Residence Permit Application: Steps to Stay
How to apply for a China residence permit and avoid overstaying.
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
- Confirm your visa category — Check that your current visa allows a residence permit application and that your sponsor agrees to support it.
- Book a medical exam — Schedule the exam at a designated clinic and bring your passport and photos.
- Complete the application form — Fill out the form accurately and gather all required photocopies.
- Submit your application in person — Go to the exit-entry administration office with your documents and pay the fee.
- Wait for processing — Stay in the same city and avoid travel until you receive the collection notice.
- Collect your permit — Return with your receipt and passport, and verify all details on the permit.
- Renew before expiry — Start the renewal process well before the permit's expiration date to avoid overstaying.
This guide walks you through the residence permit application process after you arrive in China. It covers the documents, the medical check, and the submission steps. Follow each step in order to keep your stay lawful.
Before You Start
Confirm your visa type and the purpose of your stay, as the residence permit category must match your visa. Gather your passport, a recent photo, and any documents your employer or school provides, such as an invitation letter or registration form. Check whether your visa allows you to apply for a residence permit directly, or if you need to exit and re-enter with a different visa. Your sponsor can confirm this with the local exit-entry administration.
Medical Examination
Most applicants must undergo a medical examination at a designated hospital or clinic. The exam includes a chest X-ray, blood tests, and a physical check. Bring your passport and two photos to the appointment. The medical report is usually valid for a limited period, so schedule the exam close to your application date. Ask the clinic how long the report remains valid and plan accordingly.
Prepare Your Application
Complete the residence permit application form, which you can get online or at the exit-entry administration office. Fill it out in black ink, and do not leave any fields blank. Photocopy your passport’s information page, visa page, and the page with your latest entry stamp. Also photocopy your accommodation registration form from the local police station, if you have one.
Submit and Wait
Submit your application in person at the local exit-entry administration office. Bring all original documents and photocopies. You may need to pay a fee at the time of submission. The processing time varies, but you will be given a receipt with a collection date. Do not travel outside the city or the country while your application is being processed, as this can delay or cancel it.
Collect Your Permit
Return to the office on the collection date with your receipt and passport. Check the permit details immediately: your name, passport number, permit type, and validity dates. If any detail is wrong, ask the officer to correct it before you leave. Once you have the permit, keep it with your passport and carry both when you travel within China.
Confirm before you act
Fees and processing times change. This page was checked on 2026-11-04; confirm the current rule with the authority named in each source above before you rely on a deadline.
Last checked 2026-11-04, next review 2027-05-03. 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.