Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Early Retirement in China: A Popular Option
In China, the concept of early retirement is generating growing interest among workers eager to leave the professional world before the legal age, motivated by a desire to decompress or embark on new personal projects.
Variable Access Conditions
Access conditions for this option vary considerably, influenced by factors such as industry sector, gender, and each individual’s contribution history.
Advantages of Early Retirement
Beyond the desire for more free time, early retirement in China offers several advantages, including access to tailored pension programs and sometimes tax incentives.
Administrative Procedures and Implications
However, it’s crucial to fully understand the specific administrative procedures as well as long-term financial implications to avoid unpleasant surprises and optimize benefits.
This article explores in detail the required conditions, process steps, and potential benefits, providing readers with the keys to make an informed decision about their future.
Procedures for Obtaining Early Retirement in China
Preliminary Legal Conditions
- Minimum Required Age:
- Men: 60 years (gradually increasing to 63 by 2039)
- Female managers: 55 years (gradually to 58)
- Female workers: 50 years (gradually to 55)
- Minimum Contribution Period:
- Currently, at least 15 years of contributions to the public system
- Gradual transition to 20 years required by the 2030s
Administrative Mechanisms and Procedures
1. File Preparation
- Properly completed official early retirement application form
- Proof of identity (national ID card, hukou)
- Employment certificate(s) and proof of contribution periods
- Individual social security contribution statements
- Specific documents according to early departure reason:
- For medical reasons: medical report certified by approved hospital or local medical commission
- For hardship or special situations: detailed supporting documents
2. File Submission
| Organization | Main Role |
|---|---|
| Local Human Resources and Social Security Bureau (HRSS) | Receiving and processing applications for urban employees |
| Local or provincial social security funds | Verification of acquired rights, calculations and payments |
| Local medical commissions | Assessment in case of disability/incapacity |
3. Standard Procedure
Physical submission of file to the competent HRSS bureau according to administrative residence (“hukou”) or last employer.
In some major cities/pilot provinces, possibility via official digital platform (“国家社会保险公共服务平台”), with secure upload of supporting documents.
Estimated Timeframes
Initial processing by local HRSS bureau: generally within 30 working days after complete receipt.
If mandatory medical assessment required, this timeframe may extend up to 90 days.
Regional Specificities
Some provinces occasionally apply additional criteria or expedite review for sectors deemed arduous (heavy industry/mining).
Procedures may differ in rural areas where administration is sometimes managed by the “village committee” before transfer to departmental level.
Available Digital Platforms
National Social Insurance Public Service Platform
Allows:
- Online pre-registration
- Digital upload of scanned documents
- Real-time tracking of file progress
Some municipalities also offer their own local portals accessible via mobile application (“社保通”, “劳动保障一体化平台”).
Post-Submission Follow-up & Possible Appeals in Case of Rejection
- Official notification sent by registered mail or electronic message on government platform once decision made.
- Possibility for insured person:
- To check progress status on personal digital space
- To request interview with processing service for motivated explanation in case of rejection
Alternatives/Appeals:
- Formal complaint filing with regional HRSS bureau within legal timeframe specified in notification (~30 days).
- Possible referral to higher administrative commission then specialized courts if necessary.
Good to Know:
In China, applying for early retirement requires meeting certain conditions, including a minimum age of 50 for women and 55 for men, with at least 10 to 15 years of contributions to the social security system. Procedures are mainly handled at the local Social Security Bureau where the file, including proof of contributions and identity such as passport and hukou, must be submitted. Processing times vary but generally don’t exceed a few months. Some regions may have additional requirements; it’s therefore advisable to check local specificities with these bureaus. Thanks to government online platforms such as the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security website, some procedures can be simplified, although digital registration sometimes requires local sponsorship. In case of refusal, appeals can be made in writing to the same bureau, with the possibility of including additional documents to support the case.
Early Retirement Eligibility Conditions
Early Retirement Eligibility Conditions in China
Minimum Required Age for Early Retirement
The legal retirement age in China is currently set at 60 years for men, 55 years for female managers, and 50 years for women in manual jobs.
Starting in 2025, a reform plans for gradual increase of legal age to 63 years for men and 58 years for women (with transition over 15 years).
Early retirement is possible up to 3 years before legal age, for example, 57 years for a man with legal age of 60, or 52 years for a woman with legal age of 55.
Required Contribution Years
Must demonstrate minimum contribution period of 15 years to qualify for basic pension.
