How to Register a Foreign Guest Staying at Home in China

SHORT ANSWER

What to do first

For a foreign guest staying in a private home, register the non-hotel accommodation within 24 hours of the guest’s arrival. Under the NIA’s 2026 guidance, the accommodation host should generally assist with the first online registration; the host may be Chinese or foreign.

Does this describe your situation?

Use these details to distinguish this specific problem from a general travel question:

A visitor is sleeping at your home rather than using a hotel.
The visitor has not previously registered at this private address.
You are unsure whether the visitor or the homeowner must file.

What the official information confirms

The registration concerns where the foreign visitor actually stays. A tourist visa or visa-free entry does not automatically substitute for accommodation registration. The NIA’s policy interpretation specifically explains that a host is often best placed to verify the dwelling details.

A previous record at the same residence can change who is permitted to submit the next filing. The NIA notes that foreigners who have previously used the government platform for that residence, and foreigners in self-owned dwellings, may be able to register independently.

Step-by-step: the safest next action

01
Confirm the date and time the visitor actually began staying at your address.
02
Ask the host to open the NIA service portal or officially listed 12367 app / mini-program and select Foreigner Service → Accommodation Registration.
03
Prepare the guest’s actual passport details and the residence details requested on-screen. Do not upload identity documents to unrelated sites.
04
Complete the identity verification and each property detail together so the host can confirm the address is accurate.
05
Submit within the applicable 24-hour period and use Registration Record Inquiry to verify the record.
06
If the online filing is unsuccessful, attend the local police station with the guest and any requested tenancy or property documentation.

One important distinction

The first registration process has a distinct host-assistance rule; the article should not be reduced to a generic passport checklist.

A mistake to avoid

Treating the host’s hotel booking or a previous registration at a different address as proof the guest has registered at your home.

When the suggested steps do not work

Call NIA 12367 or the responsible local police station for address-specific document questions. The local authority determines what supporting evidence is needed.

Before contacting support, save the non-sensitive error wording, the date and the relevant service name. Never post a public photo of a passport, payment code, or full booking reference.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreign person host another foreigner?

Yes. NIA says the accommodation host may be Chinese or foreign.

Can a guest do the first registration alone?

NIA recommends the host’s assistance for the first registration. Independent online filing is described for particular circumstances such as self-owned or previously registered accommodation.

Official sources and verification

Independent source-based draft; not a record of personal testing. Services and laws can change. Check the primary references before taking an important action.