Gone are the days when the only expatriates to be found working in China were teaching English as a foreign language!  Since China joined the World Trade Organisation in 2001 not only has foreign investment been free flowing but so have the numbers of foreign workers entering China to live and work. 

For those interested in jobs in China some of the main recruitment sectors for expatriate staff are IT, engineering, teaching, manufacturing and scientific research and the Chinese are keen to attract university educated, professional and qualified European and North Americans into positions of management and expertise.

To work in China it’s necessary to have a visa and a work permit.  The method for getting permissions to live and work in China are not set in stone but generally speaking those coming to China to lecture, advise or research can apply for an F type visa, students or those with a firm offer of employment should be in receipt of a Z type visa and then the visa should be taken together with the contract of employment to a local government office for a work permit and permission to reside in China for more than 30 days.

For those planning on living and working in China for a considerable period of time residency can be applied for and it is usually granted for two or five years to those who can prove they are of good character and who can prove that they have a valid reason for being in China.

In terms of looking for jobs in China the majority of those seeking work begin their search on the internet by trawling through recruitment sites and newspaper sites that advertise situations vacant.  For those after teaching positions in China consider applying to the nearest Chinese embassy as embassies often recruit foreign nationals to work in schools and universities across China.  Another method is to directly apply to a company for whom the individual would like to work by submitting a CV and a detailed letter presenting skills, experience and outlining what the candidate can offer the company.

The British Council recruit students for teaching exchanges to China and there’s a company called China Exchange who arrange teaching swaps for international teachers who would like the experience of living and working in China for a year.

Those looking for jobs in China who have a basic knowledge of Mandarin may find it easier to secure employment although English is widely used in the business environment.  In terms of business etiquette it is quite different from Western etiquette in that managerial staff have little direct contact with those in lower positions and employees never bad mouth or complain about colleagues, managers or the company they work for – this can make quite a change for Westerners well used to slating their boss and moaning about their company!

China can be quite a challenging country to adapt to but the warmth of the Chinese people and the experience of living in such a fascinating country make the effort worthwhile.