Thanks to good salaries, working in Shanghai is very tempting for Russians. The Chinese authorities, through social programs, provide employment to the working-age local population. For non-residents of the country, the flow of vacancies also does not dry out. The high economic potential of the Celestial Empire, along with rapidly developing technologies, has led to the demand for experts, smart specialists, representatives of creative professions and specialized workers. Even a student who has mastered the initial skills of speaking Chinese will be able to earn extra money.

Advantages of working in Shanghai

Foreigners, including Russians, want to work in Shanghai not only because of high salaries. They are also attracted by the prospect of career growth, which they can often only dream of in their homeland. Citizens of other countries who have found work in this metropolis consider the working conditions created to be very acceptable, and living in Shanghai is quite comfortable. They may also participate in social security programs.

The above is confirmed by information from official sources. Thus, according to the annual survey “Amazing China”, this city of central subordination in the PRC in 2019 was recognized as the best for foreigners for the sixth time in a row.

In total, the studies were carried out in 31 regions of the country. The top three look like this:

1. Shanghai – 3.91 points out of 6 maximum.
2. Beijing scored 3.67 points.
3. Guangdong Province (including Shenzhen and Guangzhou) – 3.52 points.

And in the report of the Center for China and Globalization, Shanghai was awarded first place in the category “Developmental environment for international talents.” One of the reasons is the simplification of employment rules in this city for foreign graduates since 2017.

The most in-demand professions in Shanghai

Being one of the business centers of China, Shanghai is one of the cities in which, in fact, the market for the most popular specialties in the country is formed. And here the following point is noteworthy: work in Shanghai for Russians is most often offered not by local, but by international companies, whose branches are open in the Middle Kingdom. Moreover, almost 40% of vacancies, as on average in China, are in the sales and marketing sector.

But not everything is so simple here. The success of the country's economy and the popularity of its products in the international arena led to an increase in demand for representatives from other areas of activity, which could not but affect the state of the labor market segment for foreigners.

Let's look at the vacancies in Shanghai that our compatriots can apply for:

• IT manager, programmer. Russian engineers who already have extensive experience in this field of activity are in greatest demand among city companies. It is not uncommon for employers to cover part of their housing costs.
• Specialists in logistics, personnel selection and finance. Highly qualified workers in the field of logistics and human resources (HR) are among the most valuable personnel of Shanghai leading companies. The same applies to representatives of such professions as tax manager, auditor, accountant.
• Model. Of course, such work is best suited for girls in Shanghai. However, foreign guys can also work as models in this city, and in other municipalities of China. The fact is that local consumers are sympathetic to people with European appearance, and they themselves are notable personalities in the Celestial Empire. Therefore, events or advertising with the participation of foreigners automatically become prestigious and attractive.
• English teacher. Any person from the post-Soviet space with knowledge of spoken English at at least an intermediate level can fill such a vacancy.

Many people are interested in working as a lawyer in Shanghai. Everything is much more complicated here. Without a diploma from a university in the People's Republic of China, it will not be possible to fill such a vacancy. In addition, you will be required to pass certain legal exams and speak Chinese.

Moreover, the last requirement provides for language training, which, in turn, allows you to pass the HSK exam (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) at least level 4. Only then will the lawyer be able to successfully interact with the client.

The business center of Shanghai, the Pudong district, is the main concentration of migrant workers. An important fact: there are about 800 financial organizations operating in the metropolis, approximately 170 of which have foreign investments.

To find a job in Shanghai, first of all you need to study offers from such large international and Chinese companies as:

• Shanghai auto corporation SAIC Motor, which cooperates with General Motors and Volkswagen;
• Jiangnan Shipbuilding Company;
• national oil and gas corporation China National Petroleum Corporation;
• Shanghai Baosteel Group, the largest steel company in China.

You can also find a job in Shanghai in 2019 via the Internet. Below are the most popular web resources and links to them.

• Current list of Chinese companies, including Shanghai ones - http://english.sse.com.cn/listed/company/.
• The famous Shanghai newspaper Shanghai Daily - https://www.shine.cn/.
• Job search site – https://www.xpatjobs.com/.
• Vacancies in China – https://www.career-jet.cn/ and https://www.51job.com/bo/eservice.php.

However, the ideal option for finding a job is to visit Shanghai as a tourist. This way you will be able to look around the place, try to establish business contacts, and, perhaps, communicate with Russian-speaking people who have decided to emigrate to China.

You can also resort to the services of recruitment agencies. This will be discussed below.

What do you need to get a job in Shanghai?

To conduct legal work in Shanghai, in fact, as in the entire People's Republic of China, you need to have:

• valid passport;
• work visa category Z;
• residence permit (hereinafter referred to as residence permit) for the purpose of work. This is a regular sticker on a visa-type passport. Only work should be indicated as the purpose of stay;
• work permit. This document is a plastic card with a QR code on it. When it is scanned, all personal information about the card holder is provided.

Not all employers are ready to assist foreigners in completing the last two documents. Many people give preference when hiring a person who already has them.

In addition, submitting:

• letters of recommendation;
• HSK certificate;
• diploma from a Chinese university, etc.

Specialized companies and recruitment agencies for employment

Chinese specialized firms and recruiting agencies are engaged in job searches. The quality of services provided by companies varies. Some organize the client’s employment in full, right down to providing assistance upon arrival in China. Other specialized firms charge money only for providing a list of vacancies.

