How to Rent an Apartment in Shenzhen as a Foreigner: Step-by-Step (2026)
Updated: 2026-11-07 · 3 min read
What you need before you start
Most landlords in Shenzhen will ask for a passport, and — if you already work in China — proof of employment or income. You do not need a local ID card. If you are still abroad, a clear photo of your passport and a short introduction about your job and move-in date is usually enough to start viewings.
Set your budget with the full monthly cost in mind: rent is quoted per month, and on top of it you may pay a property management fee, internet and utilities. A realistic starting point for a furnished one-bedroom in Nanshan is around ¥6,000–9,000 per month.
Documents, deposit and agency fee
The standard deposit in Shenzhen is “押二付一” — two months’ deposit plus the first month’s rent. Anything above three months’ deposit should make you ask why. The lease is normally one year, renewable, and the contract should exist in both Chinese and English.
Agency fees are typically up to one month’s rent. A good agency tells you the fee before viewings, not after you have fallen in love with an apartment.
Viewing and signing
View an apartment in person whenever possible: check water pressure, internet speed, noise from the street and how the compound looks at night. If you are overseas, ask for a live video walkthrough instead of pre-recorded clips.
Before signing, confirm in writing: who pays which utility, the deposit return conditions, what happens if the apartment is sold, and the exact move-in date. Our team signs bilingual contracts as standard, so every clause exists in English.
Move-in day
On move-in day, take photos of every room and the electricity, gas and water meter readings. Within 24 hours you must register your address at the local police station — this is required for your residence permit and visa renewals.
Apartments you might like
¥7,500/monthNanshan Airy Loft Rentals
Nanshan Airy Loft Rentals · nanshan · Line 5 · Liwan
¥8,000/monthNanshan Cozy Two-bed Rentals
Nanshan Cozy Two · nanshan · Line 1 · Daxin
¥8,500/monthNanshan Sunny Two-bed Rentals
Nanshan Sunny Two · nanshan · Line 1 · Daxin
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