How do you enrol children in public school in China in 2026?

Schools and education bureaus typically ask for the child’s passport, the parents’ passports and residence permits, temporary residence registration for the actual address, prior school records with Chinese translations when required, and vaccination or health booklets. Some districts add guardianship or property documents. Rules differ between Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and inland cities, so use the live district list rather than a WeChat rumour.

Grade placement follows age and completed years more than English fluency. Putonghua is the classroom language. If your child needs English-medium teaching, you are shopping international or bilingual private tracks, not ordinary municipal schools: Children starting school without Chinese and International school costs.

Family housing often follows school buses in Jinqiao, Shunyi, or Shekou when international schools are the plan: Best places for families. For municipal Chinese schools, live inside the catchment you can actually document. Cross-city commuting for a “better” district seat burns evenings and fails many enrolment audits.

Preschool and kindergarten years use different fee and enrolment systems from compulsory primary grades: Childcare costs. Parent WeChat groups carry homework, trip fees, and illness notices in Chinese; budget translation help if both parents lack Mandarin. Fold school paperwork into the wider settling list: Paperwork after moving.