HOW TO get a Temporary Residence Permit
There’s something about getting the TRP (Temporary Residence Permit) that I find both annoying and endearing. It is annoying because (to me) it is such a mindless piece of unnecessary paperwork. I find it endearing in a strange way. Since it is one of the first things you must do when you settle in China, it gives you an introduction to the stifling levels of bureaucracy that exist everywhere.
You need the TRP for many reasons. First, it is technically illegal for you to live in China without registering at the nearest police station (if you stay at a hotel, they do the TRP for you). Second, you need it for any visa extensions or changes. Third, it is so that the government can send secret agents to bug your evil foreigner apartment when you’re at work.
Anyway. The easiest way is to go to the <b>nearest Public Safety Bureau office with the titleholder</b> of your home, or at least someone who has the authority of the landlord by proxy. Reason being, is that you likely need all sorts of documents (i.e. rental contract, paperwork from your apartment building, etc) to prove that you live where you say you live. Some areas in Beijing require nothing more than a contract. If you’re new to Beijing, just trust me and get your landlord or a suitable proxy to accompany you.
This bureau is usually the biggest police station in your neighbourhood, but not always. Ideally, meet your landlord somewhere beforehand then go there together. That is, unless you want to do what I did and wander in futility around Beijing looking for police stations, asking strangers in broken Chinglish, only to be pointed to the wrong police stations and getting yelled at by the “customer service” officers. Ah, first month in Beijing, so many memories.
If you get “caught” without a TRP, fines in Beijing can range from 200-500 RMB.
