China Newcomers 中文

Guide · stage: first-30-days

Open a Local Bank Account

Pending
Under review — This content is AI-drafted from official sources and has not yet been verified by a human editor. Treat as guidance, not a final ruling.

Foreigners can open a local RMB bank account with a valid passport and visa/residence permit. As of late 2024, account-opening for foreigners has been streamlined (PBOC Notice No. 298, 2024), and several cities publish English guides.

Your progress

Step 1 / 3 · Prepare identity documents

What you need

Steps

Step 1 · Prepare identity documents

Pending

Bring your passport, valid visa or residence permit, and (commonly) your work permit. A Chinese mobile number is usually required for verification and online banking.

Documents for this step

DocumentNotes
Foreigner's Work Permit Notification LetterIssued by the employer's local science & technology (foreigner management) bureau after the work permit application is approved. Required to apply for the Z visa at a Chinese embassy/consulate abroad.

⚠ Pitfalls

  • Some branches reject applications without a local phone number
  • Carry the original work permit, not just a photo
📌 Source:Bank Accounts (Wuhu Municipal Government English Guide)How to Apply for a Bank Card (Hunan Provincial Government English Guide)Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2025/2026 Edition)

Step 2 · Visit a branch and apply

Pending

Visit a bank branch, fill in the application form, complete biometric verification (face / fingerprint), and choose a debit card and mobile banking.

⏱ 1 hours

💰 0 CNY · most basic accounts are free to open

⚠ Pitfalls

  • Avoid peak lunch hours; some branches have a dedicated foreigner window
📌 Source:Bank Accounts (Wuhu Municipal Government English Guide)How to Apply for a Bank Card (Hunan Provincial Government English Guide)

Step 3 · Activate and receive the card

Pending

After approval, activate the account, set the PIN, and receive the debit card. Link mobile banking if needed.

📌 Source:Bank Accounts (Wuhu Municipal Government English Guide)
📌 Source:Bank Accounts (Wuhu Municipal Government English Guide)How to Apply for a Bank Card (Hunan Provincial Government English Guide)Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2025/2026 Edition)