Foreign registrations getting tight scrutiny in Shanghai

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Police in Shanghai have begun strictly enforcing foreign registration.

What does the change mean? Police are conducting random checks at residential compounds to determine whether foreign nationals living in Shanghai have registered their street addresses with local police as required.

• Implementation timeframe: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: All visas and permits.
• Who is affected: All foreign nationals visiting and living in Shanghai.
• Business impact: Foreigners may face fines for non-compliance.

Background: China’s Exit and Entry Law went into effect on July 1, 2013, and requires all foreigners to register with local police within 24 hours of their arrival. Hotels are required to provide this information to the police, but foreign nationals not living in hotels must do so on their own. Foreigners must register upon arrival, when they move or when their passport changes. A foreigner who fails to register can be fined up to RMB 5,000. Police in Shanghai have been strictly enforcing the law, conducting random checks at residential compounds. However, each police station can impose fines at their discretion. Some police stations give foreigners up to 72 hours to register.

BAL Analysis: Employees should be aware of the increased enforcement of this rule. They should make sure to register within 24 hours of arrival. Those living in hotels and apartments should contact management hotel reception and apartment management to make sure they are registered.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in China. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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