China Guide: Jobs

Finding a job abroad is not easy, and foreign working conditions are often quite different from those at home. Our job guide explains where to look for a job and how to apply for it. You will also find information on salaries, working conditions and social security issues.

• 

  Introduction

  Job opportunities for foreigners in China

  Thanks to the economic growth, the opportunities for foreigners wanting to work in China have increased considerably in the last few years. In 1996 there were 180.000 foreign workers registered in China and the number is rapidly growing.

  more
• 

  Finding a job

  How to find a job in China

  The best way to find a job in China is by using personal contacts who work for a company in China that might need someone with your skills. If you aren’t blessed with such guanxi (connection), then the easiest way to find a job is via Internet.

  more
• 

  Job contracts

  What you should know about Chinese labour law

  From a cultural perspective, contracts are not seen as binding in China as they are in other countries. It is rare for an employee to take an employer to court over breach of contract.

  more
• 

  Working conditions

  Working conditions and salaries in China

  According to Chinese labour law, the standard working time is 40 hours per week. In theory, the standard work week in China runs from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6pm, but in reality, overtime is the norm and most local companies don’t compensate their workers for it.

  more