Working in China

Despite recent economic challenges, China is still the world’s second-largest economy, offering many job opportunities for expats. Traditionally, most expats move to China for jobs through an intra-company transfer, to start a business, or to teach English.

To work in China, you’ll need a Chinese work permit. Getting one can be a complicated process, but your employer will typically handle most of it for you.

See Work Permits for China for more on working legally in the country.

Job market in China

Expats working in China typically fill upper-management and senior-level jobs in IT, human resources, finance, accounting and manufacturing. That said, as economic dynamics have shifted, skilled expats at all levels of the corporate ladder have been seeking employment in China. 

As the country moves towards a service-based economy and demands more specialised skills, many expats are now working in fields like sales, marketing, engineering, and banking.

The education sector remains the largest employer of expats, with many foreigners working as teachers. While teaching English used to be a lower-paying job, it now offers a good salary for expats with a college degree. Teaching is also a popular option for young expats who want to earn money while experiencing a new country and culture.

Finding a job in China

Most expat jobs in China are found in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, which have large expat communities. Speaking Mandarin can help you land a high-paying job, but many international companies use English for daily communication, so it's possible to get by without knowing Mandarin.

Most expats are hired by international firms, since there are fewer opportunities with Chinese-owned companies. Although many companies still cover housing, airfare, health insurance, and some tax payments, relocation packages aren't as generous as they once were.

Local businesses often prefer hiring Chinese candidates who have overseas experience. This is partly because hiring foreign employees can be expensive, and newcomers frequently struggle with the language and culture.

Some companies hire middle-management employees from places like Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. These candidates typically speak English, ask for lower salaries, and often know some Mandarin. Many young expats deal with this by taking lower-paying entry-level jobs, trading income for experience that will help them later in their careers, either in China or elsewhere.

To find a job in China, you can check company websites, online job portals, and employment networks like 51Job, Zhaopin, and eChinacities. Recruitment agencies can also be helpful.

When you get a job offer, make sure to carefully read your employment contract and understand the terms. Having a valid work permit and visa is essential, as foreigners who break the law in China can face serious consequences.

Useful links

• 51Job
• Zhaopin
• eChinacities

Work culture in China

In Chinese business culture, relationships, known as guanxi, are very important. This concept is like networking but more complex. People spend a lot of time building and maintaining relationships because local businesspeople usually prefer to work with those they know and trust.

Another key part of Chinese business culture is "saving face." You must always act with respect and dignity, and avoid doing anything that could embarrass or offend your Chinese colleagues.

Adjusting to Chinese corporate culture can be difficult for Western expats. The language barrier is one of the main challenges, so learning some basic Mandarin phrases is helpful.

Although it may be tough at first, many expats who successfully adapt to working in China report being very satisfied with their experience.