Expat China
Our purpose

Useful guidance for
life in China.

Expat China helps foreign nationals and the people supporting them find a sensible next step in mainland China.

Who this is for

Moving, working or settling in a new country brings together everyday tasks that are easy to overlook: registering an address, getting connected, paying for things and making a journey. We organise those tasks around the questions a resident actually faces. Our Chinese pages also help family members, hosts and colleagues who assist a foreign resident.

How we check information

For consequential steps, we link to the responsible public authority or an official government guide. The National Immigration Administration is our starting point for immigration and accommodation-registration guidance. The 2026 government guide to working and living in China covers common daily services. We state when a guide was reviewed and update it when an official rule changes.

Use the source for your case. A general guide cannot establish your individual visa, residence, employment or local service requirements. Check the latest instruction from the authority or provider handling your case before acting.

What this site does

We provide practical information and links to official services. We do not process applications or give individual legal, medical, immigration or tax advice. If a question depends on your personal status or city, the relevant local office or a qualified professional is the right place to confirm it.