Quick answers about renting and settling in China as an expat.
No. Foreigners with a valid passport and visa can sign residential leases directly. A work or study visa helps with longer stays but is not required to rent.
The common norm is "one month deposit, three months rent" (押一付三), paid quarterly in advance. Serviced apartments may offer more flexible monthly terms.
Major platforms include Lianjia (贝壳/链家), Anjuke and 58.com. Expat-friendly serviced-apartment operators and relocation agencies are also common for short stays.
Yes. Share your city, budget and timing on the contact page and a consultant will reach out with practical shortlists — no obligation.
No. Rents are reference ranges that move with the market and building quality. Treat them as planning estimates and confirm current listings before deciding.
We provide orientation only. Visa and residency pages summarize official paths; for binding advice confirm with immigration authorities or a licensed advisor.
First, request the refund in writing with photo evidence. If that fails, apply for free mediation through your community committee, sub-district judicial office, or local comprehensive governance center. As a last resort, file a civil lawsuit at the People’s Court where the property is located. See the full process in our Rental Survival Guide. For Beijing-specific disputes, read our Beijing legal-traps guide.
You should request one. Under China’s Civil Code, contracts should be in a language both parties understand. If only Chinese is available, have a Chinese-speaking friend translate key clauses — lease term, rent, deposit, maintenance responsibility, and early-termination penalties — before signing. Read the contract checklist.
Yes. Under Article 39 of the Exit-Entry Administration Law, foreigners staying in non-hotel accommodation must register with local public security within 24 hours of check-in. Either you or the landlord can do it. Bring your passport, lease, and landlord/property documents. More on visa & residency.