China Newcomers EN

Guide · stage: first-30-days

开立本地银行账户

待核验
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 · 准备证件

What you need

Steps

Step 1 · 准备证件

待核验

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
外国人工作许可通知Issued 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:银行账户（芜湖市人民政府英文指引）如何申请银行卡（湖南省人民政府英文指引）外国商务人士在华工作生活指引（2025/2026 版）

Step 2 · 前往网点办理

待核验

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:银行账户（芜湖市人民政府英文指引）如何申请银行卡（湖南省人民政府英文指引）

Step 3 · 激活并领取卡

待核验

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

📌 Source:银行账户（芜湖市人民政府英文指引）
📌 Source:银行账户（芜湖市人民政府英文指引）如何申请银行卡（湖南省人民政府英文指引）外国商务人士在华工作生活指引（2025/2026 版）