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Registering your address online: the channels and who may file

Sources checked · After arrival

Yes, a foreigner who resides or stays in a domicile other than a hotel may file accommodation registration online through the NIA Government Service Platform. Question III of the National Immigration Administration's policy interpretation says the registration may be completed online either by the foreigner or by the person who accommodates the foreigner, and that the initial registration should be completed with the host's assistance. It lists two circumstances in which the foreigner may go through the formalities without the host.

What the online service covers

The online service is for foreigners who reside or stay in domiciles other than hotels, because Question I says hotels register their accommodation under the regulations on the public security administration of the hotel industry. Question I also says that for such domiciles, the foreigner or the host shall go through the registration formalities with the public security organs in the place of residence within 24 hours after the foreigner's arrival. Question I states that online registration has the same legal effect as on-site registration.

Channels

Question II says accommodation hosts or foreigners may access the NIA Government Service Platform through any of these channels:

  • the official website;
  • the "NIA 12367" App;
  • the "NIA 12367" WeChat mini program;
  • the Alipay mini program.

Steps

Question II describes the route in this order. This is a list of the steps in the order the text gives them.

  1. Access the NIA Government Service Platform through one of the channels above.
  2. Complete user registration.
  3. Complete identity verification.
  4. Follow the step-by-step prompts of the Accommodation Registration module under Foreigner Service.
  5. Upon completion, you may click "Registration Record Inquiry" to view your accommodation registration record.

Who may register

Question III says accommodation registration may be completed online either by the foreigners who reside or stay in domiciles or by the persons who accommodate them. It also says accommodation hosts are generally more familiar with the information regarding the residence, so the initial registration should be completed with their assistance to ensure the accuracy of the registration information. Question III adds that the accommodation host may be either a Chinese citizen or a foreigner.

Question III lists two circumstances in which foreigners may go through the registration formalities themselves:

  • the foreigners have previously gone through the registration formalities through the NIA Government Service Platform and need to register again at the same residence;
  • the foreigners reside at a self-owned residence.

Suggestion, not a rule: if you are not sure whether either circumstance applies to you, ask the office named in Question V before you file.

Where to get help

Question V names three sources of help. Accommodation hosts and foreigners who reside or stay in domiciles may:

  • open the Guide to Online Accommodation Registration on the accommodation registration page of the NIA Government Service Platform and follow the instructions in it;
  • call the NIA 12367 service hotline for inquiries;
  • visit the exit-entry administration service windows of the local public security organs or local police stations to seek assistance with on-site registration.

For the on-site side of the rule, see the accommodation registration guide.

Sources

Checked 11 October 2026

This page is an unofficial summary, is not published by or affiliated with the Ministry of Education, the China Scholarship Council, the National Immigration Administration, any embassy or any university, is not legal advice, and the official text and the current notice of the office handling your case prevail if they differ.