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.

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Your first steps to China

Reviewed May 2026

China – Visas

Relocating to China calls for thorough visa preparation well in advance. Although nationals of roughly 50 countries can…

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Reviewed May 2026

China – Residency

Securing residency in China is a methodical yet frequently intricate undertaking administered by the National Immigration Administration (NIA).…

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Fresh from China

Latest articles

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You won’t be the first

Real people who made the move

Tyson Peveto, Shanghai, China

From small-town Texas to Thailand, Germany and now Shanghai, Tyson shares the challenges, friendships and family trade-offs that…

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Surekha, Shanghai

Who are you? I am Surekha. I am a South African citizen. Where, when and why did you…

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Pavel, Beijing

Who are you? My name is Pavel, a am working and living in China, Beijing. I previously worked…

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Tony Eleninovski, Guangzhou

Who are you? I am an Australian-born writer and owner of an international language exchange business in China.Where,…

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Alex Daniels, Chengdu

Who are you? Alex Daniels. Where, when and why did you move abroad? I moved to Chengdu in…

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Simon Hill, Shenzhen

Who are you? Where, when and why did you move abroad? My name is Simon Hill. I am…

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The complete picture

China moving guide

View the full guide →
Reviewed May 2026

China – Air Travel

China operates one of the planet’s most expansive and rapidly expanding domestic aviation systems, encompassing over 270 civil…

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Reviewed May 2026

China – Banking

Expats can access banking services in China, though the process comes with its own distinct requirements and realities.…

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Reviewed May 2026

China – Buses and Trams

China operates one of the largest and most affordable bus systems on the planet, with urban routes threading…

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Reviewed May 2026

China – Buying or Importing a Car

Foreign nationals can purchase or import a vehicle in China, but doing so means navigating strict eligibility criteria,…

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Reviewed May 2026

China – Buying Property

Non-Chinese citizens are permitted to purchase residential property in China under Chinese law, but the market operates under…

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Reviewed May 2026

China – Car Rental

Foreign nationals are permitted to rent a car in China, but the country imposes a requirement that catches…

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Reviewed May 2026

China – Citizenship

Acquiring Chinese citizenship as a foreigner is an extraordinarily rare and highly selective process. The main pathways involve…

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Reviewed May 2026

China – Cost of Living

China is substantially less expensive than most major Western economies, with overall living costs running roughly 50–60% below…

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Reviewed May 2026

China – Cycling

China ranks among the most compelling and increasingly sought-after countries for cyclists. Once celebrated as the “Kingdom of…

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Reviewed May 2026

China – Dentists and Dental Treatment

China’s dental landscape operates through a blend of public and private provision. Public hospitals maintain dental departments offering…

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