Key provisions (summary of the official text):
• Article 39 — accommodation registration: hotels register their guests with the public security organs. Anyone staying outside a hotel (or the person hosting them) must register their address with the local police within 24 hours of arrival.
• Visas are tied to purpose: work (Z), study (X), tourism (L), family visit (Q/S), business (M) and others.
• Residence permits: long stays require a residence permit matching the purpose of stay.
• Article 78 — illegal residence (overstay): a warning; in serious cases a fine of RMB 500 per day up to a total of RMB 10,000, or detention of 5 to 15 days.
• Carry your documents: foreigners must carry their passport or residence permit and present it on inspection.
🛂 Visa & residence
Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC · Yalla China
中华人民共和国出境入境管理法
Enacted: 2012-06-30 ✅ Effective: 2013-07-01
📝 Overview
The core framework for foreigners entering, leaving, staying and residing in China — visas, residence permits and address registration.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
Practical reading: the golden rule is that your legal status must match what you actually do, at every moment. Re-register your address within 24 hours every time you move or return from travel (not just once). Watch your visa expiry and begin renewal weeks ahead — the fine is counted per day and adds up fast. An overstay fine can reach RMB 10,000, and worse, it is recorded in your file and can complicate future entry. Always carry your documents. This is a general orientation, not formal legal advice.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026