Looking for a job in China in 2025? Whether you’re hoping for a teaching position, a role in IT, marketing, or engineering, the opportunities for foreigners are plentiful but navigating the process requires a bit of guidance.
Landing a job in China often means understanding the local work culture, visa requirements, and tapping into networks that go beyond online job postings.
A Recruitment Agency:
A recruitment service is a business that assists employers in the identification of qualified candidates to replace vacant positions within their organizations.
Employers compensate these organizations for their assistance in recruiting qualified candidates for vacant positions within their organizations. Despite the abundance of job opportunities in China, it can be challenging to locate them without the assistance of recruitment companies.
How to Get a Job in China?
It is advisable to seek employment before traveling to China, as it may influence the type of visa required. One of the most effective methods for individuals from other countries to secure employment before relocating to China is to receive a secondment from an international company in their native country.
If this is not feasible, networking is of paramount importance. People in China often rely on personal connections to secure employment, as some positions remain unofficially advertised. In this instance, it would be greatly beneficial to possess a basic understanding of Mandarin.
Typically, a CV and a brief cover letter are sufficient to enhance an entry in China. If you are interested in employment with a Chinese organization, we recommend that you compose your application in Mandarin to demonstrate your proficiency in the language. If the Chinese organization approves your application, they may require you to participate in multiple interviews before making an employment offer.
Check Also: Spoken English & Grammar Teacher Jobs in China
List of Recruitment Agencies in China:
ARCHIBALD
Archibat is an organization that recruits individuals for positions in the fields of architecture, engineering, and retail design. Architects, engineers, interior designers, and individuals who serve as recruiters in the construction and design industries operate it.
Contact Details:
- Address: Shanghai
- Phone: +86 21 53 757 021
- Email: amd@archibat.com
- Website: www.archibat.com
Direct HR Ltd
Since 2008, Direct HR has been a prominent staffing company that concentrates on China. They specialize in human resource services and have over 1,200 clients from global corporations in China and other countries.
Contact Details:
- Address: Shanghai
- Phone: (86 21) 6010 5081
- Email: shanghai@directhr.cn
- Website: www.directhr.com
Step Foreign Work Services:
Step Foreign Work Services Co., Ltd. is situated in Nanjing, China. This organization assists individuals in securing employment as English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors in public schools, training centers, and kindergartens located in significant cities throughout China. Individuals require ESL instructors throughout the year.
Contact Details:
- Address: Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Email: 3stepteachers@gmail.com
- Website: www.3stepsreachers.com
Acropolis associates
Acropolis Associates is a staffing corporation that operates in China. They are proficient in: and collaborate with foreign groups and business proprietors.
- M & A: Partner Identification
- Cross-Border Investment: China-Europe
- European technology Incubator
- Government Relations in China
- Government Relations in Africa
- Executive Search & Outplacement
Contact Details:
- Address: Shanghai, China
- Phone: +(86) 21 5238 1228
- Email: contact@acropolis-associates.com
- Website: www.acropolis-associates.com
Links International:
In 1999, Links International was established as a recruitment firm that specializes in the complete provision of human resources solutions and recruitment services throughout Asia and the Asia Pacific region.
Links International employment agency is a specialist in the following areas:
- Human Resources & Administration,
- Banking, Finance, and Accounting,
- Sales & Marketing,
- Temporary & Contract,
- Retail & Luxury,
- FMCG.
Dragonfly Group:
Dragonfly Group is a consulting agency that specializes in HR and Executive Search in China. They assist specialists in evaluating potential employees in the complex intercultural environment of foreign companies in China, as well as in the recruitment and development of their talents in China.
Contact Details:
- Address: Shanghai
- Phone: (+86-21) 5212 0101
- Email: shanghai@dragonflygroup.com
- Website: www.dragonflygroup.com
Access People
In 2006, Access People was established as an executive search and recruitment firm with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Singapore. They assist organizations in the recruitment of Executives, Managers, and Specialists.
Sectors in which they specialize include:
- Industrial – Technology
- Automotive
- Consumer
- Architecture
- IT – Technology
- Shipping & Commodities
- Consumer Electronics
- Healthcare Life Sciences
Contact Details:
- Address 1: Beijing, China.
- Phone: +86 (0)10 8447 9508
- EMAIL: EJ@access-people.com
- Address 2: Shanghai, China.
