Make employment in China easy. Let us handle payroll, benefits, taxes, compliance, and even stock options for your team in China, all in one easy-to-use platform.
Since Deng Xiaoping launched the Open Door policy in late 1978, China has seen rocketship growth over the past four decades, transforming a strictly communist economy into a global superpower.
Today, China is a staggering multi-trillion dollar economy dominating entire industries from manufacturing to finance, setting the pace for so much technological innovation.
China’s labor market is vast, highly educated, and home to an enormous an untapped collection of expats and locals open to remote work. The sheer size and potential of China markets makes international expansion here alluring to any growth-focused employer.
Keep in mind that local expertise is almost essential in nearly every instance due to the truly unique nature of doing business here. More and more Chinese professionals are multilingual with fluency in English as well as local dialects. It’s also worth noting that China’s huge expanse makes every pocket of the country different. The culture, food, climate, language, and business practices of each province often varies dramatically, but for those companies determined enough to find success in China – the potential rewards are immense.
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Want to employ workers in China? Companies hiring in China are typically required to either own a local legal entity or work with a global employment platform like Remote that can legally provide employment services in the country.
Remote can employ team members in China and keep you compliant. Remote can hire, onboard, and pay your China team so you don't have to set up local HR services in the region. Remote also makes it easy to pay contractors in China. Sign up now to get started or talk to an expert for more details.
Note that, currently, we can only onboard EOR hires in the following provinces: Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong, and Zhejiang.
Employment taxes and statutory fees affect both your payroll and your employees' paychecks in China. Note that your employees may be liable for additional local taxes.
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At Remote, we provide tailored benefits to ensure that all Remote employees receive comprehensive coverage from top providers.
Remote’s Global Business Travel Insurance program is crafted to address the unique needs of your team, whether they are embarking on short business trips or traveling extensively throughout the year. With five comprehensive plan options—Basic, Standard, Premium, Premium Plus, and Standard Plus—this program ensures that your team members have the right level of coverage to protect their health, safety, and well-being while traveling for business.
Available in over 90 countries, the program provides extensive global coverage at competitive rates, offering peace of mind no matter where their work takes them. This optional benefit is designed to be flexible, allowing you to offer tailored coverage that meets the diverse needs of your workforce. By providing business travel insurance, you are taking proactive steps to safeguard your team from unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip disruptions, or loss of business equipment while they are on the road.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes Medical & Evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Emergency & Accidental Medical: $1,000,000
Repatriation for Medical Treatment: 100% per trip
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $100,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains: $25,000 per trip
Pre-existing Medical Conditions: For stable pre-existing medical conditions up to $50,000
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Coverages (values in USD):
Excludes Medical & Evacuation
Baggage Delay: $100 per day up to $700 per trip *Does not apply to one-way trips
Personal Liability: $100,000 per trip
Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: $100,000 per trip
Loss of Passport: $250 per trip
Legal Expenses: $10,000 per trip
Hijacking: $1,000 per trip
Cancellation & Curtailment: $2,000 per trip; subject to $100 deductible per Trip *Benefit not available to residents of the USA
Business Equipment: Up to $1,500
Computer Equipment (single item limit): $500
Business Money: $100 per day up to $500
Domestic Business Travel: Trips inside country of residence: Any trip over 70 miles from usual residence, where there’s at least 1 overnight stay in paid accommodation. In-country trips exclude medical treatment & evacuation benefits.
