Visas

Most people enter China on a single-entry tourist visa that is later converted to a multi-entry work visa after obtaining their Work Permit. The single entry visa is only valid for 3 months so you will need to leave the country (most people go to Hong Kong) to obtain another single entry visa if your work visa has not been processed during the 3-month period. After the employment visa is obtained, you may apply for dependant visas for your spouse and children.

Residence Permit & Multi-Entry Visa

Each expatriate residing in Shanghai for more than 3 months is required to obtain a Residence Permit (green book). You are legally required to carry this book with you at all times. This must be renewed annually. The following documentation is required to obtain your permit:
1. Application
2. Original and photocopy of your passport photo page
3. (2) Passport photos
4. Health certificate
5. Original Work Permit and photocopy of photo page
6. Copy of Business License
7. Copy of Approval License
These items should be taken to the Public Security Bureau.
The address: 333 Wusong Lu.
The hours: 9:00--11:00 and 13:30--16:30, Monday--Friday.

Resident Registration

You must register with the Public Security Bureau closest to your home within 24 hours of moving to your permanent residence.

Work Permit

All persons working in Shanghai are required to obtain a Work Permit (red book). All renewals must be done 30 days before the expiration of your contract. You will need to submit your resume and obtain an approval letter. Upon receipt of this letter, the following documentation will be required:
1. Application Letter & Resume
2. Labor Contract
3. Health Certificate
4. Passport and photocopy of photo page
5. (3) Passport photos
6. Approval of work in Shanghai
These items should be taken to the Shanghai Labor Bureau.
The address: 45 Anyuan Lu.
The hours: 9:15--11:15 and 13:30--16:30, Monday--Friday.

Health Certificate

All persons living in Shanghai are required to obtain a Health Certificate. This requires a physical examination and blood tests for aids and sexually transmitted diseases. If the examination is performed in your home country, the certification must be presented to Shanghai Health examination Center (1701 Hami Lu). The Chinese government may not accept your overseas examination. The local examination includes a blood test, but you can be assured that the needles are sterile and unused. You will need to bring the following items to the health center:
1. Copy of Business License
2. Passport
3. (2) passport photos (photos can be taken at the health center)
4. RMB500
5. Original lab report, if physical was performed in your home country.
The results will be delivered to your office in about one week.
The hours: 8:30--11:00 and 13:30--15:00, Monday--Friday.

Import Permit

You are entitled to apply for one air shipment and one sea shipment. You must apply for a separate permit for each shipment. You must have your Work Permit, Residence permit and Health Certificate before your shipment will be released by the Shanghai Customs House.
The following items will be required:
1. Import Permit Application, with company chop
2. Passport and photocopy of photo page
3. Residence Permit and photocopy of photo page
4. Work Permit and photocopy of photo page
5. Certified copy of Business License
6. Letter from your employer stating that the items will be for your personal use only, and that you will export everything when you leave China
7. Copy of packing list
8. Copy of Bill of Lading
9. Arrival notification for shipment
The address of Shanghai Customs House: 13 Zhongshan Dong Lu, Room 418.
The hours: 8:30--11:30 and 13:30--17:00.

Reminding Things
What to bring
1. Records and Paperwork
Bring any important records or paperwork that you may need. Do not bring originals have certified copies made in your country of origin.

2. Certified copies
Marriage License
Birth Certificate/Adoption Decree
Divorce Decree
Custody Documents for Children
Diplomas
3. Additional Records & Paperwork
20 Passport photo (necessary for various permit and license)
School Records
Bank Records
Income Tax Records
Driver's License
Insurance Information
Immunization Records
Blood Type/RH Classification
Medical Records
Dental Records
Employment Records/letters of Reference
Medical Prescriptions-chemical or generic name
Moving Information/Inventory of Items both Shipped and Stored
Pet Shipping Information
4. Other Items
Bring what you should/like to bring, or bring what you can ... Various of wears and appliances are available in Shanghai, but there is not large variety of styles or sizes for the clothes. And some imported items (i.e. imported food items) are more expensive than in Western countries.

Banking

Banking in China gets easier and easier. In Shanghai, bank teller machines are conveniently located around the city. You can use your bank card from home without incurring any bank charges from the Chinese banks and you receive the official exchange rate. Your bank will probably charge the same transaction fee for withdrawals in China as in your home country.

Insurance

When informing your insurance companies of your move, check whether you are entitled to a refund for your car and household insurance. Check whether they will insure your goods in China and make sure your medical insurance includes emergency evacuation coverage. Insurance on personal items is available in China.