Passport with the Residence Permit

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

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

Baggage Declaration Form, if applicable

Every country has its own customs regulations indicating which all items you are allowed to carry along with you when you enter or move out of that particular country and so do China has. These things are declared and duty taxes have to be paid on them. At the time of relocation you have to fill that particular form indicating all such items that are prohibited to be transported.

If you found carry them then you will probably be confiscated and investigation will be held. Repercussions will be worse once you pass through the customs.

Detailed Inventory list in English and Chinese language

While moving to China, you must have check list of your all the essential items basically customs inventory list in a standard format consisting of every detailed information. This list is in English as well as 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 categories (clothing, books, toys, kitchenware, decoration, pictures, etc.)

List of Alcohol/ Wine for International Relocation China

Passengers as well as the persons who want to relocate to China can bring such items based on the norms of the country to which they are moving into. 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 the 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 short or long term.

Original passport along with diplomatic visa (Diplomats)

Of course when you are travelling to China you need Visa too along with your passport. So, this particular document is must to have with you if you are visiting the country for official purpose. According to the rules of the country, one must have valid passport along with diplomatic visa for entering into the country.

Arrival Notice

This document takes into consideration of your arrival to China. It is a form of visa that checks your current status, i.e. your eligibility criteria for entering into the country. At some entry ports in China such as- Beijing, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc. the regions demands for visa on arrival that depends 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 belongs to this category can formally apply for Import permit with local Custom 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 as the 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 through sea. On the other hand, if you use air freight, an Air Way 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 which is used for creation of sales and is provided by the seller to buyer on his/her request before the placement of order. These are preliminary invoices used along with 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 should have 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 valid passport at the time of travelling. It gives you 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 planned to relocate because there are certain items that are known to be hazardous while moving to and from this country, either these belongs to household or commercial category.