Offering mental health benefits is not mandatory in this country, but providing the benefit can significantly enhance the emotional well-being and overall productivity of employees. Remote offers a comprehensive employee mental wellbeing platform in partnership with one of the top-rated employee mental wellbeing providers. This platform is available on desktop and mobile apps and includes 1-to-1 therapy with a curated pool of top-quality therapists in over 35 languages. The advanced matching service finds each employee the right therapist within 48 hours, boasting a 98% success rate. Employees receive a personal wellbeing profile with tailored recommendations and information to track progress. The platform also offers a curated self-guided content library with audio mindfulness and meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers. Additionally, there are 24/7 mental health helplines for immediate support when an employee is struggling. Mental health program benefits may be offered to the employees from among 5 different plans. Offering mental health benefits is optional, but it can greatly enhance employee well-being and productivity. It is essential to be aware that in certain countries, mental health benefits may be categorized as ‘Benefits in Kind’ (BIK). This categorization means that the monthly premiums paid for the benefit might be counted as part of the employee’s taxable income according to the local tax laws. When mental health benefits are offered, they must be provided equally to all employees in the respective country.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Not included in the Basic plan
Team members can pay for therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes one pre-paid Therapy/Coaching session per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes three pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes six pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Access to the wellbeing platform and app, which includes:
Personalized wellbeing assessment
Access to world-class self-guided content library with audio mindfulness & meditation sessions, guided yoga videos, talks, podcasts on workplace wellbeing, and micro-learning content series for managers
Access to manager-specific learnings and resources
Precision matching for 1:1 coaching and therapy in 35+ languages
Professional coaching
Text-based chat with dedicated practitioner
24/7 global support in all languages
Add up to 3 friends and family to the platform
Includes twelve pre-paid Therapy/Coaching sessions per policy year
Team members can pay for extra therapy sessions themselves, if needed.
Clients can choose to offer the Wellness & Lifestyle Benefit and select from multiple contribution levels, providing their team members a monthly wallet, which they can use with their virtual card at approved stores, online retailers, or any other approved vendors related to Lifestyle and Wellness benefits. The offered services include:
Physical and mental health support such as gym memberships, fitness classes, therapy, mindfulness apps, and guided meditation.
Lifestyle services like streaming subscriptions (Spotify, Netflix), groceries, and other services that support work-life balance and personal well-being.
Personalized recommendations to help employees select benefits most relevant to their needs.
Platform support for employees needing immediate assistance or guidance on wellness-related concerns.
The available contributions are:
$25 USD
$50 USD
$100 USD
$150 USD
$200 USD
$250 USD
$300 USD
China has a rapidly growing economy with key industries in manufacturing, technology, and finance. With specific labor laws and tax regulations, employers in China must ensure compliance with local payroll requirements, including social security contributions, employment contracts, and tax obligations. Understanding these regulations is essential for smooth payroll operations and legal compliance.
Employers in China must adhere to national payroll regulations regarding wages, taxes, and social contributions. Below is an overview of key payroll components:
Minimum wage: China’s minimum wage varies by region, with Shanghai having the highest at CNY 2,590 per month.
Payroll frequency: Salaries are generally paid monthly.
Standard working hours: The normal workweek in China is 40 hours, typically spread over five days.
Overtime: Employees are entitled to additional pay for overtime work, calculated at 150% of the regular wage for extra hours and 200% for work on rest days and 300% for work on public holidays.
Personal income tax: China has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 3% to 45% depending on income levels.
Employer contributions:
Pension fund: Approximately 16% of the gross salary.
Medical insurance: 6% of the gross salary.
Unemployment insurance: 0.5% of the gross salary.
Work injury insurance: 0.16% to 1.52% of the gross salary (varies by region).
Housing fund: 5% to 12% of the gross salary (varies by city).
Employee contributions:
Pension fund: 8% of the gross salary.
Medical insurance: 2% of the gross salary.
Unemployment insurance: 0.5% of the gross salary.
Housing fund: 5% to 12% of the gross salary (varies by city).
Corporate tax: The corporate income tax rate in China is 25%, with preferential rates for small enterprises.
Tax reporting: Employers must file payroll taxes and contributions with the Chinese tax authorities regularly.
Employment contracts must be provided in writing and specify terms such as salary, working hours, and job responsibilities.
Payroll deductions: Employers must ensure accurate deductions for social security and income tax.
Employers must stay updated on changes to China’s labor laws and tax regulations to avoid penalties.
Payroll frequency: Salaries are generally paid monthly.
Currency: Payroll in China is processed in Chinese Yuan (CNY).
Tax reporting: Employers must file payroll taxes and contributions with the Chinese tax authorities.
Payroll deductions: Employers must ensure accurate deductions for social security and income tax.
Payroll compliance: Employers must stay updated on changes to tax rates and reporting requirements.
