On September 21, 2026, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced the launch of a national online residence registration portal for foreign nationals staying outside hotels.
Where foreign nationals stay in hotels in China, the hotels must register their accommodation. For foreign nationals who stay in accommodation other than hotels, they or their hosts must carry out registration within 24 hours after arrival.
The new residence registration service, which covers stays in short-term rental properties, urban and rural homestays, and daily rental apartments, can be accessed via the NIA’s official service website, the “NIA service platform 12367” app, or its mini-programs on WeChat and Alipay.
The existing offline option remains available, and online registration holds the same legal validity as registration completed in person with local public security authorities.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
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