Whether you are considering a move to Shanghai or are already living in the city, this guide provides a wealth of information and resources for newcomers and old hands alike.

From practical advice on accommodation and transport to tips on healthcare and fitness, we're here to help you make a smooth transition to expat life in Shanghai and better integrate into the local community.

 

Visa

Applying for a visa is the first step if you are planning to visit or reside in Shanghai. There are different types of visas for different purposes, including business, work, and travel. You can apply for the visa that suits you best.

To facilitate inbound travel, China has rolled out visa-free policies, including visa-free transit and visa-free entry. Now, you can easily explore the wonders of Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region with the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, making the most of your extended layover.

For more tips on visa applications and visa-free travel, you can go to the Visas section.

 

Arrival Checklist

What do you need to do when you first come to Shanghai?

The first thing you need to do is to register your place of residence with the local policy within 24 hours of arrival. Besides, you'll also need to set up mobile services, get some essential apps, open a bank account, and learn how to use mobile payments.

You can go to the Arrival Checklist section to find out more about tips on things you need to do upon arriving in Shanghai.

 

Payment

Whether you come to Shanghai for travel, study, work, or business, you will have access to a variety of convenient payment services during your stay in the city.

The efficiency of China's mobile payment system has greatly improved our daily lives. But the widespread adoption of mobile payments has led to a reduction in the use of cash and bank cards, which can be confusing for expats who haven't yet gained access to China's mobile payment services.

For tips on setting up WeChat Pay or Alipay accounts using overseas credit cards, along with other information on making payments in Shanghai, please visit the Payments section.

 

Transportation

Public transportation in Shanghai is known for being cheap and convenient, making it the preferred choice for many expats. Metro ticket fares start from 3 yuan (40 cents) for distances less than 6 kilometers, with an additional 1 yuan for each extra 10 km. The city's regular buses charge 2 yuan for each ride. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive.

For the environmentally conscious, bike-sharing services have become increasingly popular. With a few clicks on your phone, you can start your journey exploring the city on two wheels.

If you want to drive, you can obtain a local driving license. For more information on getting around Shanghai, go to the Transportation section.

 

Insurance

Wondering how to join the social security system in China? According to Chinese law, expats hired by Chinese employers are required to join the social security system just like their Chinese counterparts. The insurance program covers basic endowment, medical care, work-related injury, unemployment, and maternity insurance.

For more tips on insuring yourself in China, see our Insurance section.

 

Immigration

If you want to settle in Shanghai, you can apply for permanent residency.

For example, if you have worked in Shanghai consecutively for four years and have resided in China for a total of no less than six months each year, and have had an annual salary no less than six times the average of urban employees in the previous year in the region for four consecutive years, you can apply for permanent residency under the category of working staff.

After becoming a permanent resident, you enjoy many of the same rights and bear the same responsibilities as Chinese citizens.

To learn more information on getting a permanent residency, please visit the Immigration section.

 

Healthcare

Living in a foreign country can be a challenge. And it can be more challenging if you fall ill. Fortunately, Shanghai offers a range of quality medical services to help expats get through it.

From a list of vaccination clinics and emergency medical services to how to see a doctor at a local hospital and create your own basic medical kit, you can find all the information you need in the Healthcare section.

 

Raising a pet

As in other parts of the world, more and more people in Shanghai are choosing to raise pets. In a big city like Shanghai, having a pet not only helps to alleviate loneliness, but also helps you integrate better into the local community.

If you're confused about the rules for bringing a pet into or out of China, or don't know where to spend the weekend along with your furry friends, our Pets section is your go-to resource.

 

Fitness

Participating in sports is one of the best ways to keep in shape and make new friends in any city. In Shanghai, there are plenty of sports venues for you to explore, from traditional sports such as football and tennis to emerging ones like climbing and BMX cycling.

The city's sports landscape offers a wide range of services for enthusiasts of all ages. For more information on Shanghai's sports scene, please check the Fitness section.

 

Entertainment

As a city where the cultures of the West and the East meet, Shanghai offers a rich tapestry of cultural events, captivating art exhibitions, and thrilling sports competitions.

Whether you seek the enchantment of Shanghai Disneyland, the symphonic allure of world-class concerts, or the adrenaline rush of Formula 1 races, this city caters to a diverse range of interests and cultural backgrounds.

Visit the Events & Activities section for more fun in Shanghai.

 

Tax

There are only two things certain in life: death and taxes. As an expat working in Shanghai, you will need to pay taxes just like the locals. The good news is that China offers various tax benefits for expats, including income tax exemptions for housing subsidies, children's education, and language training.

If you have tax-related questions, you can call 12366 for multilingual advice. Visit the Tax section to find out more.

 

 

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These are some of the essential services for expats planning to live in Shanghai.

We have more to offer. In the Expat Stories section, you can also discover the Shanghai stories of people from around the world, which offer a glimpse into the joys, challenges, and adventures of living in this dynamic city.

If you have more questions about living in Shanghai, you might try looking through the FAQs section.

Don't hesitate any longer. Start your Shanghai adventure now!