Objective To investigate GRP78 expression in clear renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) and its correlation with survival. Methods Immunohistochemistry was performed using paraffin-embedded specimens of 102 CRCC. GRP78 positivity was determined based on intensity of staining and percentage of cells stained by SP methods. The survival curve was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier plots and the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazard model was performed to evaluate independent factors for overall survival (OS). Results Compared with patients in lower expression GRP78, the patients in higher GRP78 expression had shorter survival time. A statistically significant correlation was found between GRP78 expression and OS. Positivity of GRP78 expression was an independent risk factor in predicting survival by Cox proportional hazard model. Conclusion There was a significant correlation between GRP78 expression level and prognosis of RCC. GRP78 might be a useful marker to predict survival in patients with RCC.