China – Visas
Relocating to China calls for thorough visa preparation well in advance. Although nationals of roughly 50 countries can…
Read more →
Your life in China starts here
Make your move to China
A very low cost of living, very affordable property and genuine everyday safety draw people to China, alongside its ancient cities and dramatic scenery. Employer-sponsored work visas offer a clear route in.
China at a glance
Cost of living
Low
Property
Very affordable
Healthcare
Moderate
Safety
Very safe
Climate
Mild (~17°C)
English
Limited
Expat community
Minimal
Where China is strongest: safety #10 of 78property affordability #26 of 75cost of living #27 of 77
Worth weighing up: visa ease #78 of 81size of expat community #76 of 81English-friendliness #72 of 81
TaxWorldwide after 6yr rule, 45% top rate
Visa / residencyEmployer Z-visa only, no retiree route
General information to compare destinations, not personal financial, tax or immigration advice.
Health insurance in China
The dream is the easy part. Make sure you’re covered from day one: compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes, no obligation.
Moving your belongings too? Get up to 5 free quotes from international movers → Sending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates →
Plan your move to China
Loading the insurance checker…
Start here
Your first steps to China
China – Residency
Securing residency in China is a methodical yet frequently intricate undertaking administered by the National Immigration Administration (NIA).…
Read more →A little inspiration, once a month
Join our free monthly newsletter: stories, practical tips and everything you need to plan a new life abroad. No spam, ever.
Fresh from China
Latest articles
Once Around The Sun, Jessica Mudditt
This extract is taken from Jessica Mudditt’s new book, Once Around the Sun – from Cambodia to Tibet.…
Read more →An Expat’s Blueprint for Entrepreneurship in China
Starting a business in China as an expat is a complex but achievable endeavor. The country’s vast market,…
Read more →Interview with Nicole Webb, Author, China Blonde
Nicole, tell us what made you first decide to become an expat. I met my husband James on…
Read more →You won’t be the first
Real people who made the move
Surekha, Shanghai
Who are you? I am Surekha. I am a South African citizen. Where, when and why did you…
Read more →Pavel, Beijing
Who are you? My name is Pavel, a am working and living in China, Beijing. I previously worked…
Read more →Tony Eleninovski, Guangzhou
Who are you? I am an Australian-born writer and owner of an international language exchange business in China.Where,…
Read more →Alex Daniels, Chengdu
Who are you? Alex Daniels. Where, when and why did you move abroad? I moved to Chengdu in…
Read more →Simon Hill, Shenzhen
Who are you? Where, when and why did you move abroad? My name is Simon Hill. I am…
Read more →Emily, Harbin
Who are you? I’m Emily, 28 and from England. Where, when and why did you move abroad? I…
Read more →Hear it first hand
The Expat Focus Podcast on China
The complete picture
China moving guide
China – Air Travel
China operates one of the planet’s most expansive and rapidly expanding domestic aviation systems, encompassing over 270 civil…
Read more →China – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues
China is experiencing a remarkable transformation in how its people relate to animals, especially companion animals. Pet ownership…
Read more →China – Banking
Expats can access banking services in China, though the process comes with its own distinct requirements and realities.…
Read more →China – Buses and Trams
China operates one of the largest and most affordable bus systems on the planet, with urban routes threading…
Read more →China – Buying or Importing a Car
Foreign nationals can purchase or import a vehicle in China, but doing so means navigating strict eligibility criteria,…
Read more →China – Buying Property
Non-Chinese citizens are permitted to purchase residential property in China under Chinese law, but the market operates under…
Read more →China – Car Rental
Foreign nationals are permitted to rent a car in China, but the country imposes a requirement that catches…
Read more →China – Citizenship
Acquiring Chinese citizenship as a foreigner is an extraordinarily rare and highly selective process. The main pathways involve…
Read more →China – Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Among the world’s healthcare systems, China stands out for the remarkable degree to which complementary and alternative medicine…
Read more →China – Cost of Living
China is substantially less expensive than most major Western economies, with overall living costs running roughly 50–60% below…
Read more →China – Cycling
China ranks among the most compelling and increasingly sought-after countries for cyclists. Once celebrated as the “Kingdom of…
Read more →China – Dentists and Dental Treatment
China’s dental landscape operates through a blend of public and private provision. Public hospitals maintain dental departments offering…
Read more →Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from trusted international movers who know the route to China, and compare them side by side.