Relocating to Shanghai- a guide for newcomers 2026

Welcome to relocate to Shanghai

Relocating to a new country is always a mix of excitement and uncertainty-and moving to Shanghai is no exception. As one of Asia's most dynamic global cities, Shanghai offers an incredible blend of modern convenience, rich culture, and international opportunity.

For newcomers,understanding what life here looks like can make the transition smoother and far more enjoyable.

Before moving to Shanghai

1. Get to know Shanghai

Shanghai is China's most dynamic global city-where tradition and innovation meet. As the country's financial and commercial hub, it blends historic neighborhoods and waterfront heritage with a futuristic skyline led by Lujiazui.

From world-class business districts and luxury real estate to vibrant culture, dining, and art, Shanghai offers unmatched energy and opportunity. International, fast-paced, and forward-looking, it is a city that connects China with the world.

Download Top-3 Essential Chinese Apps before coming

01. WeChat

Often described as China’s “app for everything”, WeChat is a messaging, social media, and mobile payment app rolled into one. It’s used for chatting with friends, making voice and video calls, and even paying for goods and services both online and offline.

02. Alipay

Alipay is the online payment platform, offering a wide range of services including mobile payments, bill payments, and even wealth management services. It’s used for everything from buying groceries to paying utility bills.

03. VPN

Download VPN before coming as when you land at airport, you can not use certain international social medias.

Please check this article out for reference

Which VPN should you use in China, and how do you choose a reliable VPN? — Genie Yip

2. Visa and Immigration

China has expanded its unilateral visa-free policy, allowing citizens from over 40 countries—including most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and several Latin American nations—to enter without a visa for up to 30 days for business, tourism, or transit through the end of 2026. 

Key Visa-Free Countries (As of late 2025/early 2026):

• Europe (30+ Countries): Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania https://discover.passportindex.org/policy-and-regulations/china-extends-visa-free-entry-to-46-countries-until-end-of-20 

  
  

For long-term working and living in China, ensure you have the correct visa for your stay in Shanghai. Common visa types include:

• Work Visa (Z Visa): Required for employment.

• Business Visa( M Visa): There are various types, including 30, 60, 90 days, the M visa can be valid between 1 year to 5 years.

• Work Permit: A work contract and invitation letter from an employer are required to convert to a Z visa into a work permit.

• Student Visa (X Visa): For those studying in Shanghai.

• Tourist Visa (L Visa): For short visits.

  
  

Visas & Immigration | Ciao Space Shanghai

Check the latest immigration regulations and prepare necessary documents in advance.

3. Get knowledge of rental market

Getting a nice apartment in a prime location in Shanghai is not easy.

Shanghai is the large city with 25m population. You may get confused where to live.

Choosing the right neiborhood is important

Accommodation options in Shanghai vary widely. Consider the following:

• Expats' Preferred Areas: French Concession, Jing 'an, Xintiandi, Gubei, Minghang&qing pu, Lujiazui and Biyun.

• Types of Housing: Lane house, Apartments, serviced apartments, and villas.

  Please check out the link to understand the type of housing.

  Home Search in Shanghai | Ciao Space Shanghai

• Rental Costs: Prices can vary significantly based on location and amenities.

It’s advisable to visit properties in person if possible.

Please check out the related blog regarding home search in Shanghai

How can I find a home in Shanghai?

4. Cost of Living & Payment system

The cost of living in Shanghai can be high compared to other Chinese cities. Key expenses include:

I list a table for reference for 1 person per month's cost of living in Shanghai from basic, comfortable, A-Tier and S-Tier.

*Monthly	Cost
Expense	Basic	Comfortable	A-Tier	S-Tier
Rental	USD $1000+	USD $2000+	USD $3000+	USD $4000+
Food	USD $100	USD $200	USD $300	USD $400
Transportation	USD $100	USD $200	USD $300	USD $400
Eating Out	USD $100	USD $200	USD $300	USD $400
Utilities	USD $80	USD $150	USD $200	USD $300
Phone	USD $30	USD $50	USD $70	USD $100
Drinks	USD $20	USD $40	USD $50	USD $80
Event/Fun	USD $100	USD $200	USD $300	USD $400
Others	USD $100	USD $200	USD $300	USD $400

• Housing: Rental of course is a big expense in Shanghai. The housing in Shanghai is not very cheap and rent prices can be steep, especially in expat-friendly neighborhoods.

  Rental from USD$ 1000- 4000 is very common range.

  Please check out our long-term listings for reference.

  Long Term (List) | Ciao Space Shanghai

• Food: Baisc food ( meat, vegans) is very affordable, but buying international imported food at international supermarket can be pricier.

  What are the popular surpermarkets or online groceries in Shanghai?

  Like Epermarket, ALDI, City Super, Times Grocery

• Transportation:

  Metro: Fast and convenient, over 20 lines in the city and covering major areas of the city, only cost less than $1 for long distance. Highly recommended !

  Bus: Very cheap but hard to manage for new comers.

  Taxis or Local Uber( Didi): Downlord Didi before coming. It costs around 30 RMB ( less than USD$5 for 5km)

• Eating out: Very cheap in Shanghai compare with most of international cities all over the world and we have online order apps like eleme, Meituan which is even cheaper when you use coupons.

• Utilities: Very cheap in China compare with most of international city over the world. However, if you have floor heating using gas, it could be expensive during the winter.

• Phone: We have China mobile, China Unicom and China telecom those 3 supplies to be choosen and suggest to use China mobile for phone, China telecom for WIFi at home.

• Drinks: Shanghai is often called one of the world's coffee capital.

  Trendy Cafes are very easy to be found in downtown.

• Events & Fun: Best way to meet people is going out for fun. If you will live in FFC( Former French Concession), Jing an or Xintiandi, then it's a great chance to join more expats events, having fun in pubs.

• Payment system: We are cashless society. Please download Alipay and Wechat and set up before coming.

5. Kids' Education

Searching an international for school is complicated in Shanghai.

These cater primarily to foreign passport holders and offer a full range of education from preschool through high school.

Popular examples include:

• Shanghai American School

• Dulwich College Shanghai

• Wellington College Shanghai

• Shanghai Community International School

• British International School Shanghai

• Britanica International School

• Lycee Francais de Shanghai

• Yew Chung International School

• Concordia International School

• Nord Anglia International School

• Shanghai Singapore International School

  
  

Please check this article out for reference

A Guide for Parents: Choosing International Schools in Shanghai — Genie Yip

6. Language & Culture

While English is spoken in many expat areas, learning basic Mandarin can be beneficial. Consider enrolling in language classes or using language apps to improve your skills.

• Activities: Enjoy museums, parks, and cultural festivals.

• Nightlife: The city has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and clubs.

• How to Establish a Network of Support as an Expat in Shanghai?

7. Healthcare

Shanghai has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities. Key points include:

• Insurance: Ensure you have health insurance that covers international hospitals.

• Hospitals: International hospitals offer services in English and cater to expats.

What are the popular international hospitals are used by expats in Shanghai?

Parkway, United, Jia Hui

9. Building a Community

Connecting with other expats can ease the transition. Consider:

• Joining Expat Groups: Join Wechat group and local meet-ups.

• Participating in Community Events: Engage in local activities and social gatherings.

• Please see this article for details

  Exploring Shanghai's Expat Enclaves: Finding a Sense of Community

  
  
  
  

Final Thoughts

Relocating to Shanghai is more than just a move-it's the begining of an enriching experience in one of the world's most exciting cities. With the right preparation and a sense of curiosity, newcomers often find that Shanghai doesn't just welcome them-it quickly feels like home !