Health Check for China Residence Permit
A step-by-step guide to completing the required medical exam for your residence permit application.
No published figure yet. The authority does not publish this cost in a form we could verify and quote, so this guide covers the procedure only: what to bring, in what order, and where it goes wrong. We will add the figures the moment there is a source for them.
In order
- Find the designated hospital — Contact your local exit-entry administration bureau or your employer to get the list of approved hospitals for foreigner health checks.
- Gather your documents — Collect your passport, a recent passport-sized photo, and any application forms required by the hospital or authorities.
- Book an appointment — Call or visit the hospital to schedule your health check, and confirm whether you need to fast beforehand.
- Attend the health check — Arrive on time with your documents and complete all the required examinations as directed by the medical staff.
- Pay the fee — Settle the health check fee at the hospital's payment counter, and keep the receipt for collection.
- Collect your report — Return to the hospital on the specified date with your passport and receipt to pick up your health check report.
- Verify the report details — Check that your name, photo, and the 'fit' conclusion are correct before using it for your residence permit application.
Before you can obtain or renew a residence permit in China, you must undergo a health check at a designated hospital. This guide walks you through the process, from scheduling to collecting your report, so you can avoid delays.
Before You Go
Confirm which hospital is designated for foreigner health checks in your city. Your local exit-entry administration bureau or your employer can provide this information. Prepare the required documents: your passport, a recent passport-sized photo, and the health check application form if provided by the authorities. Some hospitals may also ask for your residence permit application receipt.
Scheduling the Appointment
Call the hospital or visit in person to book a time. Many hospitals have specific hours for foreigner health checks, often in the morning on weekdays. Ask whether you need to fast before the blood test. If so, schedule for early morning and avoid eating or drinking anything except water for the required period before the appointment.
The Examination Process
Arrive at the hospital with all your documents. You will likely be directed to a dedicated foreigner health check department. The exam typically includes a physical examination, chest X-ray, blood test, and urine test. Follow the staff’s instructions for each station. The entire process usually takes a few hours, depending on the queue. Be prepared to wait between stations.
Getting Your Results
After the exam, you will be told when to return to collect your health check report. This is usually within a few days, but the exact timing varies by hospital. Bring your passport and any receipt given to you when you collect the report. Check that the report includes your name, photo, and a clear conclusion of ‘fit’ or ‘qualified’. Keep the original report safe; you will need it for your residence permit application. Make a copy for your records.
Confirm before you act
Fees and processing times change. This page was checked on 2026-10-29; confirm the current rule with the authority named in each source above before you rely on a deadline.
Last checked 2026-10-29, next review 2027-04-27. Every figure above names its source and the date it was read. This page is a guide, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm with the authority before acting on a deadline.