Work In China Jobs

With China's economy growing rapidly (it is now the second largest economy in the world), the employment outlook for China is very good. For foreigners considering working in China, the opportunity to experience a completely different culture can be a huge challenge.

Jobs in China

Most of the job opportunities for foreigners are located in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai (China's commercial and industrial hubs) and many multinational companies have their Asian headquarters in eastern coastal cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Tianjin.

How to get a job in China

Try to get a job before you come to China, as this may affect the type of visa you need to apply for.

For international job seekers, one of the easiest ways to get a job before coming to China is through secondment to an international company in their home country.

Relationships are very important, if not possible. In China, job seekers rely heavily on personal contacts in the job search process, as some job openings are not formally advertised. In this case, having some knowledge of Mandarin can go a long way.

Applications in China usually include a CV and a short cover letter. If you speak Mandarin and are applying to a Chinese company, it's a good idea to write your application in Mandarin to prove your knowledge.

If your application is successful, you may have to go through multiple interviews before you find out if you got the job.

Chinese Visas

Before you can work in China, you must obtain a visa.

The type of visa you'll require depends on the length and purpose of your stay. To work in China, you'll need a Z visa and an official invitation to the country by an employer. You can apply for a Z visa at your local Chinese embassy. For stays of any length, you must register with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arrival.

If you plan to stay in the country for more than six months, you'll also need a residence permit. To acquire a work visa or residence permit, you may need to prove that you haven't got a criminal record.

It's illegal to work if you're in China on a study visa (F visa) or tourist visa (L visa), so if you find employment during this time, you'll need to change visa types.

Chinese language requirements

In Chinese companies and more rural areas, Mandarin Chinese is the main language for business activities. To work for a Chinese company, it's best to speak Mandarin Chinese. In cities like Beijing and Shanghai, if you don't speak Chinese, you shouldn't have much of a problem.

In China, however, English fluency varies greatly from person to person, often depending on age and geographic location. In general, older people and people in rural areas rarely speak English, while mastery of English is more common among young people and those living in cosmopolitan cities.

However, foreigners who speak Mandarin and have a good understanding of China will be at a great advantage in the job search process in China!