China

Employment taxes

• Income tax in China is progressive, you pay more as you earn more.
• Rates start at 3% and go up to 45% (but don’t worry, most fall in the 3%–25% range).
• Your employer will handle tax withholding, so it’s not on you to calculate it monthly.
• Social insurance contributions are also deducted. They cover your healthcare, pension, unemployment, and more.

Leave policy

• Vacation: Employees are entitled to 5 to 15 days of paid vacation per year, depending on their length of service - 5 days (1–10 years), 10 days (10–20 years), and 15 days (20+ years).
• Public holidays: China has 7 official public holidays, including major ones like Chinese New Year and National Day, which can stretch into week-long breaks thanks to adjusted workdays before or after.
• Sick leave: Up to 180 days paid, based on length of service and local rules. You’ll need a doctor’s note.
• Maternity leave: At least 98 days of paid leave, with many regions adding 30 to 60+ extra days, bringing the total to around 128 to 158 days, or more in some areas.
• Paternity leave: Around 7–15 days, depending on the region.
• Parental leave: Varies by location, with some cities offering additional leave for parents with young children.

Employment termination

• Termination must follow strict legal procedures, China takes employee rights seriously.
• Employers need just cause, proper notice periods (generally 30 days), and in most cases, severance pay.
• Probation periods (1–6 months) allow for easier termination, but still with rules.

Hiring and contracts

• Written contracts are mandatory, signed by both parties.
• Contracts must be in English and/or Chinese and can be bilingual.
• Contracts must include job duties, salary, work hours, leave, and termination terms.
• Common contract types include fixed-term, open-ended, and project-based contracts.

Benefits

Mandatory:

• Pension fund
• Medical insurance
• Work-related injury insurance
• Unemployment insurance
• Maternity insurance
• Housing fund (contributions go toward housing costs)

Optional:

• Commercial health insurance
• Housing allowances
• Annual bonuses
• Gym or wellness perks
• Language classes

Monthly living cost (Beijing Edition)

• Rent (1-bedroom apartment, city center): RMB 7,000–9,000 (€910–€1,170 / $980–$1,260)
• Eating out & groceries: RMB 2,000–3,000 (€260–€390 / $280–$420)
• Public transport (subway, buses, shared bikes): RMB 100–200 (€13–€26 / $14–$28)
• Phone & Internet: RMB 150 (€20 / $21)
• Coffee (per cup): RMB 25–40 (€3.25–€5.20 / $3.50–$5.60)

How to get a local ID number

• All employees must have a Chinese tax identification number (TIN), it’s assigned automatically when you start working and paying taxes.
• If you're working remotely from China, you may still need one depending on your tax status. Your employer or hiring partner will guide you.

Social Security Registration

• Your employer is responsible for registering you in the Chinese social insurance system.
• You’ll be enrolled in all five social insurances + housing fund.
• For remote workers, registration may not be mandatory unless you’re hired via a local entity.

Banking

Opening a bank account is essential, you’ll need it to receive your salary and pay for pretty much everything.

Popular banks:

• ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China)
• Bank of China
• China Construction Bank
• Agricultural Bank of China

Bring your passport, visa/residence permit, and patience. Some banks are faster than others. A Chinese mobile number helps, too.

Housing and rental process

• Rent is usually paid monthly or every 3 months, often with a 1–2 month deposit.
• Short-term rentals exist, but long-term leases offer better rates.
• Foreigners have tenant rights, your lease must be written and registered.
• Always ask for fapiao (official receipts) if you need housing tax deductions.

Healthcare system

• Public healthcare is available through social insurance, but you may face language barriers or long wait times.
• Many expats use private hospitals or international clinics for convenience and English-speaking doctors.
• Some employers offer private health insurance to cover those costs.

Driving and public transport

• Public transport is top-tier, subways in major cities are clean, fast, and cheap.
• Buses, ride-hailing apps (like DiDi), and high-speed trains make domestic travel easy.
• You can use Alipay or WeChat to pay for most transport.
• Driving? You’ll need to convert your foreign license and pass a theory test.

Emergency and important contacts

• General emergency: 110
• Ambulance: 120
• Fire: 119
• Foreign Affairs Office: Help for visa and expat issues
• Download WeChat - it’s not just for messaging, it’s how China works.

Work permit and visa requirements

• You’ll need a Z visa to work legally in China. This must be obtained before arriving.
• Your employer helps with the invitation letter and documents.
• Once in China, convert your Z visa into a residence permit within 30 days.
• Remote workers may enter on other visas but must check local tax/residency requirements.

Business culture and work norms

• Hierarchy and respect are key, know your titles and use them.
• Meetings might not feel like decisions are being made, but discussions happen outside the room.
• Relationships are everything. Build trust, and doors open.