- Phone: +86 (0)21 6248 3355
- Email: Chris@access-people.com
Hernetone
They have been in the industry for over two decades and are proficient in the recruitment of high-quality personnel who will contribute to the company’s expansion and prosperity. In 2008, HRnetOne Beijing was established.
Specializations:
- Automobile
- Chemicals
- Consumer
- Life Sciences
- Technology
- Human Resources
- Technology
- Finance
- Property & Construction
- Industrial
Contact Details:
- Address: Beijing, China
- Phone: +86-10-6598-9989
- Email: beijing@hrnetone.com
- Address 2: Shanghai, China
- Phone: +86-21-6472-6611
- Email: shanghai@hrnetone.com
- Website: www.hrnetone.com
China Jobs for Foreigners:
The following is a compilation of the most sought-after positions for foreign nationals in China:
Teaching
Teaching is one of the most sought-after occupations for individuals from other countries in China. An expatriate you observe in a Chinese city is probably a teacher.
IT/Tech
The IT industry is likely the fastest-growing sector globally. This is particularly true in China, where technology is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Media or writing
Many foreigners who reside in or travel through China are immediately valuable sources of information, as they can observe a new way of life and society from the perspective of an outsider and then disseminate this information to the global community. This is the reason why the writing, editing, and content-making industries are perpetually seeking new talent with innovative ideas to contribute.
Marketing
Good marketing is essential for the survival of any business, which is advantageous for individuals from other countries who are seeking employment in China. China is home to a variety of well-established and emerging enterprises. Consequently, there is perpetually a requirement for foreign workers who possess expertise in marketing-related disciplines, including advertising, design, and brand strategy.
Engineering
China does indeed have a plethora of talented individuals, and an increasing number of students are pursuing careers in engineering and other technical disciplines. Nevertheless, the local populace remains cognizant of the fact that experience is of the essence in these types of disciplines, and as a result, foreign experts are highly regarded for their ability to perform these tasks.
Benefits:
- Access to Hidden Job Markets
Recruitment agencies connect foreigners with positions that are not publicly advertised, giving you an edge in finding exclusive opportunities. - Smooth Visa & Documentation Assistance
Agencies help simplify paperwork and ensure compliance with Chinese work visa requirements, saving you time and stress. - Cultural & Workplace Adaptation Support
Gain insights into Chinese work culture, professional etiquette, and local expectations to integrate seamlessly into your new role. - Salary & Contract Negotiation Support
Professional guidance ensures fair compensation and secure contract terms, helping you avoid common pitfalls. - Time-Saving & Stress-Free Job Search
Agencies streamline applications, interviews, and placements, making the process faster and less overwhelming. - Networking Opportunities
Connect with professionals and companies through agency networks, which can open doors to unadvertised positions. - Industry-Specific Expertise
Agencies often specialize in sectors like IT, teaching, marketing, or engineering, offering tailored support for your field. - Career Growth Guidance
Receive advice on skill development, career progression, and how to stand out in China’s competitive job market. - Support for Relocation Logistics
Some agencies assist with accommodation, travel arrangements, and settling into a new city, making relocation smoother. - Ongoing Professional Support
Even after placement, agencies may provide guidance on workplace challenges, performance improvement, and long-term career planning.
Application Process for Jobs in China For Foreigners 2025:
Use the official website of a staffing firm to apply. → Send in paperwork and show up for interviews → Find a job and apply for a work visa.
Conclusion:
Finding a job in China in 2025 is easier with the support of recruitment agencies, which connect foreigners to both advertised and hidden opportunities. Key sectors include teaching, IT, marketing, and engineering, where foreign expertise is highly valued. By preparing your CV, understanding visa requirements, and leveraging networks, you can secure a fulfilling role and thrive in China’s dynamic work environment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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How can a foreigner get a job in China?
Be aware that to legally work in China, you must obtain a Z visa or Chinese work visa. Employment on tourist or business visas is punishable by law and can result in deportation. Once you’re legally working in China, you’ll be eligible for Chinese social security.
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What jobs are in demand in China for foreigners?
Professionals with skills in finance, technology, and foreign languages are in high demand. Foreigners seeking job opportunities in China need to understand visa requirements and the importance of relevant work experience. The hospitality and tourism sectors are growing fast and offer numerous employment opportunities.
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Is finding a job in China easy?
When figuring out how to get a job in China as a foreigner, one of the main obstacles you may come across is the language barrier. Many companies require their candidates to know at least the basics of Chinese, and many job sites and classified ads are also available only in the local language.
