Expat jobs, chosen by hand. Every Monday.
Every Monday, a handful of expat jobs an editor thinks are worth applying to.
What we're doing here.
Most job boards work for the recruiter, not the applicant. For someone moving from Manchester to Shanghai, that means thousands of listings — most closed to expats, most written for people already in the country.
We work the other way. Every Monday, an editor publishes the roles worth your time — company vetted, visa checked, description rewritten if the original didn't cut it. If we wouldn't recommend it to a friend, it isn't in the issue.
About expat jobs in China
China's expat hiring market changed materially post-2020 and has been gradually reopening. Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen concentrate most white-collar opportunities. Foreign hiring is more selective than it was — companies target senior specialists rather than generalists — but for those in the right specialisms, compensation and market access remain strong.
№ 01Sectors hiring UK expats in China
- Manufacturing leadership — foreign multinationals still recruit heavily for their Chinese operations
- International education at bilingual and international schools
- Technology at Chinese firms with international ambitions (ByteDance, Alibaba, Xiaomi)
- Luxury retail and hospitality — the market for Western luxury brands is again growing
- Finance and consulting at Big Four, MBB and global bank China desks
№ 02Visa routes for UK professionals
- Z Visa — the working visa, sponsored by the employer; must be applied for before arrival
- Foreigner's Work Permit — the credential-graded system determining eligibility (A, B, C classifications)
- R Visa — for high-level talent under China's foreign expert programmes
- Family reunion visa (Q1/Q2) — for spouses and dependents of work-permit holders
№ 03Salary and compensation
Senior roles in Shanghai and Beijing at multinationals typically pay ¥40,000–¥120,000 per month (approximately £4,300–£13,000 GBP equivalent), often with substantial housing allowance and international schools fees covered. Chinese employers pay Chinese-market salaries — often lower base but with equity or bonus structures.
№ 04Cost of living
Shanghai is expensive; expat-standard housing in the French Concession or Xintiandi runs ¥25,000–¥50,000 per month. International schools cost ¥250,000–¥350,000 per year. Beijing is broadly similar. Second-tier cities (Chengdu, Hangzhou) are meaningfully cheaper. Healthcare through the international clinic network is excellent but expensive without employer insurance.
The weekly issue prioritises roles at employers with a track record of supporting foreign hires through the current work permit environment.