How to Move to China in 2025: Your Complete Guide to Immigration, Teaching Jobs, and Cultural Adaptation

Moving to China feels like opening a door to a world of opportunity—but it’s not a decision to make lightly. Whether you’re chasing a teaching job, a fresh start, or a chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, the process can feel overwhelming. Let’s cut through the noise and talk about what really matters.

At GoEast Mandarin, we’ve helped thousands navigate life here since 2012. Our classrooms in Shanghai and online sessions aren’t just about learning Chinese; they’re about preparing for the moments that trip people up—like ordering street food or decoding local social cues. Language isn’t just words; it’s the bridge between confusion and connection.

China Visa Requirements: Breaking Down the Confusion

If you’re asking how to move to China, the first hurdle is paperwork. Most newcomers start with a Z-visa (work visa), but qualifying requires specific documents:

• A job offer from a licensed Chinese employer
• A physical health certificate from an approved hospital (valid 6 months as of 2025)
• A criminal background check with apostille certification
• Notarized and authenticated degree certificates

Wait—what if your teaching gig isn’t secured yet? Some start with an X-visa (student visa) while they job hunt. But here’s the catch: You’ll eventually need to convert it to a Z-visa once hired. We’ve seen too many people get stuck in visa limbo because they skipped this step.

China Immigration Process: Visa Types and Nuances

China’s visa system isn’t as straightforward as “work or tourist.” Let’s unpack the most common categories:

Our instructors stress the importance of understanding nuances. For example, if you’re teaching in China, schools often handle the work permit process—but only if you’ve secured a contract. Always verify your employer’s ability to sponsor your visa before crossing the border. The 2025 Foreign Work Permit System now requires pre-approval through the online portal before your physical application.

Best Cities to Live in China: 8 Options Compared

Choosing a city is like picking the right pair of shoes—comfort and practicality matter more than trends. Here’s a deeper dive into eight popular spots for expats in 2025:

Shanghai Note: If you’re learning Mandarin, our hometown offers a perfect blend of international sophistication and authentic Chinese culture. Students at our Shanghai classrooms benefit from immersion in China’s most cosmopolitan city while still experiencing traditional neighborhoods. The 2025 Shanghai Free Trade Zone expansion has cemented the city’s status as China’s premier business hub with unparalleled opportunities for networking and career advancement.

Shenzhen Warning: Cantonese dominates in southern cities. While Mandarin works in offices, street vendors might stick to regional dialects. Consider a Mandarin-Cantonese hybrid course if heading here. The 2025 Greater Bay Area integration has made Shenzhen even more connected to Hong Kong, increasing English usage in certain districts.

New 2025 Trend: Second-tier cities like Chengdu and Xiamen are seeing the fastest growth in expat communities due to lower living costs and improved international amenities.

Teaching English in China 2025: Is It Still Worth It?

For years, teaching English was the golden ticket for expats. But the rules are shifting in significant ways.

In 2025, most schools require:

• A bachelor’s degree in any field (master’s preferred for university positions)
• A TEFL certificate (120+ hours, with in-classroom component now preferred)
• Two years of relevant teaching experience (new requirement since 2024)
• Zero criminal record
• Clean health check from approved hospitals only

But here’s what no one tells you: The real game-changer is local knowledge. One of our alumni, now teaching in Shanghai, credits her success to learning basic Mandarin before arriving. She could negotiate her contract terms in person and decode subtle classroom dynamics from day one.

The Hidden Realities of Teaching in China

Public Schools: Offer stability but strict schedules. Many now require HSK 3 Mandarin proficiency for visa sponsorship. The 2025 Education Ministry reforms have increased base salaries by 15% but added more certification requirements.

Private Language Centers: Flexible hours but lower pay. Competition is fierce in cities like Shanghai. The 2025 market has seen consolidation, with fewer but larger schools dominating the landscape.

International Schools: Highest pay (¥30,000-45,000/month) but require teaching licenses and experience. The 2025 expansion of international curriculum approvals has created new opportunities.

Online Teaching: Surged post-pandemic and stabilized in 2025. Requires tech setup and self-discipline. The new China Online Education Regulations now require platforms to have mainland licenses.

Corporate Training: Growing sector for business English teachers with industry experience. Financial and tech sectors pay premium rates (¥400-600/hour).

