Moving to China: An Expat’s Guide

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to China

Moving to China as an expatriate can seem both exciting and intimidating, given the country’s wealth of cultural diversity and economic opportunities. However, the success of such an endeavor depends on thorough preparation to adapt to a deeply different lifestyle, environment, and professional practices.

This guide aims to provide essential advice and practical information to succeed in this vibrant adventure, covering key aspects such as housing search, understanding local customs, and essential administrative procedures.

Whether you’re drawn to the urban dynamism of Shanghai or the historical richness of Beijing, this guide will accompany you step by step to make your expatriation a rewarding and successful experience.

Preparing Your Adventure in Chinese Territory

Preparing Your Adventure in Chinese Territory

Essential Administrative Procedures

• Obtain an appropriate visa (work, study, etc.) before departure. The Z visa is required for work and must be applied for with a validated employment letter.
• Start procedures at least 3 months in advance (visa, housing, insurance).
• Upon arrival: complete mandatory registration with the local police station within 24 hours. If staying at a hotel, this procedure is handled by the establishment; otherwise, present passport, visa, and rental contract at the neighborhood office.
• To drive: exchange your driver’s license for a Chinese license after passing a theoretical exam (minimum 90% pass rate required).

Summary Table of Main Procedures

Procedure	Required Documents	Where to Apply
Z / X Visa	Passport, employment contract	Embassy/Consulate/Online
Residence Registration	Passport, visa, lease/housing proof	Local Police Station
Driver’s License	Passport, current license translated	Vehicle Management Office
Bank Account	Passport/residence permit	Local Bank

Cultural and Linguistic Aspects

• The official language is Mandarin, rarely spoken in some regions where several dialects coexist.
• Cultural differences are marked by social hierarchy and respect for local customs (formal greetings, managing “face,” etc.).
• Expect high urban density and sometimes bewildering collective living.

Practical Tips to Overcome the Language Barrier

List of useful tips:

• Learn the basics of Mandarin before departure using mobile apps or intensive courses.
• Enroll in local classes upon arrival or join a language exchange partner.
• Use instant translation apps to facilitate initial daily interactions.

Recommended Resources:

Social Groups & Expat Forums

• Specialized forums like Internations or Expat.com
• WeChat groups for French-speaking expatriates
• Local associations such as UFE China

Language Partners & Learning

• Tandem or HelloTalk for language exchange
• Local universities offering courses for foreigners

Public Transportation System

Most major cities have an efficient network:

• Subway: fast and economical; tickets via automatic machines (bilingual) or rechargeable card (“metro card”)
• Bus: extensive urban network but sometimes difficult without Mandarin proficiency; routes available on Baidu Maps
• Taxis: numerous but mobile payment preferred; having the destination written in Chinese greatly facilitates communication

Average Monthly Cost Comparison in a Major Chinese City (e.g., Shanghai)

Item	Estimated Range
Studio Apartment	¥4000 – ¥8000
Public Transportation	¥150 – ¥300
Internet/Mobile	¥100 – ¥200
Basic Groceries	¥1500 – ¥3000

Housing

List of key tips:

• Search via specialized platforms like Ziroom or Anjuke
• Plan for a deposit equivalent to 1–2 months + agency fees if an intermediary is used
• Request official translation of the lease if necessary

Opening a Local Bank Account

To open an account:

• Go in person with passport + proof of address + residence permit/work permit
• Choose major national banks (ICBC/Bank of China) that offer basic English interface
• Activate mobile payment upon receiving the bank card

Additional Useful Resources

Expat forums: Internations • Expat.com • UFE China
Local WeChat social groups
Mandarin learning apps: Duolingo • HelloChinese • Pleco
Real estate sites for foreigners: SmartShanghai • Ziroom

First Steps to Settle In Well

Essential Preparations Before Departing for China

• Obtaining a Visa
  • Determine the type of visa suitable for your stay (tourism, work, study, etc.).
  • Prepare required documents (passport, invitation letter, proof of accommodation, etc.).
  • Submit the application to the Chinese embassy or consulate, or use an accredited visa center.

• Housing Search
  • Use real estate agencies specialized for expatriates (e.g., Century 21, irelochina).
  • Possibility to rent directly from owners via classified ads, but beware of scams.
  • Plan for a security deposit (often one month’s rent) and carefully check lease conditions (duration, utilities, air conditioning, etc.).
  • If needed, book a hotel room or temporary rental for the first few days.

City	Downtown Studio Rent (€/month)	2-Bedroom Apartment Rent Suburbs (€/month)
Beijing/Shanghai	400 – 800	250 – 400
Medium Cities	150 – 300	100 – 200

• Understanding Local Customs
  • Politeness and respect for hierarchy are essential in interactions.
  • Avoid open criticism, prefer discretion.
  • Learn the basics of social codes: giving and receiving with both hands, avoiding certain topics (politics, religion…).
  • Download WeChat, indispensable for daily life (payments, messaging, professional contacts).

