Planning a workation in Shanghai? Or a business trip to Beijing or Guangzhou? Learn the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in China, including working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.
Capital city
Beijing
Telephone code
+86
Official language
Standard Chinese (Mandarin)
Currency
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Time zone
UTC+8
Social security compliance
When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security scheme of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security premiums accordingly. China has entered into numerous social security treaties with various countries to prevent the payment of double social security premiums or non-insurance, access the list of countries here.
To ensure your employees remain compliant with these treaties, they must possess a valid Certificate of Coverage (CoC) obtained from the relevant local authorities. For WorkFlex users, the CoC is issued automatically after a trip request is submitted. Discover our solution for efficient social security risk mitigation here.
Tax compliance
China has signed bilateral tax treaties with numerous countries that specify the steps to take to avoid double taxation, available here. These treaties generally follow international standards and provide guidelines for various types of income, including employment income.
Despite the existence of many tax treaties, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in China, whether for a workation or a business trip. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in the destination country, the employer may be required to register the company locally, allocate profits to the local business (branch), and file corporate taxes, leading to substantial administrative burdens.
To avoid this scenario, here are some key strategies:
If your employees are traveling for a workation, they should refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during the trip. Additionally, they should avoid visiting clients or any office, including the employer's local office in the destination country. Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risk for the employer related to permanent establishment.
If your employees travel for business, it may be impossible to refrain from the activities above. In this case, please make sure to inform your (tax) compliance department of this matter. If you and your organization are a WorkFlex user, this topic is covered through the WorkFlex platform.
Overriding local employment provisions
Employees traveling to China are expected to comply with some basic local employment provisions that may be qualified as overriding, such as minimum salary standards. See the recent information on minimum wage in China here.
Visa
To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.
For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to China, here's a quick overview:
- Z Visa: Required for most work activities
- Business Visa (M): For commercial and trade activities
- Tourist Visa (L): Not suitable for any work activities
- Digital Nomad Visa: China does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa program
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
For those planning business trips to China:
- Business Visa (M): Required for business activities
- Invitation Letter: Required for most business visas
- Multiple Entry Options: Available for frequent travelers
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
Working hours
Most employees in China work from Monday to Friday, with a standard workweek consisting of 40 hours. The typical workday usually starts between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM and ends between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM, including a lunch break of about 1-2 hours.
To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:
- Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.
- Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.
- Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.
Public holidays
- January 1: New Year's Day
- Chinese New Year (dates vary, usually January/February, 7-day holiday)
- Qingming Festival (early April)
- Labor Day (May 1-3)
- Dragon Boat Festival (dates vary, usually June)
- Mid-Autumn Festival (dates vary, usually September)
- National Day (October 1-7)
Depending on the region you're visiting, there may be additional region-specific public holidays. For more information about these holidays, please check here.
To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national or regional holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.
Working activities
When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.
If you are traveling for a workation, please:
- Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
- Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.
Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.
If you are a business traveler, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.
Data protection
Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.
When employees work temporarily from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both, the home country and the destination country. China has implemented Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), the Cybersecurity Law (CSL), and the Data Security Law (DSL). Its level of regulation and enforcement is characterized as heavy. That means China enforces strict, comprehensive data protection laws with robust regulatory oversight. These laws cover all aspects of data privacy and impose severe penalties for non-compliance, learn more about it here.
For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:
- Adhere to Your Company's Internal Data Policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
- Use Secure Network Connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Be Aware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
- Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Keep Your Devices in a Secure Location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lock Your Screen Whenever Applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.
Important note: Internet access in China is restricted, and many international websites and services are blocked. Consider using a company-approved VPN solution and ensure compliance with local regulations regarding VPN usage.
Local emergency phone
110 (Police), 119 (Fire), 120 (Ambulance)
Vaccination
Guidelines
Drinking potable water
Not recommended
Travel health insurance
When traveling to China for work—whether for a short business trip or an extended workation—it's essential to have comprehensive health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.
