Country Explorer
Compliantly hire and expand your business in China
When it comes to employing and managing employees in China, there are specific procedures and regulations that must be followed.
China is a country in East Asia. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the world’s second-most-populous country. China spans the equivalent of five time zones and borders fourteen countries by land. The country is divided into 33 province-level divisions, inclusive of 22 provinces, five autonomous regions, four municipalities, and two semi-autonomous special administrative regions. Beijing is the national capital, while Shanghai is the most populous city and largest financial center.
Beijing
Capital
$12,541
GDP per Capita
$17.701 trillion
Total GDP
1,409,670,000
Total Population
0.768
Human Development Index
UTC +8
Time Zone
Standard Chinese
Official Languages
Renminbi
Currency
9,596,961 km2 (3,705,407 mi2)
Land Area
Here's what you need to know
Collaborating with a local expert in employment and payroll in China can streamline the process and ensure that you’re meeting all the legal requirements while providing a supportive work environment for your employees.
Employment contracts are mandatory in China and must be written in Chinese. They should clearly outline:
Job title, duties, and responsibilities
Salary and benefits
Working hours and overtime pay
Leave entitlements (annual leave, sick leave, etc.)
Termination terms (notice period, severance pay)
Confidentiality clauses (if applicable)
Minimum Wage
Minimum wages are set at the provincial level in China and vary considerably. Major cities like Shanghai have higher minimum wages than rural areas.
Payroll Terms
Salaries are typically paid monthly in legal tender (Chinese Yuan) and must be paid within one month of the salary period ending. Employers are required to provide payslips with details of gross pay, deductions, and net pay.
Taxes
China operates a progressive income tax system. Employees pay income tax based on their annual earnings, with rates ranging from 3% to 45%. Employers are required to withhold income tax at source and remit it to the government.
Social Insurance
Both employers and employees contribute to social insurance programs covering pensions, unemployment, healthcare, and maternity benefits. Contribution rates vary depending on location and industry.
China has standardized leave entitlements mandated by the Labor Law:
Annual Leave
Minimum of 5 days per year, increasing with service duration (up to 15 days).
Statutory Holidays
7 paid public holidays per year, with some spread over several days.
Sick Leave
Up to 14 days of paid sick leave per year with doctor's certification. Maternity leave and other extended leave may be offered by employers as additional benefits.
Probationary Period
Probationary periods are common in China and can be up to six months, though typically shorter (1-3 months) for white-collar jobs. During this time, termination can be easier for both employer and employee.
Termination of Employment
Termination of employment should follow the terms outlined in the contract or the Labor Law. Notice periods vary depending on the reason for termination and the employee's length of service. Severance pay may also be required under certain circumstances.
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