Expats who have lost their passports should report to the Exit-Entry Administration of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau. They'll need to show ID and entry documents and, if there is a reception desk, a statement of the situation issued by the reception desk. Usually, the bureau issues a report within 2 working days.

Next, with this report, expats should go to their country's embassy or consulate in China and apply for a new passport, and complete the corresponding residence formalities at the exit-entry administration bureau within 30 days from the date of issuance of the report.

The step-by-step process involves reporting the lost passport, obtaining the lost passport report, applying for a new passport, updating accommodation details at the hotel or permanent residence's nearby police station with the new passport number, and preparing the necessary application materials for the residence or stay permit, referring to the relevant instructions provided.

If expats obtain a new passport from their country's embassy without reporting the loss of their previous passport to the local authorities, they'll need a letter from the embassy when applying for a visa.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security