China · Jobs
Where to find jobs in China — major job boards, in-demand sectors, and how to apply.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Public employment services in China are overseen by MOHRSS, which runs a national online job platform alongside local public employment service centres, while commercial platforms are widely used too. For foreign nationals the requirement is two documents rather than one: a Foreigner's Work Permit and a work-type residence permit. The work permits are also tiered A, B and C according to qualifications and salary, so which tier you fall into shapes what is open to you.
In China, public employment services are overseen by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS), which runs a national online public job platform alongside local public employment service centres; commercial platforms are widely used too. Foreign nationals generally need a Foreigner's Work Permit and a work-type residence permit.
- MOHRSS oversees public employment services, including a national online job platform and local service centres.
- Foreign nationals generally need a Foreigner's Work Permit and a work-type residence permit.
- Foreigner's work permits are tiered (A/B/C) by qualifications and salary.
- MOHRSS oversees labour standards; minimum wages are set province by province.
- 1
Plan for two documents, not one
Foreign nationals generally need a Foreigner's Work Permit and a work-type residence permit. Treating them as one requirement is where timelines slip.
- 2
Work out your A, B or C tier
Foreigner's work permits are tiered A, B and C by qualifications and salary. Establishing your tier early tells you which roles are realistically in reach before you invest in applications.
- 3
Use the national platform and local centres
MOHRSS runs a national online job platform alongside local public employment service centres. The local centres are the layer people overlook when searching only online.
- 4
Expect commercial platforms to matter too
Commercial platforms are widely used alongside the public ones. A search confined to official channels will miss a large part of what is actually being advertised.
- 5
Check the local minimum wage separately
MOHRSS oversees labour standards, but minimum wages are set province by province. So the pay floor for an offer depends on where the job is, not on a national figure.
- Both required documents identified
- Work-permit tier established (A, B or C)
- Qualifications and salary checked against the tier criteria
- National online platform searched
- Local employment service centre identified
- Commercial platforms included in the search
- Provincial minimum wage checked for the job location
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS)
National authority for employment and labour.
- National Immigration Administration (work/residence permits)
Entry-exit and residence permits for foreign workers.
Frequently asked questions
What documents does a foreigner need to work in China?
Generally two rather than one: a Foreigner's Work Permit and a work-type residence permit. Treating them as a single requirement is where timelines commonly slip, so plan for both from the start.
What are the A, B and C work-permit tiers in China?
Foreigner's work permits are tiered by qualifications and salary. Establishing which tier you fall into early is worth doing, because it shapes which roles are realistically within reach before you invest effort in applications.
Should I only use official job platforms in China?
No — commercial platforms are widely used alongside the public ones, so a search confined to official channels misses a large part of what is advertised. The layer most often overlooked, though, is the local public employment service centres rather than the online options.
Government portals
- China Government Portal — State Council official portal — policy releases, public services, and government documents
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — China's foreign policy and consular services — passport, visa, and consular protection info
- National Immigration Administration — Visas, permanent residency, and border control for foreigners entering China
- State Taxation Administration — Personal income tax filing, business tax registration, and VAT invoice verification