Registering with the police (派出所)

✅ Updated May 2026

Every foreigner must register their address with the local police within 24 hours of arriving (48 hours in some rural areas). If you stay in a hotel, the front desk does this automatically at check-in. If you stay in a private home, an Airbnb, or with a friend, you must go in person to the neighborhood police station to file a temporary residence registration. You will receive a registration slip that you may later need for a visa extension or residence permit, so keep it. Re-register whenever you move or after you re-enter the country.

1. 1

   Hotel guests: no action needed — the hotel registers you at check-in.

2. 2

   Staying in a home or Airbnb: go to the local police station within 24 hours.

   派出所 · pài chū suǒ

3. 3

   Bring your passport, visa, and the host's address details.

4. 4

   Keep the registration slip — you may need it for visa or residence-permit steps.