Moving to China

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for China can vary significantly based on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. For example, citizens from some countries, particularly within the EU, might have different initial entry requirements or visa-free periods compared to non-EU citizens. The most common routes for long-term stays include:

• Work Visa (Z-Visa) and Residence Permit: Required for individuals employed by a Chinese entity. This typically involves a sponsoring company in China.
• Family Visit Visa (Q1/Q2-Visa) and Residence Permit: For those visiting or residing with family members who are Chinese citizens or foreign nationals with permanent residence in China.
• Study Visa (X1/X2-Visa) and Residence Permit: For individuals enrolled in educational institutions in China.
• Private Affairs Visa (S1/S2-Visa) and Residence Permit: For accompanying family members of Z or X visa holders, or for other private matters.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation directly with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country, or with the Exit and Entry Administration Bureau in China. Requirements can change, and official sources will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in China typically involves a mix of online platforms, local real estate agents, and expatriate networks. For temporary accommodation upon arrival, serviced apartments or hotels are common choices, offering flexibility while you search for a long-term rental.

• Online Platforms: Many local apps and websites are popular for rental listings. While some cater specifically to expatriates with English interfaces, others might require translation assistance.
• Real Estate Agents: Using a local real estate agent is highly recommended, especially if you are not fluent in Mandarin. They can help navigate the market, translate contracts, and act as an intermediary with landlords. Be prepared to pay an agent's fee, which is typically a percentage of one month's rent.
• Rental Process: Once you find a suitable property, you'll typically sign a rental contract (often for one year). It's essential to read this carefully and understand all clauses, ideally with professional translation.
• Deposits: A security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, is standard. Ensure the condition of the property is documented before moving in to avoid disputes when moving out. The first month's rent is also typically paid upfront.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: Consider starting with a short-term serviced apartment to allow yourself time to explore different neighborhoods and understand the local market before committing to a long-term lease.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to China is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you ship, the higher the cost. This is often measured in cubic meters.
• Distance: The geographical distance between your origin and destination in China significantly impacts transportation costs.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons (often summer months) can lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices for shipping and related services.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Difficult access for moving vehicles (e.g., narrow streets, lack of parking, high-rise buildings without adequate elevators) can incur additional charges for shuttle services or manual carrying.
• Extra Services: Services like professional packing and unpacking, specialized crating for fragile items, storage solutions, customs clearance assistance, and comprehensive insurance will add to the overall cost.

For an exact breakdown of costs tailored to your specific needs, a free quote is the best approach.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth relocation. Here's a general checklist for 4-8 weeks out:

• 8 Weeks Out:
  • Begin decluttering: Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. China has different electrical standards (voltage and plug types), so consider if your electronics are compatible or worth bringing.
  • Research visa requirements and start gathering necessary documents.
  • Obtain multiple quotes for relocation services.
  • Start compiling important documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, medical records, vaccination history, driver's license (international driving permit if applicable), and professional licenses. Keep these separate and easily accessible.
• 6 Weeks Out:
  • Confirm your relocation service provider and schedule moving dates.
  • Start packing non-essential items.
  • Arrange for necessary vaccinations and medical check-ups.
  • Notify schools and employers of your departure.
• 4 Weeks Out:
  • Confirm housing arrangements in China.
  • Arrange for mail forwarding.
  • Cancel or transfer utility services (internet, phone, electricity, gas, water) at your current residence.
  • Notify banks and credit card companies of your international move.
  • Consider opening a local bank account in China upon arrival.
  • Plan for pet relocation if applicable, understanding China's strict import regulations.
• 2 Weeks Out:
  • Pack an essentials bag for immediate needs upon arrival (important documents, medications, toiletries, a change of clothes).
  • Confirm all travel arrangements.
  • Finalize utility cancellations and notifications.

For a personalized estimate of your move, request a free quote on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to China: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to China involves navigating specific customs regulations for your personal belongings. This guide provides a clear overview to help ensure a smooth import process for your household goods.

If you're relocating as a new foreign resident

Foreign passport holders moving to China for work or study can generally import their personal household goods. The "duty-free" policy for first-time importers applies to foreign passport holders, including residents from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, provided goods are for personal use and within reasonable quantities. However, high-value items like certain golf clubs may be subject to duty.

What you'll need

• Passport with a Residence Permit (valid for at least one year)
• Combined Work Permit and Social Security Card (replacing Work Permit from Dec 1, 2024)
• Employment Approval Letter (required in Beijing and South China)
• Representative Card (for foreign representative office staff)
• Application Form with your signature and company chop
• Inventory packing list and Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
• 'Baggage Declaration Form' (completed, stamped by customs at entry, and forwarded to your destination agent)
• Copy of your property deed or rental contract in China
• If your shipment originates from a country different from your nationality, an original visa showing at least one year's residency in that country, or an explanation letter if no original visa exists.
• For students: Student card and university enrollment letter.
• Printout of your entry record into mainland China for the last 2-3 years (from the PSB).
• For Taiwan residents: Taibao Zheng, Residence Permit (Ju Zhu Zheng).
• For Hong Kong / Macau residents: ID Card, Tong Xing Zheng, Residence Permit (Ju Zhu Zheng).