A recent reform plans to increase this minimum period to 20 years, with gradual implementation starting 2030 (extension of 6 months every year).
Professional Categories or Specific Situations Influencing Conditions
Arduous or Dangerous Occupations:
For jobs considered arduous or dangerous, retirement age is lowered: 55 years for men and 50 years for women.
Recognized Disability or Medical Restrictions:
Persons with permanent disability of at least 50% can retire early before legal age, provided they demonstrate required contribution years and disability is recognized by official commission.
Persons with incurable disease or infirmity making professional activity impossible can obtain early pension after 15 years of service, without age condition.
Recent Legislation and Ongoing Reforms
- Gradual postponement of legal age starting 2025.
- Gradual extension of minimum contribution period from 15 to 20 years starting 2030.
Differences Between Public and Private Sectors
| Sector | Current Legal Age | Legal Age After Reform | Minimum Contribution Period | Specificities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public | 60 years (M), 55/50 years (F) | 63 years (M), 58 years (F) | 15 years (20 years after reform) | Early departures for infirmity or disability |
| Private | 60 years (M), 55/50 years (F) | 63 years (M), 58 years (F) | 15 years (20 years after reform) | Early departures for hardship, disability |
Notable Regional Variations
In Shanghai, it’s possible, with employer agreement, to postpone retirement age to 65 years for men and 60 years for women.
Voluntary contribution system for unemployed urban residents varies by city, with different contribution levels.
Summary of Main Conditions:
- Minimum early departure age: 3 years before legal age (varies by gender and sector)
- Required contribution years: 15 years (20 years after reform)
- Arduous occupations: lowering of retirement age
- Disability/serious illness: possible early departure without age condition, subject to 15 years service
- Upcoming reform: gradual extension legal age and contribution period
- Public/private sector differences: mainly related to recognition modalities for special situations and management of long or arduous careers
Example (Arduous Occupations and Disability):
| Situation | Minimum Departure Age | Required Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Arduous occupation (man) | 55 years | 15 years (20 years after reform) |
| Arduous occupation (woman) | 50 years | 15 years (20 years after reform) |
| Permanent disability ≥ 50% | Before legal age | According to age and situation, from 15 years service |
| Incurable disease/infirmity (public service) | Regardless of age | 15 years service |
Good to Know:
In China, eligibility for early retirement requires a minimum age of 50 for women and 55 for men, with at least 15 years of contributions to the social security system. Workers in strenuous professions, such as mining or construction, benefit from exemptions that can lower these thresholds. Employees with recognized medical restrictions also have facilities to obtain retirement earlier. A recent reform aims to standardize these conditions while planning specific adaptations for the public sector, often stricter compared to private. Variations also exist between provinces, some allowing additional flexibilities.
Benefits for Early Retirees in China
Financial Benefits for Early Retirees in China:
- Basic pension paid by government, calculated according to contribution years and average salary of years preceding retirement.
- Possibility of supplementary allowances in certain sectors (public administration, state enterprises), especially for those with longer contributions or holding qualified positions.
- Female workers and employees can retire at 50 or 55 years (depending on status), allowing earlier access to system benefits.
- Concrete example: In 2014, average retirement age was estimated at 54 years, nearly ten years before global average.
| Category | Current/Former Legal Age | Pension/Specific Allowances |
|---|---|---|
| Men | 60 years | Basic pension |
| Female workers | 50 years | Pension + allowances according to sector |
| Female managers/employees | 55 years | Pension + possible bonuses |
Note that recent reforms aim to gradually increase these ages over fifteen-year period.
Non-Financial Benefits Related to Early Retirement:
- Reduction of professional stress, allowing significant improvement in psychological and emotional well-being.
- Increased opportunity to devote time to personal activities (leisure, volunteering) or family (grandchild care, family support).
- Facilitated access to various social and community programs for elderly persons:
- Community centers offering cultural, sports and educational activities
- Senior clubs promoting social integration
- Intergenerational programs strengthening family bonds
Physical and Mental Health:
- Possibility of early withdrawal allows better management of chronic problems typical of aging.
- Demonstrated improvement in several Chinese studies on mental health after early cessation of professional activities: decrease in anxiety and depressive disorders thanks to increased rest.
- Relevant statistic: Growing proportion of elderly persons – over 310 million aged over 60 by end 2024 – encourages rapid development of dedicated senior wellness offerings.
