Work In Beijing

In the last two decades, expatriates working in Beijing have become a fairly common phenomenon. With the influx of international companies into the huge market of China, many foreigners are seizing the opportunity.

Work In Beijing

Foreigners working in Beijing, whether in a Chinese company or in any global company in Beijing, need to prove themselves as foreign experts. Through this system, China is trying to attract the world's best foreign talent and expatriates to contribute to its development and international influence. Many multinational companies doing business in China have found new homes in Beijing, which is good for expats looking for work, but the bureaucracy remains. So, those who have already found a job or want to work in Beijing will still need to get a Chinese visa and work permit.

The Expat Job Market in Beijing

Foreign workers in China

A significant portion of the expatriates in Beijing are diplomats and foreign correspondents from embassies and international news agencies across Beijing. There are also expatriates who are sent to the capital on traditional corporate assignments at local branches. Both Chinese and international companies, whether they have their headquarters or production plants elsewhere in China, often have a representative working in Beijing. As a result, they maintain close ties to the government bureaucracy in the capital.Now, however, the work assignments of expatriate employees are receiving competition from the so-called "flea market". Expatriate employees are often hired for short-term assignments, flying in and out, rather than moving their entire lives and families to China on a long-term basis; they are also known as "Chinese hires" or "regular assignments". If you're unlikely to be sent on a flight outing or assignment in the short term, here are a few tips to help you find a job in Beijing

Visas, work permits and employment prospects in Beijing

An official letter of invitation is required to obtain a Chinese visa plus a work permit (the so-called Z visa, from the Chinese word zhíyuán, meaning "employee"). To obtain a visa, a work permit from the Beijing Municipal Labour and Social Security Bureau is required. In the case of teaching positions, it is necessary to apply for official foreign expert status with the National Office of Foreign Experts.

The employment card is also dependent on whether there is an official letter of acceptance from a Chinese company that allows foreigners to be hired: a multinational branch, a foreign company or a Chinese company, or a Chinese company in China. But the latter is less likely, unless you have a special ability to speak Mandarin.

Due to the current state of the Beijing economy, candidates with hard skills and professional experience have an advantage. These industries include engineering, medical technology, environmental technology, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, ICT, research and development, intellectual property law, international patent affairs, finance, etc. Of course, the demand for management consulting and project management skills is high.

Whether or not you really need to speak Mandarin, or just speak English at work, depends on the specific company and job description. As more and more excellent Chinese university graduates also speak fluent English, having a basic, or more solid, knowledge of business Mandarin can only improve your chances.

Getting a Job In Beijing

Job opportunities in Beijing are advertised on business websites, and you can also check the Chinese website of your country's Chamber of Commerce and Industry. There are a number of job markets on these sites that are specifically tailored to foreigners interested in working in China. Last but not least, you should be prepared to take a long-term strategic approach to your job search in Beijing. guānxì (i.e. people, connections, relationships) is an important part of doing business in China. Therefore, you should try to build a network of contacts to get yourself a suitable job in the Beijing area. Online communities, fact-finding trips to China, business visits, language holidays, etc. can be a great way to build such a network.