Arranging paperwork and administrative tasks isn’t easy, particularly if you don’t speak Mandarin. But bureaucracy is unwavering, so if you follow the rules and accept there are no exceptions then things will be less frustrating. Employers often help, and this should be checked in advance. A company unwilling to help should be treated with scepticism. The following items should be kept easily to hand:

• Passport and copies (by law, you must always carry a copy of your passport and visa).
• Passport photographs.
• Work Permit for Aliens.
• Resident’s card.
• Police registration certificate.
• Copies of dependents’ passports and visas.
• Marriage certificate.
• Birth or adoption certificates.
• Pet vaccination cards (including rabies certificate and blood test result – RNATT) and electronic chip number.
• Health certificate.
• Driving licence.