How to work in China

Working in China as a freelancer requires careful planning due to strict visa regulations. Here’s a complete guide to legally freelance for Chinese clients while complying with local laws:

Legal Way to Freelance in China

Obtain Proper Work Authorization
- China doesn’t offer a freelance visa – you must secure a work visa (Z visa) sponsored by an employer
- Alternatives:
  - Work for a Chinese company that will sponsor your visa
  - Establish a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE)
  - Work through a PEO/EOR (Professional Employer Organization)
Common Visa Options
- Z Visa (Work Visa): Requires full-time employment with a Chinese company
- M Visa (Business Visa): For short-term business activities (max 90 days)
- Entrepreneur Visa: If you establish your own company

How to Find Freelance Clients

Platforms for Remote Work
- Upwork (select Chinese clients)
- Toptal
- RemoteOK (filter for China-based companies)
- Chinese platforms: ZBJ.com, Taskcn.com
Industries Hiring Foreign Freelancers
- English editing/translation
- Graphic design
- Software development
- Marketing consulting
- Video production
Payment Solutions
- Use PayPal (limited in China)
- Bank transfers via Wise (formerly TransferWise)
- Cryptocurrency (risky due to China’s restrictions)
- Chinese payment apps (Alipay/WeChat Pay – requires Chinese bank account)

Important Considerations

Taxes: Foreigners pay progressive income tax (3-45%)
Contracts: Always use written agreements
Language: Basic Mandarin helps significantly
Cultural Differences: Be prepared for different business norms

Risks to Avoid

⚠️ Working on a tourist visa is illegal
⚠️ Payment disputes are common – get deposits
⚠️ Internet restrictions – use a reliable VPN

Alternative Approach:
Many freelancers live in nearby countries (Thailand, Vietnam) while serving Chinese clients remotely to avoid visa complications.

Here’s a step-by-step blueprint to legally freelance for Chinese clients while navigating China’s complex visa system, with both remote and in-country options:

Option 1: Freelance Remotely (Without China Visa)

Best for: Designers, writers, developers, consultants

Find Clients
- Platforms: Upwork (Chinese clients), ZBJ.com (Chinese “Task Rabbit”), WeChat groups (search “老外 freelancer”)
- Industries:
  - Tech (UI/UX for Alibaba/Tencent subcontractors)
  - Export businesses needing English copywriting
  - Influencer agencies seeking foreign-facing content
Get Paid
- For small payments (<$5k): PayPal (fees 4-5%)
- For large payments:
  - Have client pay your offshore company (HK/Singapore)
  - Use Wise (some Chinese banks block transfers)
  - Cryptocurrency (risky; China banned crypto transactions)
Tax Optimization
- Bill clients through an LLC in your home country or Dubai/Singapore for lower taxes
- Never mention “freelancing” if entering China as a tourist

Option 2: Freelance Legally Inside China

Requires: Visa sponsorship + Chinese entity

Set Up a WFOE (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise)
- Cost: ~$5,000 (Shanghai/Beijing) | ~$3,000 (2nd-tier cities)
- Lets you invoice clients legally and hire yourself for a Z visa
- Ideal for: Consultants with retainers ($5k+/month)
PEO Workaround
- Use a Professional Employer Organization like
  - FESCO (state-owned)
  - MSA (for creatives)
- They “hire” you and take 8-15% fee
Golden Visa Hack
- Tier-A cities (Beijing/Shanghai): Get a 10-year talent visa if you:
  - Have patents
  - Won international awards
  - Work in AI/blockchain (govt-prioritized fields)

Red Flag Checklist

🚩 Client refuses contract → 90% chance of payment issues
🚩 Asks for “test work” → Common scam to get free labor
🚩 Offers cash payments → Could be a tax trap