Do you need to register where you stay after arriving for medical care?

Hotels and other addresses are registered differently

Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law says that when a foreign national stays in a hotel, the hotel registers the stay and sends the information to the local public security organ. When a foreign national stays anywhere other than a hotel, that person or the host registers with the public security organ at the place of residence within 24 hours of arrival.

The National Immigration Administration's interpretation says registration outside a hotel can be completed online and does not always require a visit in person. Online registration has the same effect as registration on site. The channels are the Administration's government-service platform: its website, the NIA 12367 app, and the NIA 12367 mini-programs on WeChat and Alipay. If the online attempt does not succeed, register at the police station.

Who submits it

• If you rent or stay in someone else's home, the host submits the registration. The host may be a Chinese citizen or a foreign national.
• You can submit it yourself if you live in a home you own, or if you have already registered that same address through this platform.
• For a first registration at someone else's home, the host assists so the address is accurate.

Once registered, you do not need to register again in two situations: returning to a home in China owned by you or your spouse, and returning during the validity of the same residence permit or permanent residence permit to your usual residence in China. A temporary stay somewhere else still has to be registered at the new address. A usual residence means a residence where you plan to remain for more than 180 days.

Registration is separate from the hospital and from a visa extension

Article 76 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law allows a warning, and a possible fine, if accommodation is not registered as required. The guide to stay and residence permits also says the exit-entry department may ask for proof of accommodation registration in China when it accepts a visa application. If the stay is too short for treatment, see What if treatment in China may outlast your visa?.

Accommodation registration, hospital booking and the arrival card are separate procedures. For the arrival card, see Where should you complete China's arrival card before a medical trip?. SinoCareHub can mark the arrival date and accommodation-registration reminder on your itinerary and explain the difference between hotel and private-address registration. The hotel, guest or host completes registration as required. Check it separately from hospital appointments and permitted stay dates.