• Managing Finances
  • Plan sufficient funds for the first months (deposit, rent, setup).
  • Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are ubiquitous, consider opening a local bank account quickly.
  • Exchange some of your euros for RMB before departure or upon arrival.

• Discovering Expat Neighborhoods
  • In Beijing: Sanlitun, Chaoyang.
  • In Shanghai: Jing’an, Xuhui, French Concession.
  • In Shenzhen: Shekou.
  • These neighborhoods offer international infrastructure, schools, Western restaurants, and expat networks.

• Basic Language Learning
  • Master a few essential phrases in Mandarin (greetings, thanks, practical questions).
  • Use apps like Pleco, HelloChinese, Duolingo.
  • Consider online courses or local language schools upon arrival.

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Administrative Procedures Upon Arrival

• Register with the local police within 24 to 72 hours of arrival (mandatory for all foreigners).
• Open a Chinese bank account (present passport, visa, proof of address).
• Subscribe to local or international health insurance if not already done.

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Useful Resources and Networks

• Expat support forums and groups:
  • InterNations (international expat community)
  • WeChat groups (request invitations via forums)
  • Expat.com, Bonjour Chine, Shanghai Expat
  • Meetup for social and professional events
  • Facebook groups: “Francophones in Shanghai”, “Pékin Accueil”, etc.

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Key Takeaway:

Anticipating each step (visa, housing, finances) and relying on community resources accelerates integration and reduces the stress of the first months.

Integrating and Living the Chinese Way

Main Cultural Differences to Consider

• Greetings and physical contact differ: in China, shaking hands or kissing to say hello is rare. A slight nod of the head or a simple smile is preferred.
• The concept of “face” (mianzi) is fundamental: preserving one’s own and others’ image guides social and professional interactions.
• Meals are often collective, with an emphasis on sharing; arguing over the bill is common (*gaining face*).
• Expect to see little orderly waiting in public places; queuing is not systematic.
• Hot water (“re shui”) replaces cold water in daily life, even in restaurants.

Practical Tips for Learning and Using Mandarin Daily

• Enroll in intensive courses upon arrival (specialized schools or local universities).
• Use mobile apps like Pleco or HelloChinese to memorize vocabulary and characters.
• Practice daily with shopkeepers, drivers, or neighbors; prioritize simple exchanges (“ni hao”, “xiexie”).
• Join expat groups that organize informal language sessions.

Anecdote: An expat recounts that after several unsuccessful attempts in a Shanghai taxi, he printed his destinations in Chinese on paper – a simple solution that saved him from many misunderstandings.

The Importance of Etiquette and Local Customs in Social and Professional Interactions

Situation	Chinese Etiquette	Practical Advice
Meetings	Respect hierarchy, avoid direct contradiction	Prepare your interventions
Business Meals	Never stick chopsticks vertically in rice	Observe before acting
Gifts	Offer with both hands, avoid sharp objects	Choose a neutral gift
Daily Work	Few informal coffee break discussions	Favor efficiency

Shared Experience: An expat woman explains that at the office, no one really stops at the coffee machine but everything happens around the hot water dispenser – a different but equally conducive moment for exchanges.

Suggestions for Participating in Local Activities and Building Ties with the Local Community

• Join municipal sports clubs (badminton very popular).
• Participate in traditional festivals (Chinese New Year, Moon Festival) even as a spectator.
• Join local WeChat groups dedicated to hobbies (calligraphy, Chinese cooking…).

Lived Tip: An expat built his first friendly network through a Franco-Chinese association offering monthly urban hikes. Quickly integrated through these shared activities!

Strategies for Navigating the Healthcare and Education Systems in China

• Always ask if a doctor speaks English before consultation; otherwise, prepare a written translation of the main symptom.
• Subscribe to international health insurance covering private hospitals recommended for foreigners.
• To school your children:
  • Opt if possible for an accredited international school,
  • Regularly meet with local teachers to monitor their adaptation,
  • Occasionally take advantage of open workshops where parents can observe/participate.

Real Anecdote: A French family settled in Beijing reports having quickly adopted two strategies: learn a few key medical words (“fever”, “pain”) in Mandarin using homemade flashcards; then systematically choose hospital establishments listed by their embassy – a precious gain during their son’s first fever episode!

Understanding Laws and Procedures for Expatriates

Main Laws for Expatriates in China: Visas, Work Permits, and Residence

Expatriates must imperatively obtain a visa suitable for their situation (work, study, family visit, etc.), then apply for a work permit and a residence card if they plan to stay in the territory to work or reside longer.

Type of Authorization	Purpose	Duration	Main Required Documents	Estimated Fees*
Z Visa	Work	Up to 90 days	Passport, ID photo, employment contract/invitation letter	60-120 €
Work Permit	Employment Authorization	According to contract	Valid Z visa, applicant form, translated & legalized diploma	Variable (100-250 €)
Residence Card	Long Stay (>90 days)	Up to 1 year	Accepted work permit, local address registered with authorities	Variable