The child is starting school
The range runs from zero to ¥360,000 a year — and the choice of structure matters more than the registration itself
State schools in China are free and admit foreign children on equal terms with locals: a passport, a residence permit and a parent who works or lives in that city. International costs 140,000–360,000 ¥ per year. The difference between these options more than in any other country in our network, which is why our work here it starts with the choice, not the paperwork.
Who it suits. For families with school-age children. Those choosing between state, bilingual and international school. And with the fact that, who are planning senior school — not all schools accept everyone, and entry is usually by exam.
What is included
- We review the options honestly: state schools are free, bilingual schools in Shenzhen cost 140,000–230,000 ¥, international schools in Shanghai 205,000–320,000 ¥, in Shenzhen 220,000–360,000 ¥
- We check what you have for the state option: the child’s passport, residence permit, and a parent’s employment or residence in the same city
- School search by area and curriculum, enrollment, and interview support
- Translation and recognition of grades and vaccination records
- ⚠️ Factor in hidden costs beyond tuition: school bus 20,000–45,000 ¥, lunch 8,000–15,000 ¥, uniform and materials 3,000–10,000 ¥ per year
- For high school — exam preparation and a list of schools that accept international students
What the package does not include
Paid separately and directly, with no markup from us.
- Tuition and school fees: this is not our service, paid directly to the school
- International school deposit, where applicable
- Tutors and Chinese language preparation
- Residence permit for a child: a separate package
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.
We review the options and calculate the full annual cost, find the right school, handle enrolment, manage the paperwork, and see through grade recognition.
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 «The child is starting school» · 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.