Managing payroll in China requires careful attention to tax regulations, employment laws, and social security requirements. Employers must stay informed about tax rates, wage laws, and reporting deadlines to ensure smooth payroll processing and avoid penalties.
The good news is, you can pay anyone, anywhere — from your team in the office to your team abroad, all with Remote Payroll. To see just how easy global payroll can be with Remote, book a demo today.
Hiring contractors in China can be a strategic and cost-effective way for businesses to complete projects without the obligations of hiring full-time employees. Whether you are engaging independent contractors for specialized services or bringing in subcontractors for specific tasks, understanding China’s labor laws and regulations is essential.
Remote helps businesses stay compliant when hiring contractors globally with these key features:
Global compliance support: Ensures adherence to labor laws in 200+ countries with localized contracts and proper documentation.
Misclassification protection: Includes built-in compliance checks and seamless contractor-to-employee conversion.
Centralized documentation: Maintains essential records for audits and automates tax filings.
Legal expertise: Provides guidance on complex local labor laws, simplifying international hiring.
Remote’s streamlined approach minimizes compliance risks and simplifies contractor management for businesses.
Remote simplifies contractor payments with:
Automated processing: One-click approvals, bulk payments, recurring invoices, and real-time tracking.
Global coverage: Payments in 200+ countries, multiple payment methods, and currency flexibility.
Cost and compliance: Fair price guarantee (pay only for active contractors), built-in compliance with regional regulations, and localized contracts.
Learn more about how Remote simplifies contractor management in China — get started for free today.
Our employer of record (EOR) service enables you to hire, manage, and pay top talent in China with speed and simplicity.
Remote’s EOR allows your company to legally hire employees in China without having to set up a local legal entity. On paper, Remote is the official employer, and we handle compliance, payroll, benefits (including equity), and other HR processes — but you maintain full control over the hire’s day-to-day management and work responsibilities. Learn more.
Currently, you can only hire through Remote's EOR in China in the following provinces:
Shanghai
Beijing
Guangdong
Zheijang
An EOR may be ideal if your company:
Needs to hire employees in China but doesn’t want to establish a legal entity
Is testing local markets before committing to a full business expansion
Wants to ensure full compliance with local employment laws and tax requirements
Needs a fast, cost-effective way to onboard employees in China
Needs a temporary hiring solution before establishing a legal entity
If your company wants to hire talent in China but doesn't have a legal entity there, our EOR provides a fully compliant and efficient solution. China has strict employment and payroll tax laws, and our EOR service ensures you meet these legal obligations while enabling you to grow quickly.
Key benefits of hiring through our EOR in China include:
Faster market entry. You can hire talent quickly, without having to wait months to establish a local entity.
Full compliance with local employment laws. Avoid the legal risks associated with non-compliance and misclassification.
Simplified payroll management. We automate payroll tax calculations and ensure you are fully compliant with all withholding obligations, even when laws change.
Lower costs. Setting up a legal entity in China can be costly and time-consuming. An EOR eliminates the need for entity registration, reducing overhead expenses.
Fewer resources required. With HR, payroll, and compliance managed by the EOR, your company can concentrate on scaling operations and assigning your resources elsewhere.
It’s also crucial to note that, at Remote, we own our own legal entity in China. As a result, we don’t need to rely on third parties, which can incur delays and extra costs, and result in a negative employee experience. All our EOR services — including the dedicated support of our local specialists — are provided in-house.
To learn more — and to see our EOR platform in action — book a demo with one of our friendly experts today.
$699
per employee/month
Engage talent in over 90 countries without opening a local entity
Employee onboarding managed by a dedicated specialist
Local payroll processed and paid punctually, every time
Built-in compliance protections
Localised benefits that are competitive and flexible
Dedicated in-house experts providing local support
HR Essentials included as standard
$29
per employee/month
Robust, transparent international payroll
A straightforward self-service platform
Dedicated specialists providing personalised support
Comply with local payroll regulations in each country
Unified benefits management
HR Core included as standard
$29
per contractor/month
Pay solely for contractors you actively engage with
Collaborate with international contractors
Draft, modify and sign customised, localised contracts
Approve contractor invoices in one click or use auto-pay
Complete transparency of payments with full visibility
HR Core is included as standard
