Change of registered items: the 10-day rule for a residence permit
Unofficial entry · Sources checked
“Registered items” are the details that Article 33 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China requires a residence permit held by a foreigner to include. Article 33 states that, when a registered item changes, the holder shall apply for alteration within 10 days from the date of change. For an overview, see Visas and residence.
Definition
Article 33 states that the registered items of a foreign residence permit shall include:
- name
- sex
- date of birth
- reason for residence
- duration of residence of the holder
- date and place of issuance
- passport number or other international travel documents number
What the official text says
Change of a registered item
Under Article 33 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, the holder shall apply to the exit/entry administration of the public security organ under the local people’s government at or above the county level in the place of residence for the formalities for alteration.
Change application under the Regulations
Article 17 of the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners states that an applicant for a change of residence permit shall fill out an application form and submit:
- a passport or other international travel documents
- qualified photos
- material relating to the purpose of the application
National Immigration Administration service guide
Section 3, “Application for Extension or Change of Residence Permit,” of the National Immigration Administration’s Service Guide on residence permits for foreigners states that foreigners needing to change registered items shall submit relevant supporting materials or relevant certification materials for changes to personal information or purpose of residence in accordance with the provisions above.
The guide states that the residence period may then be extended and a new residence permit may be issued.
Related terms
- Residence permit for study
- Extension of a residence permit
- Change of registered items
- Reissuance of a residence permit
Sources
- Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China — National Immigration Administration
- Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners — National Immigration Administration
- Service Guide on residence permits for foreigners — National Immigration Administration
Checked 11 October 2026.
This entry is an unofficial summary, is not legal or immigration advice, and is not published by the bodies named; the official text and the instructions of the body handling your case prevail if they differ.