location
• Replacement form fee: [VERIFICATION NEEDED - What is the current fee for replacement?]

Resources

Official sources

• [Shenzhen Public Security Bureau]([VERIFICATION NEEDED - Official PSB website URL])
• [Exit-Entry Administration Bureau]([VERIFICATION NEEDED - Official website URL])

Helpful information

• Your building’s property management office (物业管理处)
• District PSB office contact information
• Moving to Shenzhen guide - See “Police registration” section

Related articles

• A bank account - Registration form required
• An apartment - Needed before registration
• A phone number - Helpful for PSB contact

Need help?

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