Local Administration Offices in Shanghai
Contact information for local administrative centres in Shanghai, including where to go for visas, registering at a police station, and more...
Government offices are open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00. Only authorities who regularly deal with foreigners offer services in English; otherwise a translator is needed.
The Shanghai Government website provides information about all Shanghai government agencies. Availability of this service in English varies from agency to agency.
- For a comprehensive list of government offices: Click here
Visas and Residence Permits
Visas and resident permits are handled by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) in Pudong and service in English is guaranteed. Children who are born to foreigners living in Shanghai must also be registered with the PSB.
Waiting times can be long and the bureaucracy confusing, so it is best to prepare all documents beforehand.
- To download a visa application form: Click here
- Visa and Residence Permit Center, Pudong
At: No. 1500 Minsheng Road (near Yingchun Road), Pudong New Area
Tel: 021 2895 1900 / 021 6854 1709
Open: Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00 - For further information about visa applications: Click here
- For information on residence permits in Shanghai: Click here
Registering at a Public Security Bureau
Foreigners have to register with their local police station (Public Security Bureau - PSB) shortly after arriving in Shanghai.
While hotels and guesthouses automatically register guests, residents in private accommodation must go to their neighbourhood police station to register.
PSB offices in Shanghai
- Changning
At: 201 Weining Road, near Maotai Road - Huangpu
At: 174 Jinling East Road - Jingan
At: 415 Jiaozhou Road, near Kangding Road - Luwan
At: 22 Jianguo Zhong Road, near Sinan Road - Pudong
At: 655 Dingxiang Road, near HeHuan Road - Putuo
At: 1895 Daduhe Road, near Jinding Road - Xuhui
At: 901 Tianyaoqiao Road, near Zhongshan Road - Yangpu
At: 2049 Pingliang Road, near Longchuan Road - Zhabei
At: 600 Tianmu Zhong Road
Information for Expatriates
Service for Expats is a government website specifically designed to help foreigners living in Shanghai.
The Shanghai Information Centre for International Visitors provides information and services for expatriates working and living in Shanghai.
- Shanghai Information Centre for International Visitors
At: Lane 123, Xingye Road
Tel: 021-6384 9366
Open: Daily from 10:00-22:00
The Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau, which offers a service in English, has information about marriage, adoption and death.
- Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau
At: 193 Hankou Road, Shanghai
Tel: 021 962 200 / 021 6323 2222
Open: Monday to Friday from 09:00-17:00
The Information Office of Shanghai Municipality also has information for foreigners living in Shanghai.
The Overseas Chinese Affairs of Shanghai is a service for returning Chinese citizens and their families.