Concrete example
An urban worker taking retirement before legal age can enjoy:
- Regular medical monitoring partially funded by senior health insurance,
- Preferential rates on certain sports/cultural activities,
- Enriched family life thanks to freed time.
Structured Summary in List Form:
- Immediate financial benefits via state pension
- Net relief from work-related stress
- More free time for personal/family projects
- Expanded access to senior community resources
- Better proactive management physical/mental health
In China, retiring early therefore offers an articulated set of material but also major qualitative advantages that contribute both to individual comfort and family and social balance.
Good to Know:
Early retirees in China benefit from various advantages, both financial and non-financial. Financially, the government offers specific pensions that allow retirees to meet their needs, even if exact amount depends on age and past contributions. Non-financially, early retirement offers notable improvement in quality of life through reduction of professional stress and possibility to devote more time to personal or family activities, such as traveling or participating in local cultural events. Moreover, many social and community programs target this population, promoting social engagement and well-being. Health-wise, leaving work early allows better management of physical and mental health, for example by regularly attending fitness classes or relaxation sessions, which can significantly increase life expectancy according to some studies. These combined elements make early retirement an interesting option for those wishing to fully enjoy their years without professional activities.
Options for Expatriates Wishing to Retire in China
Available Visa Types for Retirees
- Q Visa (family reunion): reserved for close family members (spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents/grandchildren) of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent resident status in China. Requires invitation letter and proof of family relationship.
- S Visa: intended for family members accompanying foreigners working or studying in China. Not well-suited for newcomers without local family ties.
- Other visas (F or L) don’t allow long-term stay for classic retirement.
⚠️ There is currently no specific “retirement” visa allowing expatriates without local family ties to make long-term stay in China.
Financial Requirements and Associated Conditions
- Mandatory presentation of certificate indicating monthly amount received from pension fund.
- In absence of professional activity:
- Provide last three bank statements with minimum credit balance (example: €1,000 per month for three consecutive months).
- Financial undertaking written by local guarantor sometimes required.
Tax Situation and Bilateral Agreements
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Double taxation | No agreement between France and China concerning double taxation on public or private pensions. |
| Income declaration | Potential obligation to country source AND resident country according to personal situation. |
| Social contributions | Recommended to subscribe to international health insurance to continue contributing in home country if desired. |
Housing Options
- Long-term rental
- Solution mostly used by retired expatriates; simplified formalities via specialized local agencies.
- Generally annual renewable contracts.
- Property purchase
- Possible but subject to strict restrictions: need for valid visa and proof you already reside in purchased property; lengthy procedures.
Access to Health Services and Insurance
- Chinese public healthcare often reserved for locals, frequent language barriers.
- International hospitals present in major cities: high rates but possible English/French speaking staff.
- Recommended subscription to international health insurance covering routine care & hospitalization.
Essential Cultural & Linguistic Aspects
- Language barrier significant outside major urban centers; basic Mandarin learning recommended.
- Strong importance given to respecting local customs (social codes, formal politeness).
Expatriate Communities & Social Life
- Active presence in all major Chinese cities:
- French/English speaking clubs
- Cultural associations
- Sports activities/volunteer groups
- Dedicated digital platforms:
- WeChat: geolocated thematic groups
Practical Tips for Daily Settlement
- Prepare all administrative documents officially translated before departure
- Download useful mobile applications: instant translation, local transport…
- Quickly open local bank account with bilingual assistance if possible
- Connect upon arrival with active local French/expatriate associations
- Learn few key expressions in Mandarin
- Plan electrical adapters compatible with European devices
Successful integration primarily requires good administrative, financial and cultural anticipation as well as active engagement within local social fabric
Good to Know:
Expatriates wishing to retire in China must consider the Q visa, intended for family members of Chinese citizens, or S visa for foreign parents of temporary residents, each with specific conditions of family relationship proof or sponsorship. Retirees must demonstrate sufficient financial resources, amount varying by province, to support themselves without working locally. Regarding taxation, it’s crucial to check bilateral agreements to avoid double taxation, each country having specific rules. For housing, long-term rentals are popular, although property purchase is possible but complicated for foreigners, with restrictions in certain areas. Health coverage is essential, as local insurance doesn’t always cover expatriates, so having international insurance is advised. Learning Mandarin greatly facilitates integration, and it’s practical to join expatriate groups to build social connections and exchange practical advice. Cities offering cosmopolitan community like Shanghai or Beijing provide many services dedicated to expatriates facilitating cultural and social adaptation, making transition to retiree life in China more harmonious.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
