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.