Q&A
Q:
If a foreigner visiting China for travel purposes lives in a serviced apartment (which is different from a hotel and whose guest registration system is not connected with the public security system), does he/she need to go to the public security bureau for residence registration within 24 hours of arrival? 07-28
A:
Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality: Yes, he/she should go to a nearby police station for residence registration.
Q:
Can I still buy and eat seafood? 06-20
A:
Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Current studies show that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted mainly through droplets and close contact. Transmission through aerosol is also possible if you’re exposed to high-concentration aerosol in confined spaces for a long time, and other transmission channels are still to be confirmed. Currently, there’s no evidence showing that eating seafood can cause COVID-19 infection. In daily life, citizens should pay attention to food hygiene and safety. Different chopping boards should be used for raw ingredients and cooked food. After processing raw meat, poultry and seafood, please wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and running water.
Q:
If I have had contact with someone who’s been to an epidemic-affected area and my nucleic acid test result is negative, should I undergo quarantine? 06-15
A:
Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention: According to current epidemiological investigations and research findings, the COVID-19 incubation period ranges from 1 to 14 days, and confirmed cases usually have an incubation period from 3 to 7 days. If the person you had contact with has ruled out COVID-19 infection, you don’t need to be quarantined. If the person is infected, but you took preventative measures during your contact with him or her and your nucleic acid test result is negative, then you don’t need to be quarantined. However, if you didn’t take preventative measures while you had contact with the person, even if your test result is negative, you’ll have to undergo a 14-day collective quarantine according to related policies.
Q:
My husband is of American nationality and he wants to live in Shenzhen with no plan to go back. What document does he need? 06-05
A:
Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality: If your husband does not work in Shenzhen, he is advised to apply for a residence permit for family reunion purposes. Please refer to the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality website for requirements.
Q:
Is marriage or divorce registration handled immediately? How long will it take? 04-12
A:
Civil Affairs Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality: Marriage or divorce registration is handled immediately at the marriage registry office, which takes about half an hour.
Q:
The child of my foreign friend currently lives with her mother in Shenzhen. That child’s visa is about to expire, and she wants to continue living in Shenzhen with her mother. What type of document should she apply for? 03-11
A:
Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality: If the immediate family members of a foreigner working in Shenzhen come to the city for a short-time family reunion, they may apply for an S2 visa. If the spouse or children (under 18 years of age) of a foreigner working in Shenzhen want to stay in Shenzhen, they may apply for a residence permit for personal affairs by affiliating with the foreigner. For more details, please refer to the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality website.