China

Our company in China operates from Shanghai, China.

Despite China being polarized at both ends of the economic spectrum, their economy has continuously grown at staggering rates for the last 30 years. However, most organisations venturing into China face roadblocks that often make the processes we take for granted elsewhere a challenge here. Basic necessities like employment of a foreigner, administering of payroll, paying taxes are not that straightforward.

The Innovare Group provides a full contract management model in China specific to your requirements operating in multiple industries. We usually refer to this model as the Employee of Record (EOR) model. Some of the characteristics are elaborated below.

We are able to assist whether you or your consultant is an expatriate or local in China.

We have a team of payroll, immigration and compliance specialists ready to provide professional advice in terms of contracting.

How Innovare China can assist:

  • Immigration Services

  • Payroll Administration

  • Tax and Social Security Management

  • Other Employer Costs and Insurance

  • Statutory Benefits

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Immigration Services

Immigration laws in most countries in Asia Pac often hold a local entity responsible for the entry, wellbeing, good behaviour and eventual exit of the individual. This also ensures that local immigration and employment laws are adhered to. This host company will be the technical employer of the individual.

We assist with the sponsorship of the work visa. Please speak to your Innovare sales contact person who will determine the appropriate visa for you or your consultant.

Payroll Administration

Our China company will administer the payroll for locals or permanent residents as well as for sponsored expatriates.

Tax & Social Security Management

All income derived from work performed in China is subject to tax payment, regardless of payment location based on the reported monthly payroll. We shall deduct the respective tax amount each month accordingly and subsequently paid monthly to the China Tax Office.

China wages attract an employer social security premium of up to 32% of the total salary. Employee premium contribution 10.5% of the total salary. There is cap for both but the cap and contribution rate varies across cities and changes every year.

Other Employer Costs and Insurance

Innovare’s insurance policy in China (subject to terms and conditions) includes Professional indemnity insurance and Public liability insurance and is inclusive in our management fee. Workman compensation insurance is charged at cost.

Needless to say, all Employee of Record consultants are required to have adequate medical insurance to cover them throughout the entire contract. While medical insurance covers for locals, medical insurance is a must for expatriates working in China.

Statutory Benefits

At the point of initial discussions, your Innovare sales contact will provide you with a list of statutory benefits which the agency or the end client must provide in compliance to the China labour regulations.

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Should you need assistance in Asia Pacific, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Contact us for a discussion and a quick quote.

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China (Mainland) Travel & Quarantine Requirements

Travel and entry requirements:

  • Foreign nationals with valid Mainland Chinese residence permits for work, personal matters or reunion are now allowed to enter.

  • Entry ban for foreign nationals who hold the following visas:

    • Chinese visa

    • Resident Permit

    • APEC Business Travel Card

    • Port visa

    • Foreign nationals eligible for the 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy

    • Hainan 30-day visa-free policy

    • 15-day visa-free policy for foreign cruise-groups through Shanghai Port

    • Guangdong 144-hour visa-free policy for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR

    • Guangxi 15-day visa-free policy for foreign tour groups of ASEAN countries.

  • Foreign nationals with diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas and new visa successfully applied for from Chinese embassies or consulates overseas after 28 March 2020 are not affected by the entry ban.

  • Starting 15 March 2021, foreigners who have received Chinese COVID-19 vaccines and obtained the vaccination certificate will enjoy facilitation for visa applications. They should have been inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines produced in China, either having received two doses of Chinese-made vaccines with the stipulated time gap in between or having received a single-dose of the Chinese-made vaccine at least 14 days prior to the application and obtained the vaccination certificate.

  • Entry ban for all foreign nationals of the following countries, including those who are holding Chinese visa and/or residence permit holders: Bangladesh, Belgium, Ethiopia, France, India, Italy, Philippines, Russia, the United Kingdom and Ukraine.

  • Travellers are required to provide COVID-19 nucleic acid test (PCR test) and an IgM antibody test (serology test) within 2 days before their flight.

  • Submit the Electronic Health Declaration Form online (https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/) and present the “HDC” code upon check in.

  • There’s an Air Travel Pass between Singapore and Mainland China’s six provinces/municipalities (Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang). A visa is required prior to travel and are exempt from the 14-day quarantine requirement but are subject to a COVID-19 test prior to travel and another test upon arrival.

Quarantine and Health Requirements:

  • Travelers from these countries are required to provide a negative COVID-19 certificate https://hr.cs.mfa.gov.cn/help_two/help-two/gj.html

  • Travelers are required to undergo 14 days quarantine at a quarantine facility assigned by the government. Certain cities require additional 7-day home quarantine and 7-day health monitoring. And may also undergo a COVID-19 test upon landing depending on the local authorities requirements.

  • Inter-area/province travel may require extra quarantining, depending on local infection rates.

  • Travelers are advised to check with local authorities, Chinese Embassies, airlines and hotels for more information on the specific requirements before departing. Every city has slightly different travel and quarantine requirements.

Updated as at 13 April 2021:

Disclaimer: Due to COVID-19, there has been a constant change in terms of work permit process, timeline, travel restrictions, quarantine period, medical tests as well as insurance requirements etc. All these requirements can change by the respective authorities in both country of work and candidate’s home country from time to time. The process, timeline and costs that Innovare provides is a guideline and is subject to change if any process is being changed. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure its accuracy at the time of communication, Innovare cannot guarantee nor be liable for such change in timeline or costs arising from any pandemic related factors so please take note of the potentially volatile situation during this period.

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