Living in Shanghai: the ultimate expat guide

All you need to know to enter Shanghai and settle in. Learn entry requirements, the documents you need, how to apply for a visa or residency, and tips to navigate the bureaucracy smoothly.

Shanghai is an economic powerhouse, hosting regional headquarters for multinational corporations and leading domestic companies across several industries.

Shanghai's housing market includes everything from sleek high-rise apartments to traditional lane houses and older walk-up buildings.

The cost of living in Shanghai ranks among China's highest, though overall expenses remain substantially lower than major Western metropolises like London or New York.

Monthly expenses for a single person

Data correct as of December 2025.

Monthly expenses for a family of four

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources: Numbeo, Wise

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Shanghai hosts prestigious universities that rank among China's top educational establishments and attract students from around the world.

Expat children in Shanghai access high-quality education through three pathways: international schools for foreign passport holders, international or bilingual divisions within local schools, and, in more limited cases, public or private Chinese schools. The city is home to a large number of well-established institutions serving international families, with curricula representing multiple countries and education systems.

International schools

Among the options are Shanghai American School (SAS), which was founded in 1912, and operates two campuses offering education from PreK through Grade 12, making it one of China's largest and most established international schools. Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) serves families representing over 60 nationalities across its Hongqiao and Pudong campuses. Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi enrolls students from Early Years through Year 13, following the British curriculum.

Across the city, schools offer American curricula with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, British IGCSE and A-Level systems, as well as French and German options.

Enrollment process

Families typically submit an application along with developmental assessments for younger children or academic testing and school records for older students. Placement is based on age, academic history, and developmental readiness. The academic year generally runs from mid-August to mid-June across two semesters.

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Shanghai’s streets are alive with constant motion—delivery drivers navigating traffic, street vendors grilling skewers, and locals shopping at bustling morning markets. Sidewalks fill with commuters heading to work, elderly residents practicing tai chi in parks, and groups gathered around mahjong tables. Neighborhoods vary dramatically: modern shopping districts transition to traditional lane houses where laundry hangs overhead and neighbors chat outside. Convenience stores operate 24/7, while food delivery drivers bring everything from noodles to upscale meals directly to apartment doors..

Shanghai delivers endless cultural experiences spanning 5,000 years of Chinese history alongside contemporary international offerings. The Shanghai Museum, with locations at People's Square and Shanghai Museum East, houses cultural relics including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings. China Art Museum, housed in the distinctive China Pavilion from Expo 2010, showcases modern Chinese art collections and recreations of the legendary painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival."

Shanghai offers expatriates a unique mix of economic opportunity, cultural richness, and modern living in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. The city supports both career growth and family life, with thriving job markets in finance, technology, and professional services, alongside world-class universities and a wide range of international schools. Efficient public transportation, diverse neighborhoods, and a spectrum of entertainment—from traditional Chinese culture to international arts and dining—ensure daily experiences are always engaging. For newcomers, online communities like the Expat.com Shanghai forum provide practical advice, local insights, and a space to connect with others navigating life in this vibrant metropolis.