The National Bureau of Statistics of China has issued a formal notice to households selected for the 2025 Fixed Sample Population Follow-up Survey. The letter below explains that two rounds of in-person surveys will be conducted nationwide to gather reliable data on population dynamics and support informed policymaking.
The surveys are scheduled around two key reference points: midnight on June 1 and midnight on November 1. Enumerators will visit selected households during the periods of June 1–25 and November 16–December 5 to carry out the survey. Residents are kindly asked to cooperate by providing accurate and complete information, which will be kept strictly confidential in line with China’s Statistics Law.
Dear Resident,
Greetings! Thank you for participating in the Fixed Sample Population Follow-up Survey.
The National Bureau of Statistics has decided to conduct two rounds of Fixed Sample Population Follow-up Surveys nationwide in 2025. The survey results will be used to strengthen population change statistics and support high-quality population development.
The standard reference times for the two surveys are midnight on June 1 and midnight on November 1. Between June 1 and June 25, and November 16 and December 5, survey enumerators will visit households to conduct the survey.
When our enumerator arrives at your home, we kindly ask for your cooperation. In accordance with the Statistics Law of the People’s Republic of China, please provide truthful, accurate, complete, and timely responses to the survey. You are requested to report information about the follow-up subjects and related individuals truthfully based on the enumerator’s inquiries.
Your responses will be kept strictly confidential in accordance with the Statistics Law and will not be disclosed or shared with unauthorized parties.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the enumerator’s visit, which may take up your rest time. We express our heartfelt gratitude for your understanding and support.
Wishing you and your family happiness and prosperity!
National Bureau of Statistics
May 2025
It’s unlikely to significantly affect most expats in Hainan, but there may be exceptions.
Here’s How:
1. Target Group: “Fixed Sample” Households
This survey focuses on a pre-selected, fixed sample of households across China for follow-up tracking. These samples are typically selected through random statistical sampling and are usually local, registered households (户籍 or hukou-based). That makes it unlikely that most expats will be part of the survey group.
2. Foreign Nationals Are Usually Excluded
China’s population surveys conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics generally exclude non-citizens, unless they are permanent residents or explicitly included for specific statistical purposes. Regular expats on work, study, or tourist visas typically wouldn’t be part of the target group.
3. Possible Exceptions
Expats might be affected if:
They live with or are registered under a Chinese household selected for the survey.
They are married to Chinese citizens and included in household registration.
They are long-term residents with Chinese permanent residency (绿卡).
In those cases, survey staff might still visit and ask questions relevant to the household, even if they don’t collect detailed data on the expat themselves.
Bottom Line:
Unless you are part of a statistically selected household with a Chinese hukou in Hainan, or closely tied to one, you’re unlikely to be directly affected by this survey.
Related article: China’s Six-Year Rule: What Expats Need to Know for 2025 Tax Compliance