Pro tip: If you’re targeting rural schools in China’s western development zones, some regions waive experience requirements to fill gaps. But career growth? Mandarin-speaking teachers earn 20-35% more long-term as of 2025 salary reports.

2025 Teaching Salary Expectations in China

• Tier 1 Cities (Beijing, Shanghai): ¥18,000-30,000/month
• Tier 2 Cities (Chengdu, Xiamen): ¥15,000-25,000/month
• Tier 3 Cities: ¥12,000-20,000/month
• Benefits: Housing allowance (¥3,000-5,000), flight reimbursement, health insurance

New Trend: The 2025 “Dual Teaching” initiative provides bonuses for teachers who can teach both English and another subject (especially STEM fields).

Cultural Landmines (and How to Avoid Them)

You’ll hear phrases like “save face” or “关系 guān xì” (relationships) in guides. But experiencing them is different.

Cultural Nuances That Trip Newcomers

• Gift-giving: Bring something from your home country, but don’t wrap it in white or black paper (funeral colors).
• Public Behavior: Avoid loud phone calls or public arguments.
• Hierarchy: Age/responsibility often matters more than “first-name basis” cultures.
• Digital Etiquette: WeChat group behaviors have specific unwritten rules. Quick responses are expected, and text messages are preferred over voice for complex topics.

At GoEast, we role-play these scenarios in class. A student recently laughed about accidentally insulting a taxi driver by saying, “It’s okay!” when he got lost. In China, that phrase can sound dismissive. Instead, try “méi guānxi” (没关系) – it carries empathy.

Move to China: Practical Tips from Our Teachers

We’ve seen adults panic over simple tasks: finding a hairdresser who speaks English, splitting bills at dinner, or even using a rice cooker. Here’s how to dodge the panic:

Master Mandarin Before You Move to China

Why? Even 10 phrases ease daily stress. One parent told us her son could order bubble tea on his first day—no small win!

The 2025 HSK exam revisions have created a more practical approach to language learning, focusing on daily communication rather than just academic Chinese. Start with these essential phrases:

Basic Greetings:

• 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello
• 谢谢 (Xièxie) – Thank you
• 不客气 (Bú kèqi) – You’re welcome
• 对不起 (Duìbùqǐ) – Sorry
• 没关系 (Méi guānxi) – It’s okay/No problem

Shopping & Dining:

• 多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?) – How much?
• 太贵了 (Tài guì le) – Too expensive
• 便宜一点 (Piányi yīdiǎn) – A little cheaper please
• 我要这个 (Wǒ yào zhège) – I want this one
• 菜单 (Càidān) – Menu
• 买单 (Mǎi dān) – Check please
• 不要辣 (Bú yào là) – No spicy

Transportation:

• 这个地方怎么走? (Zhège dìfang zěnme zǒu?) – How do I get to this place?
• 地铁站在哪里? (Dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is the subway station?
• 我要去… (Wǒ yào qù…) – I want to go to…
• 打车 (Dǎ chē) – Take a taxi

Emergencies:

• 帮助 (Bāngzhù) – Help
• 我不舒服 (Wǒ bù shūfu) – I don’t feel well
• 我需要医生 (Wǒ xūyào yīshēng) – I need a doctor
• 警察 (Jǐngchá) – Police

Work & Daily Life:

• 我的中文不好 (Wǒ de Zhōngwén bù hǎo) – My Chinese isn’t good
• 你会说英语吗? (Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma?) – Do you speak English?
• 我不明白 (Wǒ bù míngbai) – I don’t understand
• 可以再说一遍吗? (Kěyǐ zài shuō yī biàn ma?) – Can you say that again?
• 慢一点 (Màn yīdiǎn) – Slower please

For a more comprehensive preparation, check out these in-depth resources from GoEast Mandarin:

• The Ultimate Guide to 100 Essential Chinese Words and Phrases for Beginners – Perfect for complete beginners planning their move
• 120 Words & Phrases about Money in Chinese for Conversations – Essential for handling daily transactions and understanding costs
• Basic Chinese words (Travel/Survival Chinese) – Focused specifically on the survival phrases you’ll need immediately upon arrival

Set Up Your Digital Life in China

Download WeChat Today—it’s even more essential in 2025. This super-app handles everything from payments to socializing. If you’re in China without it, you’re like a tourist with a flip phone.

