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.
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Photo: Tom fly / Pexels
At a glance
China, in brief.
How China compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. China ranks among the best for safety (10th of 78) and property affordability (26th of 75) and cost of living (27th of 77).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Low
- Property
- Very affordable
- Healthcare
- Moderate
- Safety
- Very safe
- Climate
- Mild (~17°C)
- English
- Limited
- Expat community
- Minimal
Employer Z-visa only, no retiree route
Worldwide after 6yr rule, 45% top rate
Life in China
From small-town Texas to Thailand, Germany and now Shanghai, Tyson shares the challenges, friendships and family trade-offs that have shaped nearly a decade of life abroad.
Health insurance in China
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
China, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about China into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in China.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The China moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in China
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in China share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All China stories
- Shanghai
Surekha
I am Surekha. I am a South African citizen. Where, when and why did you move abroad? We relocated from East London,…
- Beijing
Pavel
My name is Pavel, a am working and living in China, Beijing. I previously worked for EY (formerly Ernst&Young), that's how I…
- Guangzhou
Tony Eleninovski
I am an Australian-born writer and owner of an international language exchange business in China.Where, when and why did you move abroad?I…
Fresh from China
Latest articles.
Once Around The Sun, Jessica Mudditt
Read this extract from Jessica Mudditt's new book, Once Around the Sun - from Cambodia to Tibet.
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, growing economy, and government incentives for…
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 a blind date. He was a…
Hear it first hand
The podcast on China.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All China episodes
Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to China, and compare them side by side.
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