Moving to China with Household Goods

Migrating to another nation is a fascinating milestone, but there are also challenges associated with logistics, careful planning, and paperwork. China is one of the fastest-growing and most urbanized countries worldwide, and moving to this country should only bring you delight. APML transports your goods efficiently and securely to China, whether you are relocating for a fresh start, work, or education. We, at APML, unpack your goods in the same condition in which we pack them. Our team of professionals makes this process stress-free, so you can focus on the good part.

What Makes People Move to China?

China is one of the well-developed countries in the world. There are various factors contributing to the increasing number of immigrants in the country, such as improved lifestyle, career opportunities, government initiatives, world-class universities, and tremendous historical destinations. The country has been focusing on its economy and continuously building more high-rise buildings every year. The nation focuses more on technological development, which adds up to a great lifestyle via modern transportation, easy healthcare access, education, and job opportunities. The government is focused on building a better tomorrow for its citizens with improved infrastructure, innovation, and education.

Different Types of Visas for Entering China

Tourist Visa (L Visa): This visa is issued to foreigners who travel to the country for a short period, not more than 30 days. It is completely illegal to work on this type of visa.

Employment Visa (Z Visa): This visa is issued to those who are taking up employment in China. In order to obtain this visa, you must have a work permit from your employer.

Student Visa (X Visa): This visa is issued to students or interns who need to stay in the country for 6 months or more. To get this Visa, you require a permit letter from a Chinese school, college, or company.

Foreigner Residence Permit: This residence permit is applicable once a year when you move to China, and is also applicable in possession of an employment visa.

Permanent Residence Visa (D Visa): This visa is issued for 10 years to those people who want to stay in China permanently. This type of visa is hard to obtain.

Essential Documents Required for Easy China Relocation:
  • Passport along with the residence permit (at least 1year)
  • Baggage Declaration Form, if applicable
  • Detailed Inventory list in English and Chinese language
  • Original work permit (at least 1 year)
  • Original passport along with diplomatic visa (Diplomats)
  • Arrival Notice
  • Import permit
  • Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL)/ Air Waybill (AWB)/ Telex Release
  • Pro-forma Invoice
  • Residence
  • A Separate list of electronic items

Passport with the Residence Permit

If you want to relocate and live in China for a long time, it depends on your residence permit. As soon as you arrive in China, you get one month to obtain that particular residence permit. This works as a multiple-entry visa allowing you to leave the country and return back without any other additional visa as long as the visa remains valid (even after your original visa expires).

To get a residence permit, you have to give these documents: your passport with the respective visa you are applying for, your registration for residence, the respective application form, one passport-size photograph, and your job contract (if applicable).

Baggage Declaration Form, if applicable

At the time of relocation, you have to fill out that particular form, indicating all such items that are prohibited from being transported. If you are found to carry any prohibited item, then you will probably be confiscated, and an investigation will be held. Repercussions will be worse once you pass through customs.

Detailed Inventory list in English and Chinese language

Customs inventory list in a standard format, consisting of all detailed information. This list is in English as well as the Chinese language, so that it is understandable to the authorities responsible for shipping. Some of the items included in this list are-

  • Electronics & Appliances (indicating make, model, serial number)
  • Sporting & Exercise Equipment
  • Carpets (indicating sizes)
  • Musical Instruments
  • Item use outside the home (e.g., storage sheds)
  • Other categorieOther categories (clothing, books, toys, kitchenware, decoration, pictures, etc.)
  • List of Alcohol/ Wine for China Relocation

An immigrant can bring such items based on the norms of the country to which they are moving. For this, you can check with the Chinese Government and Embassy.

Original work permit (at least 1 year)

This document confirms your employment status in China if you are moving for the purpose of getting employed. It is issued to any foreigner who is eligible for the same. The process of acquiring this permit is based on the three-tier talent grading system for expatriates, having their own individual benefits and validity. You must hold this document if you are planning to relocate to China for either a short or long term.

Original Passport with Diplomatic Visa (Diplomats)

A visa with a passport is mandatory. According to the rules of the country, one must have a valid passport along with a diplomatic visa to enter the country.

Arrival Notice

This document takes into consideration your arrival in China. It is a form of visa that checks your current status, i.e., your eligibility criteria for entering the country. At some entry ports in China, such as Beijing, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc., the demands for a visa on arrival depend on the rules & regulations of the place.

Import permit

Only long-term non-residents, like foreigners, citizens from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and returning Chinese who stayed in China for at least one year, are permitted to import their personal possessions duty-free to the country. So, those visitors who belong to this category can formally apply for an import permit with the local Customs Office located in the country after submitting documents such as-

  • Original Passport
  • Original Resident Permit
  • Original Work Permit
  • Representative Card (for RO employees)
  • Ocean Bill of lading/ Air Way Bill
  • Inventory Packing List (detailed)
  • Application form with shipper’s signature

Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL)/ Air Waybill (AWB)/ Telex Release

These documents are considered proof of your cargo or freight shipment done via air or sea. Ocean Bill of Lading is a receipt or contract between you for transporting your huge volumes of commercial goods by sea. On the other hand, if you use air freight, an Airway bill is issued to you. Therefore, you should have these when you want to carry your commercial items to China.