2025 Digital Essentials:

• WeChat Pay (linked to a Chinese bank account)
• Alipay (for services WeChat doesn’t cover)
• Didi (China’s Uber, now with English interface)
• Meituan (food delivery, expanded in 2025 to include more services)
• Baidu Maps (Google Maps alternative)
• VPN (set up before arrival—2025 regulations allow certain approved services for foreigners)

Build Your Chinese Support Network

Challenge: Visit a market without labels. Buy groceries using gestures and your phone translator. It builds resilience—and you’ll learn the word for “eggplant” the hard way.

Build a “Guanxi” Network Before Arrival:

• Join specialized WeChat groups for your city
• Connect with alumni from your home country
• Utilize LinkedIn communities with China focus
• Join China-specific forums like “Expats in China 2025”

Navigate Chinese Healthcare Systems

Major cities now have international wings in some public hospitals with English-speaking staff. Private international hospitals remain expensive but comprehensive.

Healthcare Tips:

• Get international insurance with direct billing to Chinese hospitals
• Create a list of emergency contacts in both English and Chinese
• Learn medical terminology specific to any conditions you have

Embrace the Local Calendar

Why? Missing a public holiday like National Day (Oct 1-7) could mean stranded transportation plans. The 2025 holiday calendar includes several new commemorative days that affect business operations.

Key 2025 Chinese Holidays:

• Chinese New Year (movable date – longest holiday)
• Qingming Festival (April 4-6)
• Labor Day (May 1-5)
• Dragon Boat Festival (June)
• Mid-Autumn Festival (September)
• National Day (October 1-7)

GoEast’s Secret Sauce for Expats

Sure, you can memorize grammar rules from an app. But real fluency comes from understanding how people interact. Our curriculum focuses on:

• Survival Mandarin for daily life
• Cultural Immersion through local stories
• Flexible Learning (evenings, weekends, online)

Move to China FAQs: Straight Answers from Our Experience

The Truth About Settling In

Moving to China isn’t a one-size-fits-all adventure. You’ll have days where you feel like a local hero and others where you wonder why you left your coffee machine behind. But here’s the bottom line: Preparation beats panic.

Want to skip the “lost in translation” moments? Start with a free trial Mandarin class. Not ready to commit? Follow our Instagram to master the basics.

China isn’t a mystery—it’s a mosaic. And trust us, the pieces fit better when you understand the picture.

Bonus: 5 Mistakes Newcomers Make (and How to Fix Them)

1. Overpacking Electronics: China’s e-commerce (think Taobao) has everything you’ll need.
2. Ignoring Dialects: Shanghai’s “Shanghainese” or Cantonese could trip you up. Add regional phrases to your studies.
3. Skipping Health Checks: Some cities now require TB tests for visa approval.
4. Misjudging Social Invitations: Being “invited” to a local’s home doesn’t mean “come now”—ask specifics.
5. Underestimating the Language Gap: Even basic Mandarin cuts frustration by 70%. Ask us how we know.

Your 2025 Move to China Checklist

• Language Prep: Enroll in a GoEast Mandarin course for essential survival Chinese.
• Visa Prep: Secure your work permit through the online pre-approval system, then collect authenticated documents.
• City Prep: Watch current vlogs about your target city’s daily life and join local expat WeChat groups.
• Digital Prep: Set up a VPN before arrival and download essential Chinese apps.
• Network Prep: Connect with expats via LinkedIn or specialized China forums.
• Financial Prep: Research 2025 banking options for foreigners and prepare 3 months of living expenses in accessible funds.

Final Thoughts on Moving to China

You’ll never “fully” adapt—no one does. But fluency in Mandarin and cultural awareness? They turn hurdles into stories. We’ve seen students move from “Can I borrow a chopstick?” to “Can you help my dad with his visa?” in six months.

China’s magic isn’t in perfection. It’s in the “aha!” moments when your barista in Hangzhou smiles because you asked, “Nǐ háo ma?” (你好吗? How are you?) instead of fumbling through Google Translate.

Start today. Even a single phrase makes the next step easier in your journey to move to China.

Read more: Your Ultimate Guide to a Life-Changing Chinese Summer Camp