Good to know

• The Import Permit application is typically made after your Residence Permit is issued (approx. 3-4 weeks after arrival with a Z visa).
• Once approved, items must be imported within 6 months.
• All electrical items must be clearly listed on the inventory with model, serial number, and size.
• Video tapes/CDs must be clearly indicated with exact quantities and may undergo a 2-3 week inspection in Shanghai.
• This category generally applies to expatriates working for registered foreign representative offices, joint ventures, or wholly-owned companies who will reside in China for at least 12 months.
• Customs officers have broad discretion, and procedures can vary by city.
• In Shanghai, the first inbound sea shipment is generally duty-free, based on "reasonable quantities" (e.g., one TV per family member).
• In Beijing, for the first inbound sea shipment, items valued at CNY 5,000 or above are dutiable, also based on "reasonable quantities."
• Any second shipment to China, regardless of timing or mode, is 100% dutiable.
• From December 2024, all air shipments arriving at Shanghai PVG airport will be subject to duty and tax.
• The 'Baggage Declaration Form' is not universally required; check with your local agent.
• It is strongly advised against including foodstuffs, wine/alcohol (strictly prohibited in air shipments), cosmetics, health products, and toiletries in air shipments.
• For Beijing and cities in South China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau residents need a Tong Xing Zheng and a Residence Permit (Ju Zhu Zheng) valid for a full year; without the Ju Zhu Zheng, clearance may not be possible.

Returning Chinese citizens

Chinese nationals returning to China after an extended stay abroad can import household goods, subject to specific conditions and duty allowances.

What you'll need

• Original passport showing a stay of at least one year abroad (or more than 6 months for air shipments).
• Printout of your entry record into mainland China for the last 2-3 years (from the PSB).
• Declaration of unaccompanied luggage stamped by airport customs upon arrival.
• Copy of your property deed or rental contract in China.

Good to know

• Shipments must be imported within 180 days of your return to mainland China. Exemptions may be considered due to travel restrictions, but it's best to confirm with your agent.
• In Shanghai, upon arrival, you must declare the value of your accompanying flight luggage. This declared amount will be deducted from your duty-free allowance of RMB 5,000. If you declare more than RMB 5,000, the excess is subject to immediate tax and duty payment at the airport.
• During household goods clearance, the remaining duty-free amount (RMB 5,000 minus declared luggage value) will be assessed for tax and duty.
• In Beijing, the shipment must be imported within 6 months of your return.
• Frequent trips in recent years may prevent clearance at Tianjin Customs.
• If you obtain a Customs-chopped baggage declaration form in Beijing, the duty-free amount (RMB 5,000 minus declared luggage value) will be assessed for tax and duty.

Employees of News Agencies

Special provisions apply for employees of news agencies importing personal effects.

What you'll need

• Passport with Residence Permit.
• Journalist Card.
• News Agency Certificate.
• Customs Registration Book.
• Customs Application Form with your signature and News Agency chop.
• Inventory packing list and OBL/AWB.
• Original delivery order for sea shipments, copy of arrival notice for air shipments.

Good to know

• Customs regulations are generally similar to those for foreign enterprise expatriates.

Diplomatic Personnel

Diplomatic shipments follow a distinct process, usually with fewer inspections and no duty.

What you'll need

• Diplomatic Card.
• Passport.
• Original AWB/OBL with embassy's chop.

Good to know

• An Import Permit is required and must be applied for by the Embassy.
• Customs inspection is rare but possible, requiring authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and notification to the diplomatic mission.
• Diplomatic shipments are typically duty-free.
• Quarantine inspections are more common, especially depending on the shipment's contents.
• Vehicles for diplomats will undergo a quarantine check.

Bringing special items

Restricted & prohibited items

Items containing pornographic or subversive material will be confiscated, and fines may be levied. Fax machines and photocopy machines are not allowed in personal shipments for Shanghai. Importation of Asian/Chinese antiques is not recommended; if included, they must be clearly indicated on the inventory for potential registration for re-export, though re-export is not guaranteed.

Alcohol & tobacco

Wine and alcohol are strictly prohibited in air shipments and generally discouraged in all inbound air shipments.

Frequently asked questions

Is an Import Permit always required?
Yes, an Import Permit (Customs QR code) is generally required for customs clearance of household goods.

Will my shipment be inspected?
Yes, all shipments are subject to inspection by local Customs, with the exception of diplomatic shipments which are rarely inspected.

Are there duty exemptions for foreign residents?
First-time foreign importers with foreign passports may import personal shipments duty-free, provided goods are for personal use and within reasonable limits. High-value items may be dutiable. This policy is not yet applied nationally in all cities.

What happens if I send a second shipment?
Any second shipment to China, whether by air or sea, even if years later, is 100% dutiable.

Are there special rules for air shipments?
From December 2024, all air shipments arriving at Shanghai PVG airport will be subject to duty and tax. Generally, foodstuffs, wine/alcohol, cosmetics, health products, and toiletries are discouraged in air shipments.

How long after I arrive can I import my goods?
For foreign residents, items approved for import must arrive within 6 months of the Import Permit's issuance. For returning Chinese citizens, shipments must be imported within 180 days of their return to mainland China (6 months for Beijing).

For personalized advice and the most current information regarding your specific move to China, please contact relocation123.com.

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