Pro-forma Invoice

It is the form of invoice or sales contract that is used for the creation of sales and is provided by the seller to the buyer on his/her request before the placement of an order. These are preliminary invoices used along with a quotation for custom purposes while importing or exporting your goods to the country. Hence, if you are into this business, then you should have this document while moving to China.

Residence

For individuals who are relocating to China temporarily for job training, they should have a residence permit valid for 6-12 months, whereas standard residence permits are issued to foreigners working in China, valid for 1 year and are renewable annually. You should have this document along with a valid passport at the time of travelling. It gives you the legal right to live in the country, and on arrival, you have one month’s duration to obtain this permit.

A Separate list of electronic items

This is again a type of separate inventory list of electronic products that are allowed to carry to China when you plan to relocate, because there are certain items that are known to be hazardous while moving to and from this country, whether these belong to the household or commercial category.

Do's or Don't

Migrating to another country is tedious and stressful when it comes to packing and moving your valuables. Here’s what you should and should not do:

The Do’s

 

  • Nothing goes right without planning. So, plan your move.
  • To avoid any obstacles, prepare a checklist.
  • Think about the required things like foam sheets, boxes, tapes, scissors, etc., for uncomplicated packing.
  • Make use of solid and durable boxes for maximum safety as they hold up through multiple moves.
  • Label each box with appropriate stickers to avoid confusion.
  • Consider zero transshipment to prevent breakage.
  • The vehicle should be ready to cover long distances.
  • Proper insurance of goods should be made to claim your approximate value in case of theft, loss, or a road accident.

The Don’ts

 

  • Packing in a hurry can lead to damage to goods and skipping on necessary materials.
  • Do not pack fragile items with heavier or more durable ones.
  • Loose bundling of items or boxes can damage the goods.
  • One personnel at least of the company you are hiring for the shifting should accompany your goods till the destinationThe mode of transportation should have passed crucial clearance, and proper servicing should be done.
  • At least one personnel of the hiring company should accompany your goods to the destination.
  • Do not hire any relocation company in a hurry; this may result in fake services and false promises (discounts).
  • Avoid renting trucks with less space for a huge volume of goods as this can damage the goods and result in money lost.
  • Do not pack and move your furniture or electrical appliances without dismantling; this can increase the burden on packing boxes.
  • Never mix up packed and unpacked items together, as this consumes more time.

Rules & Regulations

Moving beyond the boundaries of country can be quite daunting as well as exciting. There must be the excitement of exploring new places, meeting the people from different cultures and learning new things at new location. Specifically, for those people who have never been to abroad before, the level of excitement must be at its peak along with a worry about the safe and smooth relocation of his or her possessions to new place.

In order to maintain your excitement and enjoy uncomplicated international relocation, “pre-planning” can be the effective and best thing to reduce your stress. Agarwal Packers and Movers Ltd. has prepared this comprehensive guide to plan your hassle-free and smooth overseas move. In this guide, you will find the steps to be followed and the documents you will require for your move. Also, from where you can obtain the documents, where to apply and suggestion for settling in the country; all will be provided in this guide.

Few aspects of International moving guide are:

1
Understand your moving needs
2
Plan your move
3
Accrue necessary and required documents
4
Hire reliable and experienced relocation company

How APML Can Help?

We are here to support you throughout your relocation journey, as we know how tedious and challenging it can be. From packing your goods safely to handling shipping regulations, each step requires coordination and expertise. This is why people rely on trusted moving partners like APML.

Pre-Move Planning

International moving demands strategic planning at every stage. Our moving experts help you with:

  • Pre-move surveys
  • Customized moving plans
  • Easy scheduling and timelines

Professional Packing

Proper packing of goods is essential, especially when they have to travel long distances. Our professionals ensure:

  • Use of high-quality packing materials
  • Proper safety and handling of fragile items

Safe Transportation

Long-distance relocation can sometimes lead to damage if goods are not handled properly. APML ensures:

  • Professional handling and digital inventory records
  • Careful unpacking of items once they reach the destination

Move to China with Confidence

China is one of the well-developed countries, known for its beautiful places, high quality of life, excellent education, career opportunities, and much more. While your decision to move there can be exciting, transporting your valuables safely can also feel challenging.

We understand the value of your possessions, which is why we focus on safe packing, trusted transportation, and on-time delivery. We make your relocation simple, secure, and stress-free.

Call us now at +91 9300 300 300.

Other Information

Moving to another country with Agarwal Packers and Movers Ltd. is a comfortable and peaceful task because we provide all the relevant information related to the foreign country to our valuable customers. Some of these are discussed in this section.

  • Immigration
    Assistance
  • Country/Cultural
    Guide
  • International
    Checklist
  • Our Valued
    Clients

Our Valued Clients

Our well defined and supported 'Packers and Movers' services are handled by experienced management as well as support staff, which allow us to offer customers a wide range of advantages to choose from. Starting from zero trans-shipment to the immediate settling of claims if any, we deliver complete assurance to our customers in terms of their shipment in a safest possible manner. You can go through our valuable clientele in this section.

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