First week in China
The first day makes more of a difference than the first week
In China the clock starts not at one week but at 24 hours: that is how long for residence registration at the police station. The hotel handles it automatically, a rented flat — no. Without this document, applications will not be accepted for a residence permit, and the whole timeline shifts. Next comes the number, account and payment apps without which you can’t buy anything in China.
Who it suits. For those arriving for the first time. For those renting an apartment rather than staying at the hotel. And for those who have already been here a week and realized that without WeChat Pay even the metro is not running.
What is included
- We register you with the police within the first 24 hours of arrival — a hotel handles this this yourself, a rented flat cannot, and without registration the documents for a residence permit will not be accepted
- A Chinese phone number: without one, you cannot set up a bank account or a payment app
- Account at a Chinese bank with WeChat Pay and Alipay linked
- Medical examination for work status: appointment, escort, and receipt of results
- Neighbourhood orientation: markets, pharmacy, clinic, transit card
- Translator for your first visits to government offices
What the package does not include
Paid separately and directly, with no markup from us.
- The bank decides: the bank opens the account on its own terms and may refuse — we prepare the package and go with you
- Rental and deposit: this is a separate service
- Residence permit: a separate package, filed within 30 days of entry
- Health insurance
- Fees: medical exam 480–500 ¥ paid directly
Russian nationals enter China visa-free for 30 days — from 15 September 2025, and the scheme has been extended through December 31, 2027. Entry is free, and that is precisely why people lose money here. The residence permit is a Chinese-style visa for residence — issued only to those who entered on a Z, X1, Q1, or S1 visa, and such a visa is obtained at a consulate abroad. Flying in ’scout things out and sort the paperwork on arrival’ won’t work: you’ll need to leave, to reapply and return. As for timelines, even Chinese agents themselves obtaining work status from abroad takes over three months procedures plus two months for documents and legalisation. We consider this calendar before you buy the first ticket, and we plan the route so that so that the trip is one, not three.
Police registration within the first 24 hours, SIM card, bank account, WeChat Pay and Alipay setup, medical check, neighborhood orientation, and an interpreter for appointments.
Prices are in Chinese yuan and are all-inclusive — nothing is added on top. The dollar figure in brackets is for reference, based on a rate of $1 = ¥6.72. Chinese government fees are paid separately and directly: residence permit 400 ¥ for up to one year and 800 ¥ for one to three years, medical examination 480–500 ¥, permanent residence application 1,500 ¥. Russian consular legalisation costs approximately 8,540 ₽ per document. SVOY initial consultation — 600 ¥ ($89), credited in the cost of support. It is charged from the first minute: Chinese agencies offer a free call, but a free call is simply tory about services — and for that fee we analyse your situation and provide an itinerary with a calendar and budget.
Other points
Housing rental and purchase, documents, bank accounts and taxes, schooling, driving licence — 33 services in China, each has its own price.
Package «First week» · China
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The same package in another country
There is only one moment in life, but the documents, deadlines and costs are unique to each case: the rules are set by the country.