Guía oficial de trámites y residencia en China

Updated on: February 13, 2026

This guide was written by the Editorial Team at emigrantes.eu, based strictly on official sources (National Immigration Administration, Ministry of Human Resources, and local authorities) and updated as of February 2026 to ensure the accuracy of the information.

Official Guide to Procedures and Residence in China

Welcome to the guide to official procedures in China. Here you will find step-by-step explanations of the essential procedures for settling in: Temporary Residence Registration, applying for the residence permit corresponding to your visa, enrolling in the healthcare system, opening a local bank account, employment registration, and essential steps for living legally in the country.
Procedures in China may vary slightly depending on the city or province, so we provide clear information in Spanish, explanations of each form, general requirements, and the documents you’ll need to submit. We also outline mandatory deadlines, particularly the police registration that must be completed within the first 24 hours of arrival. With this guide, you can move forward confidently and without mistakes.

Choose a procedure


How to complete the procedures with your personal advisor and fill out the official forms:

  1. Select the procedure you need
  2. Click “Go to the official procedure” to open the actual procedure page in a new tab.
  3. Return to this page and click “View step-by-step guide” to follow the self-guided instructions while filling out the official form.
  4. We’ve left the fields to be filled out in their original language so you can easily match them with the official form.

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🔄 Content reviewed and updated as of December 2025.
Based on official sources from the corresponding country.
For more information, see our
Editorial Policy .
📄 Official sources consulted
  • Official websites of government agencies and public administrations in the relevant country.
  • Institutional portals for immigration, taxation, social security, and public services.
  • Official documentation published by ministries, state agencies, and competent authorities.

Specific sources may vary depending on the country and the procedure.
It is always recommended to verify the information directly with the relevant official agency.

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Living in China means getting familiar with a unique administrative system, very different from the European one. In this guide, we explain how to complete the initial police registration, what types of residence permits exist (work, study, family reunification), and what documents you need for each one. You’ll also learn how to open a Chinese bank account, how to activate your SIM card, how to set up your health insurance, and what to do if you need to extend your visa or change its category.
We include official links, detailed steps, practical recommendations, and common pitfalls to avoid delays. Our goal is for you to be able to handle all your paperwork independently, even if you don’t yet speak the language or this is your first time living in China.

What are the first official procedures in China?

You must complete police registration (Temporary Residence Registration) and, if applicable, apply for a residence permit within the legal timeframe.

What types of residence permits are available?

There are permits for work, study, family reunification, talent, and other specific purposes. Each requires different documents and has different deadlines.

Is it mandatory to register your residence?

Yes. You must register at the appropriate police station within the first 24 hours (hotels do this automatically, but private rentals do not).

How do I open a bank account in China?

You need a valid passport, a residence permit (or valid visa), a local address, and, in many cases, an active Chinese phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions