Frequently asked questions on life and work in Shenzhen

I'm an expat living in Shenzhen and my visa is about to expire. Can I extend my visa in Shenzhen?

Yes, you can extend your visa in Shenzhen and you can make an appointment online.

Learn more: “Online appointment for visa extension in Shenzhen”

I lost my passport yesterday. What should I do now?

If your passport is lost or stolen in Shenzhen, you should report the incident to the Shenzhen police. For more details about where to report the case, what materials to prepare and the procedures, please check the following link.

Learn more: “Application for reporting loss of passport”

I'm an expat living in Shenzhen and I’m thinking about changing a job. Can you recommend some channels for job information?

Job fairs are a good channel for job information. Each year, Shenzhen holds a number of online and offline job fairs to seek talents from around the world. For information about some of these job fairs, check the link below.

Learn more: “Brand job fairs in Shenzhen”

I don't currently live in Shenzhen but I’m thinking about working in Shenzhen. Are there any reliable sources of job opportunities that you recommend?

People who are interested in working in Shenzhen but don’t currently live in Shenzhen can pay attention to online job fairs held by the city. Each year, Shenzhen holds a number of online and offline job fairs to seek talents from around the world. Information about some of these job fairs can be found in the link below.

Learn more: “Brand job fairs in Shenzhen“

Will I be punished if I don’t register for my temporary residence in Shenzhen?

Yes. If an expat does not report the Shenzhen temporary residence to the police with in the 24 hour timeframe, they will receive a warning and may be fined up to 2,000 yuan.

Read more: “Notice for foreign residents”

How can I register for my temporary residence in Shenzhen?

If you stay in a hotel, you may register at the hotel’s reception desk. If you stay in your friend or family’s home or in your rented or purchased property, you can either go to the police station to report your temporary residence or scan a QR code to register.

Learn more: “Notice for foreign residents”

My girlfriend is Chinese and we’re thinking about getting married in Shenzhen later this year. We live in Futian District and we’d like to register in the nearest marriage registry. Is there a marriage registry in Futian or should we go to another district for registration?

There is a marriage registry in Futian District. Its address is: West Gate of Xiangmi Park, 30 Nongyuan Road, Futian District. For more details such as the marriage registry’s office hours, please check the link below.

Learn more: “List of marriage registration authorities in Shenzhen”

Is there a marriage registry in Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone?

Yes, there is a marriage registry in Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone. Information about the registry can be found in the link below.

Learn more: “List of marriage registration authorities in Shenzhen”

Is there a marriage registry in every district of Shenzhen?

Yes, there is a marriage registry in every district of Shenzhen including Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone. EyeShenzhen has compiled their information for our readers’ convenience.

Learn more: “List of marriage registration authorities in Shenzhen”

Do you have a guide for registering newborns in Shenzhen?

Yes. Please refer to the following link.

Learn more: “Application for registering permanent residence for children born in a foreign country”

When did Shenzhen open its first metro line?

Shenzhen’s first metro line was put into use Dec. 28, 2004.

How many Metro lines are there in Shenzhen?

As of April 2023, the Shenzhen Metro network has 16 lines in operation and the network continues to expand. For more details about Shenzhen Metro, please check the link below.

Learn more: “Metro”

I live in Futian District. Can I go to Pingshan District by Metro?

Yes. You can go to Pingshan by taking Metro Line 14.

Is there a Metro line in Guangming District?

Metro Line 6 and the spur line of Line 6 both run in Guangming District.

Is there an equivalent of Hong Kong’s Octopus card in Shenzhen?

The Shenzhen equivalent of Hong Kong’s Octopus card is called “Shenzhentong” (深圳通). You can get a physical Shenzhentong card in most Metro stations. You can also get access to your digital Shenzhentong card through the WeChat mini-app on your phone. It is also possible to use a Huawei phone as a physical Shenzhentong. Huawei phones have NFC, or near field communication, which allows direct charges from your WeChat or bank account. For more details about Shenzhen Metro, please check the link below.

Learn more: “Metro”

Can I take the Metro to get to the airport？

Yes. You can take Metro Line 11. 

Learn more: "Shenzhen Airport"

Can I go to Dapeng New Area by Metro?

No Metro is currently running in Dapeng as of April 2023. But the phase three of Metro Line 8, which is currently under construction, will include stations in Dapeng.

Do you have an introduction to Shenzhen Port?

Yes. An introduction to Shenzhen Port can be found at the link below.

Learn more: “Shenzhen Port”

How many railway stations does Shenzhen have?

As of April 2023, there are 13 railway stations in Shenzhen.

Learn more: “Trains”

Is there a railway station in Nanshan District?

Yes. Shenzhen West Railway Station is in Nanshan District.

Which rail station is closest to Pinghu, Longgang?

The nearest railway station is Pinghu Railway Station.

Learn more: “Trains”

Is there a railway station in Guangming District?

Yes. Guangmingcheng Railway Station is in Guangming District.

How many checkpoints does Shenzhen have?

As of April 2023, there are a total of 16 checkpoints in Shenzhen.

Can I use overseas driver’s license to apply for a driving license in China?

Yes. You can use it to apply for a driving license in China if you meet relevant requirements. Detailed requirements can be found at the link below.

Learn more: “Drive”

Do you have a guide on applying for a Chinese driving license with a foreign driving license?

Yes. A complete guide on replacing an overseas driving license with a Chinse one can be found at the following link.

Learn more:“Drive”

How can I phone for a taxi in Shenzhen?

You can call a taxi by calling 95128. Alternatively, you may use the car-calling function of WeChat or use a car-calling app. A more detailed guide can be found at the link below.

Learn more:“Taxis”

How should I report lost items?

You may either report the incident by phone or in person. An introduction to the steps of reporting lost items can be found at the link below.

Learn more: “Taxis”

What’s the hotline for reporting loss of items on a taxi?

The hotline for reporting loss of items on a taxi is 12328.

Does the 12328 hotline for reporting loss of items on a taxi work 24/7?

Yes. The 12328 hotline is a 24-hour hotline.

Are there wheelchair accessible taxis in Shenzhen?

Yes. If you need a wheelchair accessible taxi, please call 12385.

How do I go to Hong Kong from Shenzhen by boat?

You may go to Hong Kong by ferry at the Shekou Cruise Homeport. An introduction to the homeport can be found at the link below.

Learn more: “Shekou Cruise Homeport”

Can I go to Macao from Shenzhen by ferry?

Yes. You may go to Macao by taking a ferry at the Shekou Cruise Homeport. An introduction to the homeport is on the link below.

Learn more: “Shekou Cruise Homeport”

How much does a ticket for the ferry from Shenzhen to Macao cost?

An adult ticket costs 220 yuan on weekdays and 230 yuan on weekends and holidays. A child’s ticket costs 110 yuan on weekdays and 115 on weekends and holidays (as of April 2023).

What is the Shekou Cruise Homeport’s phone number?

Shekou Cruise Homeport’s phone number is 400-883-1872.

After arriving in Shenzhen from Hong Kong at Shekou Cruise Homeport, how do I get a taxi?

You may call for a taxi at Shekou Cruise Homeport’s parking area.

Is Shenzhen University the only university in Shenzhen?

No. Shenzhen is home to several universities including but not limited to Shenzhen University, Southern University of Science and Technology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, and Shenzhen Technology University among others.

Is the Shenzhen campus of Sun Yat-sen University open?

Yes. The Shenzhen campus of Sun Yat-senUniveristy in Guangming District was opened Aug. 24, 2020.

Learn more: “Sun Yat-sen University Shenzhen Campus”

Can you recommend a few shopping malls in Luohu District?

There are many shopping malls in Luohu District. Among the most popular shopping malls are The MixC, KK Mall, Kingglory Plaza and Luohu Commercial City.

Can you recommend a few shopping malls in Futian District?

Futian District is home to an array of shopping malls. Some of the most famous shopping malls include the INJOY Mall, Central Walk, MOI Department Store, Wongtee Plaza, UpperHills Mall, One Avenue and Coco Park.

Is the seafood street in Yantian worthy of a visit?

Yantian Seafood Street is one of the most popular food streets in Shenzhen.

Learn more: “Yantian Seafood Street”

Are there any food streets in Shenzhen?

There are several famous food streets in Shenzhen: Dongmen Old Street in Luohu District; Shekou Sea World in Nanshan; and Yantian Seafood Street in Yantian.

Can you tell me the requirements and procedures for registering and microchipping a dog?

The link below provides an introduction to the procedures to fulfill requirements for registering and microchipping dogs in Shenzhen.

Learn more: “Guidance on Shenzhen pet dogs registration and microchip appointment on mobile phones”

Is it a must to microchip my dog?

Shenzhen officially began implementing free microchips for all registered dogs on May 2020. The move aims to help find lost or stolen dogs, stop citizens from dumping dogs and determine responsibility when disputes over dogs occur. According to pet dog-raising regulations implemented in November 2020, dog owners will be punished if found they are found raising unchipped dogs.

Learn more: “Guidance on Shenzhen pet dogs registration and microchip appointment on mobile phones”

Why is it important to microchip dogs in Shenzhen?

Shenzhen’s move to microchip all dogs in the city aims to help find lost or stolen dogs, stop citizens from dumping dogs and determine responsibility when disputes over dogs occur.

Learn more: “Guidance on Shenzhen pet dogs registration and microchip appointment on mobile phones”

When attending events at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center in Bao’an, how do we find hotels near the venue?

You can find hotels near the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center. A list of hotels in Bao’an District including five-star hotels can be found at the following link.

Learn more: “Hotels in Bao’an District”

My flight departs from Bao’an airport in the morning. I’m thinking about staying in a hotel in Bao’an to make sure I can catch the flight. Do you have any hotel to recommend in Bao’an?

EyeShenzhen has compiled a list of hotels in Bao’an District for our readers’ convenience. Some of these hotels are not far away from the airport.

Learn more: “Hotels in Bao’an District”

Are there any five-star hotels near the Shenzhen Railway Station (the one in Luohu)?

EyeShenzhen has a list of hotels in Luohu District that includes five-star hotels. Some of them are not far away from the Shenzhen Railway Station.

Learn more: “Hotels in Luohu District”

Are the any children’s hospitals in Shenzhen?

Yes, several. Shenzhen Children’s Hospital in Futian District is one of the hospitals for children.

Learn more: “Shenzhen Children’s Hospital”

Is there a psychiatric hospital in Shenzhen?

Yes. The Shenzhen Kangning Hospital in Luohu District is the only grade-A psychiatric hospital in Shenzhen.

Learn more: “Shenzhen Kangning Hospital”

Are there any English-speaking hospitals in Shenzhen?

Many large-scale hospitals in Shenzhen provide English-speaking services, including The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, and C-MER (Shenzhen) Dennis Lam Eye Hospital. 

Learn more: "Hospitals"

Is Shenzhen Port the name of a single port?

No. Shenzhen Port is the collective name of several ports located along the 260-km coastline of Shenzhen. For a more detailed introduction of Shenzhen Port, please refer to the link below.

Learn more: “Shenzhen Port”

Which port in Shenzhen is the best known?

Yantian Port is well known as the world’s fourth-busiest container port, and it processes about 90% of China’s electronics shipments.

Do the counters in the Foreign Affairs offices in the Shenzhen Civic Center handle applications for residence permits for foreigners to work in Shenzhen?

Yes. Additional on-site services are available as well. For additional information regarding residence permits and other services, please refer to the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality website.

Can I apply online for the registration of a foreign baby born in Shenzhen?

Yes. You may submit an application on the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality website.

As an expat, how do I deal with permanent resident ID issues, such as extensions, re-issuance, renewal, or damaged or lost cards?

For permanent resident ID card extension, re-issuance, or renewal, please submit an application to the local Public Security Bureau Exit and Entry Administration Office. For more details, please refer to the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality website.

If a foreigner visiting China for travel purposes lives in a serviced apartment (which is different from a hotel and whose guest registration system is not connected with the public security system), does the foreigner need to go to the public security bureau for residence registration within 24 hours of arrival?

Yes. Foreigners in such circumstance should go to a nearby police station within 24 hours of arrival for residence registration, or will face penalties that may include a fine of up to 2,000 yuan.

If a company wishes to hire a foreigner from a country that does not require a visa to enter China,can that person apply for a residence permit in Shenzhen?

For a foreigner to work in Shenzhen, that person will first need to apply for a Z visa through a Chinese consulate. If the foreigner holds a visa of another type, they will not be able to apply for a residence permit for working purposes.

If a foreign employee has children who have been studying in Shenzhen but will be turning 18 years old, what type of residence permit does the child need?

If the child will continue to study in Shenzhen, it is advised that the child should apply for a new residence permit for study purposes. For more details, please refer to the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality website.

If a visa expires on a Saturday or Sunday, can the public service offices renew the visa on the weekend?

We currently do not provide service on Saturdays and Sundays. Such visas must be renewed on the last working day prior to visa expiration date. Otherwise the person will have overstayed and will be responsible for the consequences.

Our company has hired a foreign employee. What procedures are necessary for a foreign employee in order to work in Shenzhen, and how much will it cost?

To work in Shenzhen, a foreigner will need to apply for a residence permit. For the materials needed, please refer to the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality website. Fees for residence permits are 400 yuan for less than one year, 800 yuan for between one and three years, and 1,000 yuan for between three and five years.

My husband is a U.S. citizen and wants to live in Shenzhen with no plan to go back. What document does he need?

If your husband does not work in Shenzhen, he is advised to apply for a residence permit for family reunion purposes. Please refer to the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality website for requirements.

The child of a foreign friend currently lives with her expat mother in Shenzhen. That child’s visa is about to expire, and she wants to continue living in Shenzhen with her mother. What type of document should she apply for?

If the immediate family members of a foreigner working in Shenzhen come to the city for a short-time family reunion, they may apply for an S2 visa. If the spouse or children (under 18 years of age) of a foreigner working in Shenzhen want to stay in Shenzhen, they may apply for a residence permit for personal affairs by affiliating with the foreigner. For more details, please refer to the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality website.

Why do Chinese visas have different types and categories?

A visa is the basis for the activities the holder may engage in while in China. In light of China’s laws and regulations, Consular Officers make the decision on what type of visa to issue to an applicant based on the applicant’s personal status and purpose for visiting China.

What is the relationship between the duration of stay and period of validity of a visa?

Duration of stay refers to the longest period the visa holder is allowed to stay in China from the date of entry into China on each visit.

The holder of a visa is eligible to enter China at any time prior to the expiry of its period of validity (allowed to enter China even before the 24:00 hour of the last date of its period of validity) provided that the granted entries on the visa have not been used up. Duration of stay is no longer useful once the period of validity expires.

Does the number of entries have anything to do with period of validity of a visa?

The validity of a visa refers to a period starting from the date of issuance to the date of expiration. The holder of a visa is eligible to enter China at any time prior to the expiry of its period of validity (allowed to enter China even before the 24:00 hour of the last date of its period of validity) provided that the granted entries on the visa have not been used up.

How do I extend the duration of stay of a Chinese visa?

Some types of visas may be extended. You may apply for extension of the duration of stay of your visa at a local public security authority at the county level and above before the expiration of your stay. Overstay will violate the law of China and will result in punishment.

What would be the best time for me to apply for a Chinese visa?

It is advisable that you apply for a visa one month in advance of your intended date of entry into China, and do not apply 3 months earlier than your intended date of entry. Your visa might expire before your intended departure date for China if you apply too early; but if you apply too late, you might not be able to obtain a visa in time for your scheduled departure. For instance, if you plan to enter China on July 1, the best time for you to submit your visa application is the early of June. If you need express service or rush service, you will be required to pay an extra visa fee plus an express service fee or rush service fee.

Where do I apply for a Chinese visa?

If you are an ordinary passport holder of your own country, please submit your application to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. However, Holders of diplomatic and service (official) passports or applicants eligible for applying for China’s diplomatic, courtesy, and service visas, and applicants applying for a visa /entry permit to the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Region of China should still apply directly to the Chinese Embassy.

Where can I apply for a visa?

You can apply for a visa at a Chinese Embassy or the Chinese Consulate General, or the China Visa Application Centre. You can apply for an ordinary visa at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre.

Can someone submit my application to the Centre on my behalf?

Generally speaking, you are encouraged to submit your application and collect your passport in person. If it is impossible for you to do so, you may entrust someone else to do it for you (no need for a power of attorney) provided that you have prepared all the documents required.

Can I apply for a visa online?

For the time being, you cannot apply for a visa through the Internet, however you can complete your application form online.

Can I apply for a visa via a travel agent?

Yes, you can apply for a visa via a travel agent.

I want to tour China by driving my own vehicle, what type of visa should I apply for?

You should apply for a L-visa for a special tour. A special tour includes: mountain climbing, self-driving, hiking, cycling, horse-riding, hot air balloon, or other expeditions. You need to provide a visa notification issued by the China National Tourism Administration or by the tourism administration of the related province, autonomous region or municipality directly under the Central Government.

Do I need to apply for a visa beforehand if I plan to go to Chinese mainland?

Normally you will need a visa to go to Chinese mainland as foreign citizen unless you are visa exempt based on relevant agreements or regulations between China and your country.

What type of visa should I apply for?

It depends on the purpose of your visit. Please see “A Brief Introduction to Chinese Visas.” Although you are provided the opportunity to request a specific type of visa, it is up to the consular official to decide on the type of visa to be issued.

What kind of documents should I provide for a visa application at a Chinese embassy or consulate? And is there anything particular I should pay special attention to?

Depending on your country, there may be different information required. Additionally, regulations may change to accommodate different circumstances at different times. It is therefore important that you check of the current set of requirement. You need to prepare required documents according to the purpose of visiting China. For details please see the requirements for visa applications.

How long in advance should I apply for a visa?

It is advised that you submit the application one month in advance of your planned date of entry. Application made too early may result in the expiration of the visa making it invalid and unusable, but if you submit an application too late, there might not be enough time for the application to be processed before your planned entry date.

When can I get the visa after I submit my application?

If the documents are well prepared, it will typically take four working days for the application to be processed, but the time may vary on a case by case basis.

If your travel needs are urgent, you may apply for the express service and collect the visa as soon as on the third working day, in which case you will need to pay an extra fee. Express service is not guaranteed in the Chinese Embassy or by the Chinese Consulate General, and the eligibility for express service is also judged on a case by case basis.

It is important that the applicant comes to collect the visa on time. The visa may be collected after the collection date, but if the visa has not been collected within 90 days after issuing date it will be considered to be unclaimed and will be disposed of.

What is the number of entries? What should I do if I have used up all the entries?

A visa’s number of entries refers to the number of times the visa holder can enter to China within the validity period of the visa. A visa is normally issued with either single entry, double entries or multiple entries. Single entry or double entries visas will expire after the times are used up,and if you wish to go to China again you will need a new visa. If the entries have not been used up but the visa has expired because the visa has reached the end of its validity period, you also will need to apply for a new Chinese Visa. Anyone holding an expired visa that goes to China will be refused entry at the border. It is essential that you check carefully the number of entries and make sure your visa is valid.

I am planning to go to China on a passport that requires an entry visa and then go to Hong Kong and afterwards back again to China. How many entries do I need to apply for?

You need to apply for a double entry visa because you need your first entry when you enter China Beijing from your country, and your second entry when you reenter from Hong Kong.

If in that case you had obtained a single entry visa, you would need to apply for a new visa at the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong SAR during your Hong Kong visit.

Holders of British and U.S. passports are exempt from requiring a visa to visit Hong Kong, and may stay for up to 90 days per visit.

When will my visa start to take effect? And when will it expire?

Unless otherwise specified, a visa is valid from the date of issue.

A visa expires if one of the following situations occurs:

(1) The visa has passed 24:00 (Beijing Time) on the date of entry, namely the ‘Enter Before’ date given on the visa page;

(2) The number of entries have been used up;

(3) The visa has been revoked or cancelled by the authorities of the Chinese government;

(4) Other circumstances governed by the Chinese laws.

Can I change my itinerary after I’ve obtained my visa?

Unless otherwise specified on the visa, you may change your itinerary but must make your entry to China before the visa expires. The Chinese Embassy or the Chinese Consulate General do not take responsibility for the expiry of your visa due to travel plan changes.

What does “Duration of Each Stay” mean? What should I do if I need a longer duration for my stay?

The Duration of Each Stay refers to the maximum number of days a visa holder is permitted to stay in China after each entry, specifically, the maximum number of days a visa holder can stay in China from the day of entry. If you hold an ordinary visa and need to extend your stay after arrival in China, you will have to apply for an extension at the public security authorities before your duration of stay runs out. However, approval is not guaranteed.

Holders of D visa, J1 visa, Q1 visa, S1 visa, X1 visa, and Z visa must register with the public security authorities for residential formalities within 30 days of entry. It will be considered an illegal overstay if a permitted stay runs out but no required formalities have been processed accordingly.

It is a breach of Chinese laws and regulations if someone stays longer than the visa permits while visiting China. As a result, he or she may face fines or other means of penalties. Therefore, you are advised to make sure your stay is within the permitted duration of stay.

After I get the visa, can the validity period, duration of stay and number of entries be altered?

No. They cannot be changed. Therefore, it is essential that before you apply for a visa you determine your requirements as accurately as possible. When filling out the application form, you must complete all relevant items truthfully. When collecting your visa, you must carefully check all information on the visa. If any alterations are necessary, you will have to submit a new visa application with supporting documents and pay for the application again.

What are the things foreign citizens should pay attention to while in China?

Foreign citizens must abide by the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China after they enter China, and must not conduct any activities other than covered by the purpose of the visit as stated in the application, or activities not approved by the authorities of the Chinese government. If foreign citizens are seeking employment in China, they need to apply for work permits from relevant authorities. They will face penalties for any breach of relevant laws and regulations.

Can I enter China as soon as I get a visa?

After you obtain a visa, you should be able to enter China through a port open to foreign citizens. However, it is up to the border control staff to make decisions on whether or not to allow the visa holder to enter China according to individual cases. It is advisable to carry copies of your relevant application materials, as the border control staff may ask to see some of the documentation.

What type of visa should I apply for if I plan to visit China for an exchange?

Expats who intend to visit China for exchange purposes should apply for a F visa. The F visa is issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities.

What’s the difference between a J1 visa and a J2 visa?

Both types of visasare issued to foreign journalists, but a J1 visa will allow the visa holder to stay for more than 180 days, while a J2 visa will allow the visa holder to stay for no more than 180 days.

What type of visa should I apply for if I intend to visit China for travel?

Expats who intend to visit China for travel purposes should apply for an L “tourist” visa.

What type of visa should I apply for if I plan to visit China for business?

Expats who intend to visit China for commercial or trade activities should apply for an M “business and trade” visa. Note that the M visa does not permit you to be hired by a Chinese company; that requires a Z “work” visa. If the authorities find that you are working for anyone in China without a Z visa, you may be detained, fined, and expelled from China.

What type of visa should I apply for if I plan to stay in China as a permanent resident?

Expats who intend to reside in China permanently should apply for a D “resident” visa.

What’s the difference between an X1 visa and an X2 visa?

Both types of visa are issued to expats who intend to study in China. An X1 visa will allow the visa holder to stay in China for more than 180 days, while an X2 visa will allow the visa holder to stay for no more than 180 days.

I’m a student that is about to study in China. What type of visa should I apply for?

It depends on the length of your stay in China. If you will stay in China for more than 180 days, you should apply for an X1 visa; otherwise apply for an X2 visa.

What type of visa should I apply for if I intend to work in China?

Expats who intend to work in China should apply for a Z “work” visa. If the authorities find that you are working for anyone in China without a Z visa, you may be detained, fined, and expelled from China.

Our company is about to hire an expat as a product manager. What type of visa should she apply for her to work in China?

Expats who intend to work in China should apply for a Z “work” visa. If the authorities find that you are working for anyone in China without a Z visa, you may be detained, fined, and expelled from China.