When the Olympic games was on, the cops came every month for me to sign a piece of paper and show my passport. This was done I guess as a precaution. This was done to all the foreigners at that time. Since then, it has not happened.

We had them come once, nearly two years ago, shortly after we moved to the north. Never saw them in the south.

It may be as blobbles said, just checking to see you are where you said you are.

In the past the Police were supposed to visit all the laowai in their area once every 3 months,,not sure if thats still the case,,but if their PSB station head gets a kick then you can expect them to come around.

A few years ago we had to sign for that visit and the 4 other visits that they didn't make.

I live in the north as well and have had a few visits and signed something. When I open the door and see the cop, I get my passport and the registration receipt, then sign where he points. Nobody ever came into the apartment and it was all smiles. If they gotta do it then we gotta play the game.

I used to have regular visits in a previous address, but nothing in my new house for 2 years.

I did finally get my "new" Residence Permit/Visa registered today. No reprimand for being 6 months late(!) but the PSB did confirm I am supposed to re-register every time I get a renewed visa.

Hi everyone! Yesterday the police was down my building for an old person who passed away, and when they saw me arrive they started playing investigation style and asking me if I was registered, which I did not (totally forgot)....since June 2014...
The other problem is i have a business VISA and the apartment rent was paid by the company Im invited to "do business with".

Although I can prove them Im leaving China soon (mid-june) I'm afraid they investigate on that business VISA (relation with PSB?) OR that they give me a HUGE fine for being late....
Your advices are still to arrive playing dumb, ignorant, victim of lack of info, maybe pretend my chinese sucks and always smile? Any change in the police behaviour concerning foreigners recently?

I don't see what law you've broken except not having registered - you can play ignorant but you are going to get fined, tho I doubt that it will be huge. I don't understand why the folks you were invited to do business with who rented the apartment have anything to do with it, except that maybe the cops will tell them they should have let you know that you have to register.

Business "Visas" normally allow a 60 day visit to China at one time. Work permits with a residence permit allow you to live and work here properly. If you are living in the apartment you are supposed to register with the local police station and normally they want to see a rental contract. The local company who invited you should help you with the contract and the police. The local police station may do little if you produce the contract and your passport with copies of each and maybe a picture of you. They can fine you. They could possibly escalate it to something bigger. If you want more help PM us.

Thanks Long-Dragon and Alien for your answers.
I just came back this morning with 11 months late....all smiling and "dontbuting" and it went perfectly. No remarks, no deep questions about my activity (just the name of my company) and especially no fine!

@paulwind: glad to hear they didn't hammer you - I think they can if they want to. First year & 1/2 I was here (early 2000s) I didn't register, my theory being that there desire to know what I do & where I am etc. is their problem & not mine, why should I volunteer to help others track me unless they ask? But then a friend pointed out that if my flat was robbed & I hadn't registered & I called the cops they could just say Hey we don't even know this is your flat etc. & I'd be without assistance.
Anyway, as you've found out, registration is pretty simple. When I finally registered there was no hassle & they didn't even mention the fact that I'd been in the flat for quite awhile - obviously, they'd known it, these guys are not blind.