Working in Shanghai

Shanghai, home to 29 million people, is a vibrant city with a diverse business environment. For those working in Shanghai, it’s important to know that China is shifting its focus from heavy industries like manufacturing to the service sector. While the economy is still growing, the pace is expected to be slower than in the past two decades.

Thanks to its strong financial sector, including the Shanghai Stock Exchange, Shanghai has led China's role in the global economy. Service industries such as retail and real estate also contribute significantly to the city’s economy.

Still, trade and manufacturing remain key industries in Shanghai. The city’s port is one of the busiest in the world, and industries like steelmaking, shipbuilding, and car manufacturing are vital to its economic success.

In recent years, Shanghai has also invested heavily in high-tech industries, such as electronics and biomedicine, keeping the city at the forefront of innovation.

Job market in Shanghai

Shanghai is known as one of the best cities in China for expats to find jobs. That said, competition for jobs has become much tougher. Many companies now hire workers from China and other Asian countries who accept lower wages than Western expats.

As a result, salaries and relocation packages are not as generous as they used to be. This makes it important for expats to negotiate their contracts carefully. Knowing Mandarin and having local experience can also give you an edge over other jobseekers.

Some expats are choosing lower-paying jobs in Shanghai to gain valuable experience that can help their careers in the long run. Despite this, expats in many fields can still expect to earn higher salaries than in their home countries.

If you have skills in marketing, media, finance, healthcare, engineering, or research, there are many job opportunities in Shanghai. The consultancy and human resources sectors also offer good work opportunities in the city.

Finding a job in Shanghai

Many foreigners working in Shanghai move there through an intra-company transfer, meaning they already work for the same company in their home country. This can make it easier to adjust to life in Shanghai because they often have connections in the city.

If you are looking for a job in Shanghai, starting your search online is a good idea. Websites like Glassdoor are helpful for networking and finding job openings. Local job portals, though some may only be in Mandarin, can also provide many opportunities. Using a recruitment agency is another great option, as they can help match you with jobs that fit your skills and experience.

When applying for jobs in China, make sure you understand the steps to get a work permit. In addition to the work permit, you will also need to apply for a work visa.

See Visas for China and Work Permits for China for more on securing a visa in the country. 

Useful links

• Glassdoor
• EChinaCities
• SmartShanghai

Work culture in Shanghai

Moving to Shanghai for work can be exciting, but it comes with challenges. Building relationships is key, as the Chinese business community tends to prefer working with people they know. This means you’ll need to spend time and effort developing trust and connections.

Business meetings and negotiations in Shanghai are often formal and lengthy and require patience. Another key aspect to working in Shanghai is saving face. This refers to avoiding publicly humiliating business associates and colleagues, as they could cause them to lose face. 

China has only seven national holidays each year, and while there are days off, the work hours are longer and workloads heavier than what you might be used to. The average workweek in Shanghai is about 46 hours, which may take some time to get used to.

Business Culture in China