Work in China

Z Visa, contracts, tax, social insurance, housing, banking, driver's license.

Z Visa & Work Permit Timeline (2-4 months)

Start early. Every step needs documents from different agencies.

1

Month 1: Employer applies for Work Permit Notice. Needs: degree (apostilled), background check (apostilled), health check, contract, passport, photo.

2

Month 2: Apply for Z Visa at Chinese embassy with Work Permit Notice. Processing: 4-10 business days.

3

Week 1 in China: Register at police station. Medical check at designated hospital (¥300-600).

4

Week 2-4: Employer applies for Work Permit card. Then Residence Permit at Exit-Entry Bureau. You're now legal.

Employment Contract — Key Clauses

Chinese labor law is pro-worker, but enforcement depends on contract language.

1. Salary in RMB. If in foreign currency, ensure exchange rate mechanism is defined.

2. Legal max: 40h/week. Overtime: 1.5x weekday, 2x weekend, 3x holiday.

3. Housing allowance is tax-advantaged when separate from salary (¥3,000-15,000/month).

4. Termination: 30 days notice or 1 month salary. Can't be waived.

5. Non-compete only enforceable if they pay you during the period (min 30% of salary).

Income Tax (2026)

Progressive rates. Foreigners get ¥5,000/month standard deduction.

0-3,000: 3% | 3K-12K: 10% | 12K-25K: 20% | 25K-35K: 25% | 35K-55K: 30% | 55K-80K: 35% | 80K+: 45%

Foreigners can deduct: rent (¥800-1,500/mo), children's education (¥1,000/child/mo), continuing education (¥400/mo), language training.

Social Insurance

Legally required. Enforcement varies by city. ~10.5% from you + ~30% from employer.

Bilateral agreements with: Germany, South Korea, Denmark, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Spain, Luxembourg, Japan, Serbia, France. You may be exempt from certain contributions.

Finding an Apartment

The rental market moves FAST. Apartments get rented in 1-3 days.

Best: Ziroom (自如, English interface, verified listings), Lianjia (largest agency), Wellcee (direct from landlords). Avoid: 58.com (fake listings).

Red flags: deposit > 1 month. Contract must include landlord ID + property certificate. Take dated photos of everything at move-in. Clarify who pays property management fee (物业费).

Bank Account

Required docs: Passport, Residence Permit, Work Permit, Employment contract, Tax ID, Chinese phone number, ¥10-20 cash.

Required Documents

Best banks: ICBC (largest), Bank of China (English interface), China Merchants Bank (best app). Avoid smaller regional banks.

Driver's License

IDP not recognized. You need a Chinese license. Many countries' license holders only need the written test.

Get foreign license translated (¥200-300) → Medical check (¥50) → Computer Theory Test (100 questions, 90 to pass, English available) → Get license. Study: LaowaiDrive app (¥30).