Finding a job in China is not easy. First of all, basic knowledge of Mandarin is highly recommended, English is a must. There are not many professional opportunities for foreigners in China. However, hands are needed in catering, tourism, management, finance, trade or technical expertise. Language teachers are also very welcome. Job offers for foreigners in China are mainly designed for executives. Contact foreign companies operating in China for more information about careers and job offers in the country.
In terms of geographical distribution of jobs in China, Beijing, Hong Kong (Guangdong province in general), Shanghai and other large cities like Harbin offer many job opportunities and attract many foreign workers.
Conditions of employment vary greatly depending on your status in China: If you have a work contract with a foreign law firm, you will be subjected to the legislation in force in that country; if you work for a Chinese company, you will be subjected to the Chinese labor legislation in force. The legal working time in China is 40 hours per week. Nevertheless, working overtime is often required without bonus or compensation. Workers in China are granted three weeks holidays per year. Note however, that foreign workers employed in foreign law firms are often granted one or two additional weeks of holidays as part of the “expatriate package”.
Minimum wages are set locally and may vary from one city to another, sometimes even from a city area to another. If you are working for an international company in China, you will receive a salary comparable to western standards. If you are working for a Chinese company, your wage might be lower. In all cases, you must sign a written employment contract within one month after taking office. Everything should be clearly notified in your contract (salary, holidays, relocation packages, air tickets provided by the company etc.)
 Add a note |
 |
 Send to a friend |
|
You may contribute notes to this article by adding comments in the form below. The note will appear under the article after review.
User notes may be edited or deleted. Please note that the expat blog team goes through the notes and may incorporate information from them into the article.
Join the community and participate!
Choose an expatriate health insurance China. Free advice and quotation service.
A few tips about movers in China.
Ask your questions to expatriates in China on the China forum.
Make contacts in China with the expat network China.
Expats' advice: how to work in China and how to find an accomodation in China.
Find out more about living in China with the China blogs.
Have a look to the China pictures.
Reverse Immigration Audre & Dimitri's Traveling Love Affair Accidental Expat The Nanjing 365 Musing Mandarin 
Stupeurs et tremblement Maxxelli Blog Hello Friend! A China Blog cronyogitect r-expats
