LIFESHENZHEN — YOUR FAMILY SYSTEM CHECKLIST
Raising children in Shenzhen | Reviewed 25 October 2026
Guide: https://lifeshenzhen.com/families/raising-children-in-shenzhen/

Use this as a planning list. Requirements vary by family, school and provider.
Confirm the current requirements directly before travel, payment or an application.
Keep completed documents securely; do not put passport numbers or medical details
into a public checklist or send them through the website planner.

1. LEGAL STAY AND ADDRESS
[ ] Confirm each person's nationality, entry permission and residence route.
[ ] Check passports, validity dates and relationship documents.
[ ] Ask which documents need translation, certification or another formal process.
[ ] Confirm accommodation registration arrangements for every family member.
[ ] Keep the current registration record and check the process after moving.
[ ] Set your own reminders for visa, permit and passport expiry dates.

2. SCHOOL AND WEEKDAY GEOGRAPHY
[ ] Confirm the child's eligibility directly with each school or district bureau.
[ ] Compare curriculum, teaching language and learning-support arrangements.
[ ] Request a complete annual cost: tuition, transport, meals and other charges.
[ ] Prepare reports, references, vaccination records and requested support records.
[ ] Visit shortlisted schools and test the school run at the actual travel time.
[ ] Confirm a place and admissions conditions before committing to a long lease.
[ ] Check pickup permissions, school transport and backup collection arrangements.

3. HEALTH AND EMERGENCIES
[ ] Choose a nearby routine-care provider and a suitable paediatric hospital.
[ ] Confirm opening hours, appointment channels and emergency capability.
[ ] Check insurance coverage, direct billing, exclusions and payment requirements.
[ ] Bring dated immunisation records and ask the local provider about next steps.
[ ] Keep current allergies, medicines and care instructions securely accessible.
[ ] Save the home address and selected hospital names in Chinese and English.
[ ] Share emergency contacts and pickup instructions with trusted caregivers.
[ ] For an emergency in mainland China: ambulance 120; police 110; fire 119.

4. LANGUAGES AND IDENTITY
[ ] Agree a realistic home-language routine with time for reading and conversation.
[ ] Ask how school supports children learning the teaching language.
[ ] Ask what Mandarin teaching and beginner support actually involve.
[ ] Add regular language contact through play, friends and familiar local routines.
[ ] Review how the child is settling in without turning every outing into a lesson.

5. WEEKLY VILLAGE AND SUPPORT
[ ] Pick one easy outdoor place, one repeatable activity and time for rest.
[ ] Find a school contact, a neighbour and a trusted backup for care or collection.
[ ] Agree caregiver hours, responsibilities, communication and emergency procedures.
[ ] Check lawful employment arrangements before engaging household help.
[ ] Build a wet-weather plan and check official severe-weather notices.
[ ] Include school holidays, parent travel and backup care in the family calendar.

6. SECURE FAMILY FILE
[ ] Organise identity, legal-stay, school, health and insurance documents.
[ ] Keep one secure backup and a short emergency information pack.
[ ] Record who may access each item and who can collect the child.
[ ] Update contacts and records when the home, school or care arrangements change.
[ ] Make sure a trusted adult knows how to reach you and find essential information.

BEFORE THE FIRST WEEK ENDS
[ ] Check accommodation registration and each person's permission to stay.
[ ] Set up a working phone, everyday payments and a practical transport route.
[ ] Confirm school or temporary learning and childcare arrangements.
[ ] Save the selected healthcare contacts and bilingual address.
[ ] Try one simple neighbourhood routine together.

USEFUL TOOLS AND OFFICIAL SOURCE LINKS
The guide links to family visa, school comparison, healthcare, housing, area,
living-cost and activity guides, with the supporting official source pages.
Check sources again when your circumstances change.

LifeShenzhen | https://lifeshenzhen.com/