China's National Immigration Administration published an official explanation of its online accommodation registration service for foreign nationals staying in residences other than hotels. The service has the same legal effect as registration completed in person.
The service is available through the NIA Government Service Platform website, the NIA 12367 App, the NIA 12367 WeChat mini program and the Alipay mini program. Foreign nationals or their accommodation hosts can follow the Accommodation Registration prompts after completing user registration and identity verification.
Starting March 20, 2026, the service is being piloted in Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing and Sichuan. The NIA says it will gradually expand the service nationwide. Hotel guests continue to have their accommodation registered by the hotel, while private-residence stays remain subject to the 24-hour registration requirement.