For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, these responsibilities can be less clear. WorkFlex takes care of travel health insurance for trips worldwide to ensure there are no costly consequences for either the employee or the employer if accidents occur while working abroad.
For travelers using WorkFlex
If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.
For other travelers
Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Urgent safety information
For travelers using WorkFlex:
Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.
For other travelers:
Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:
Domestic Political Situation
Xinjiang Region
Security measures in Xinjiang have been significantly heightened:
- Airport-like regulations: Applied to public transport; items such as liquids, lighters, and fireworks are prohibited.
- Increased police presence: Frequent personal, baggage, and passport checks, particularly in cities, at major traffic routes, and public spaces.
- Restrictions on movement: Foreign travelers may face questioning and surveillance, including at hotels. Uyghur descent or close connections in Xinjiang may attract additional scrutiny.
Precautions:
- Avoid photographing police, security forces, or installations.
- Prepare for in-depth checks of your smartphone and camera.
- Be aware of stricter entry scrutiny for certain backgrounds or affiliations.
Other Regions
- Demonstrations: Illegal without government approval, with serious penalties for participants.
- Internet controls: Services like Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and X are blocked. VPN use is also prohibited.
- Monitoring: Foreigners, particularly in minority-inhabited areas or near Xinjiang and Tibet, may be under covert surveillance.
Recommendations:
- Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
- Follow all instructions from security forces.
- Do not use VPN services in China.
Crime
China's crime rate is low, but petty crimes such as pickpocketing, robbery, and scams are reported:
- Recent knife attacks targeting foreigners in cities have been noted since late 2023.
- Fraud attempts via phone, sometimes impersonating the police, are common.
Safety Tips:
- Secure money, IDs, and essential documents. Keep digital backups.
- Always carry your passport with a valid visa.
- Use designated taxis or public transport. Avoid dubious offers or solicitations.
- Stay vigilant in crowded spaces like airports and train stations, and protect your valuables.
- Check prices before ordering and avoid leaving drinks unattended.
- Be cautious of emails, phone calls, or messages asking for personal information. Verify authenticity or contact the police if in doubt.
China has a varied climate, with four distinct seasons in most regions, and the weather can differ significantly depending on the area:
- Northern China (Beijing): Hot summers: 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F); Cold winters: -10°C to 5°C (14°F to 41°F); Dry climate with occasional sandstorms.
- Eastern China (Shanghai): Humid subtropical climate; Summer: 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F); Winter: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F); Frequent rain throughout the year.
- Southern China (Guangzhou): Subtropical climate; Summer: 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F); Winter: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F); Monsoon season from May to September.
- Western China: Varies from alpine to desert conditions; Extreme temperature variations; High altitude considerations in some areas.
Airports
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
- Location: Chaoyang District, Beijing
- When to use: Beijing’s primary international gateway, ideal for travelers heading to Beijing or connecting to other cities. Offers numerous flights across the world.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Location: Pudong District, Shanghai
- When to use: Shanghai’s main international airport, best for travelers visiting Shanghai and surrounding areas.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Location: Guangzhou
- When to use: Southern China hub, Asian connections
Train stations
China has one of the most advanced high-speed rail systems in the world, making train travel a comfortable and efficient way to move between cities. For long-distance trips, trains are often preferred over air travel.
Beijing South Railway Station
- Main connections: High-speed rail hub
- Routes to Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other major cities
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
- Main connections: High-speed rail network
- Integration with domestic airport
Guangzhou South Railway Station
- Main connections: High-speed rail services
- Routes throughout southern China
Ride-hailing services
- Didi Chuxing
- Local taxi services
- T3 Travel
Public transportation
- Beijing: Extensive subway system, buses
- Shanghai: Metro, maglev train, buses
- Guangzhou: Metro, bus network
- Shenzhen: Metro, bus system