Work in China

China's economic transformation over the past few decades has been extraordinary. Although growth is now more moderate, the country continues to invest heavily in green energy, advanced manufacturing and digital innovation. This sustained investment is driving demand for highly skilled workers, particularly in technology-focused sectors.

With a population of around 1.4 billion, China offers a vast and diverse labour market. The cost of living is generally lower than in the UK, though it varies significantly by region. Major cities such as Shanghai and Beijing are among the most expensive, while smaller cities offer a more affordable lifestyle.

For overseas workers, the opportunity to experience a different culture is a major attraction. Learning Mandarin can significantly improve both your career prospects and day-to-day life, especially outside multinational environments.

Beyond work, China provides a rich cultural and historical landscape. Iconic sites such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace highlight its long history. Other notable destinations include the Terracotta Army, Victoria Harbour, The Bund and the Ruins of St Paul's.

China travel advice

To be eligible to enter mainland China for either work or leisure purposes, you'll require a visa from the China Visa Application Service Centre. You'll also need to ensure that your passport has an expiry date that's at least six months after the date you'll arrive in the country, plus two blank pages for visas and stamping.

Read more about the latest travel guidance for mainland China at GOV.UK - Foreign travel advice - China.

Jobs in China

English-speaking roles are still concentrated in major urban and economic hubs such as:

• Beijing
• Guangzhou
• Hong Kong
• Shanghai
• Shenzhen
• Tianjin.

Many multinational companies operate regional headquarters in these cities, offering opportunities for foreign graduates. However, the job market has become more competitive, and employers increasingly favour candidates with local language skills and experience.

Key industries in China include:

• construction and real estate
• consumer goods and e-commerce
• green energy and electric vehicles
• manufacturing and engineering
• technology (AI, software, semiconductors)
• transport and logistics.

You can search for jobs in China at:

• AsiaXpat Hong Kong
• Chinajob.com
• eChinacities.com
• Expat.com - Jobs in China
• HiredChina.com
• Reed - Jobs in China
• The Guardian Jobs - China
• Xpat Jobs China

How to get a job in China

To work in China, you typically need a confirmed job offer before arrival, as your employer must sponsor your visa.

A common route for international candidates is through secondment with a global company. Networking is also crucial and personal connections (known as 'guanxi') often play an important role in recruitment.

Applications usually require a CV and a cover letter. If you are applying to a Chinese company and speak Mandarin, submitting your application in the language can strengthen your chances.

Be prepared for multiple interview stages, particularly for competitive graduate roles.

Summer jobs

Seasonal opportunities for foreigners are often centred on teaching English at summer schools or camps, particularly in larger cities.

Au pair roles may also be available for those with childcare experience.

Volunteering can provide valuable experience and contacts, although most roles are unpaid. It’s advisable to have savings in place before committing to a voluntary programme. To volunteer in China, you should first research what you would like to do and apply directly to the organisation.

Relevant organisations that offer volunteering opportunities include:

• Go Overseas - Volunteer in China - provides opportunities to volunteer in panda and Asian elephant conservation, as well as teaching positions.
• International Volunteer HQ - China - projects based around the Chinese city of Xi'an involve teaching English to young students or working in a team providing assistance to children, teenagers and adults with special needs.

Teaching jobs

Teaching English remains a popular option for foreign workers, although regulations have tightened in recent years - particularly in the private tutoring sector.

Opportunities are available in public schools, universities and international schools, though the private tutoring market has significantly reduced.

Some vacancies may require a degree, but you'll certainly need to be a native English speaker or have a teaching English as a foreign language certificate, such as TEFL or IELTS.

You can look for teaching vacancies at:

• Teach Away - China
• Teach English in China
• The TEFL Org - Teach English in China

It may also be possible to teach in China through the British Council's English Language Assistants Programme.

For more information, see a guide to the highest-paying cities for TEFL teachers in China.

Featured organisations

Internships

Internships are a great way for you to experience the Chinese working culture and make valuable contacts before entering full-time, paid employment. Internships and summer work placements for students can be arranged by:

• AIESEC UK - for students and recent graduates. Internships will last from three to 18 months.
• CRCC Asia - offers internship programmes across 18 career fields, including engineering, IT and marketing.
• IAESTE UK - for science, engineering, technology and applied arts students. Placements usually last between eight and 12 weeks.
• The Intern Group - a leading international internship provider with programmes in Hong Kong.
• Pagoda Projects - partnering with universities across the globe, they offer internship programmes in a number of countries, including China. You can choose to work in a variety of sectors, such as business, design, engineering, hospitality, IT, law, marketing, media, sales or science.

The British Council also runs a two-month online internship programme entitled Generation UK - China for full-time UK university students and recent graduates to gain work experience with a Chinese company.

Featured institutions - internships

• ImmerQi China Internship Programme - The programme places current students and recent graduates from around the world in professional corporate and hospitality internships in three major Chinese cities: Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai.
• Placement Year International - Offers paid business and hospitality internships for students and recent graduates.

Chinese visas

UK citizens must obtain a visa before working in mainland China. The most common is the Z visa, which is issued to those with a confirmed job offer.

After arrival, you must:

• Register with local authorities.
• Apply for a residence permit if staying long term.

You may also need to provide background checks and verified qualifications.

It's important to note that Hong Kong and Macau have separate immigration systems, and you will still need appropriate visas to work there.

Working on a tourist or student visa is illegal.

For more information on applying for visas and the different requirements, see the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United Kingdom.

Language requirements

While some international roles don't require Mandarin, overall English proficiency in China varies widely. In major cities, younger professionals are more likely to speak English, but this is less common in rural areas or traditional industries.

Mandarin is increasingly important for career progression, and learning the language can significantly improve your job prospects and integration into daily life. Free online language courses are offered by the likes of Duolingo and L-Lingo.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

UK qualifications are widely recognised throughout the world, including China, but it's still advisable to check with employers before applying for jobs.

For more information on the recognition of qualifications in this country, see ENIC-NARIC - China.

What it's like to work in China

The standard working week in China is 40 hours, typically Monday to Friday. However, overtime remains common in some industries, although there has been increasing scrutiny of excessive working hours in recent years.

Paid annual leave ranges from:

• 5 days (entry level)
• Up to 15 days (with more experience)

There are also around 11 public holidays each year.

Before accepting a job, ensure that your contract clearly outlines working hours, salary and holiday entitlement.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to study in China.