They all host their websites online. Below are some web resources:

Successful recruiting agencies have developed a database of exclusive vacancies and have also signed contracts with various enterprises. They receive monetary compensation for finding highly qualified specialists for client companies.

Another source of income for such firms may be a certain percentage of the salary of the person they employ. Payments are usually made no longer than 1 year.

You can choose an agency suitable for cooperation by going to its website using the appropriate link:

• http://www.china-recruitment.com/ – International recruiting agency;
• https://www.ginkgosearch.com/ – Ginkgo Search Partners agency;
• http://www.chefs-agency.com/ – employment agency for chefs.

What is the salary level in Shanghai?

The Shanghai authorities increased the minimum wage by ¥60 from April 1, 2019. If earlier this figure was ¥2,420 ($360), now it is ¥2,480 ($369) and is one of the highest in China.

The average salary of a person officially working in a metropolis, before withholding income tax, ranges from ¥ 16 thousand ($2,382) to ¥ 17 thousand ($ 2,530.5).

Cost of living in Shanghai

Even with a high income, if you move from Russia to Shanghai without a mortgage, you will not be able to purchase a residential property. Calculations made on the basis of average data show that if you save your entire salary, even ¥ 17 thousand ($ 2,530.5), then saving for housing in a residential area of ​​​​Shanghai with an area of, for example, only 20 m2 will cost 54.5 of the year.

The cost of renting a 3-room apartment ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per month. But you will also need to pay for utilities. Their cost for subletting housing with an area of ​​85 m2 (garbage removal, water, electricity) will be approximately ¥ 421.72 ($ 62.77).

Now a few words about nutrition. Approximate prices in cafes and restaurants:

• inexpensive lunch for one person – ¥33 ($5);
• dinner for two with alcohol – ¥267 ($40);
• Big Mac set in one of the McDonald's restaurants – ¥ 27.5 ($ 4).

In stores, 1 kg of loose rice costs ¥6 ($0.9), 1 kg of zucchini costs ¥1.7 ($0.25), 1 kg of bananas costs ¥4 ($0.6).

Conclusion

The prospect of quickly finding a job in Shanghai depends on the entrepreneurial spirit of the applicant, as well as on his personal and professional qualities. Knowledge of spoken Chinese is a plus, but in many cases it is enough to speak English at the Pre-Intermediate level. Highly qualified personnel can count on their employer to provide them with visa support, housing, a social package and a decent salary.

Work in Shanghai: Video

Work in China is becoming increasingly in demand among Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians and other residents of the CIS. Having a profession that is in demand in this country, you can easily find a job and move here to live.

What attracts foreigners to China? First of all, low living costs. Employers are willing to provide immigrants with housing and pay for airfare. Compared to Europe, where expenses on rent and food are much higher, China has an advantage in these expense items.

In addition to cheap accommodation, foreigners are attracted by high salaries and the desire to gain work experience abroad. Another advantage of working in China is the opportunity to improve your English and Chinese language skills while working.

For citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus there are many vacancies in the fields of industry and IT technology. Large numbers of employees are required in the fields of culture, education, telecommunications and engineering. Popular professions include teachers, translators, dancers, and musicians.

Work for men and women

Skilled workers are in demand in China. Men can get jobs in the technical and financial fields, and get jobs in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Artists, fashion models, and sales managers are in great demand.

Many roads are open for women with Slavic appearance. They can get a position in the service sector, tourism, entertainment, or work as a model, dancer or presenter on television.

Work visa to China for Russians

All immigrants going to work must obtain a work visa. Before submitting an application, you must find a job and obtain permission to work in China. Only after this is it possible to obtain a visa.

Documents required to obtain a visa:

• employment contract;
• international passport;
• original document permitting work activity;
• photo cards measuring 35x45 mm (3 photos no more than six months old);
• a copy of the education document;
• invitation from the employer (letter in original);
• completed applications forms V2011B, V2011A;
• certificate with a medical report on health status.

To obtain a work visa, a citizen must:

• undergo an interview with an employer;
• conclude an employment contract and have its original copy with you;
• receive an official invitation letter for work from the employer;
• have a certificate in hand that confirms your knowledge of English or Chinese;
• have in hand an education document that confirms your qualifications.

In the standard mode, documents are reviewed within 5 working days, but there is also an urgent procedure for processing in one or two days. The cost of a visa will be from 2 to 4 thousand rubles, depending on the urgency.

Vacancies and job search in China

A common method of searching for vacancies is registering on social networks. Thanks to active communication, the possibility of obtaining a position increases. For example, you can view vacancies in the Chinese market using the social network linkedin.com.

Popular Chinese job search sites include: 51job.com, chinajob.com, zhaopin.com. Job search is also possible through international resources: cn.indeed.com, learn4good.com, careerjet.cn. If you want to find a good position, you can look through the options in Chinese newspapers in English: China Daily, South China Morning Post.

Relatives or friends who have experience living in the country can help with finding a job, but not many foreigners have such connections. In this case, try contacting the employer directly by finding his contact information on the company website.

Options for finding a job without intermediaries were discussed above. You can find many recruitment firms on the Internet. However, this method should be used with caution, collaborating only with trusted companies. Students can participate in an exchange program and undergo an internship in one of the companies in an Asian country. In addition, you can go to an Asian country to do volunteer work, then the experience gained will help in future employment.

While in the country, it is easier to find a job than on the Internet. You can interview the employer in person and show yourself and your skills. Therefore, you can visit China on a tourist visa, go to several meetings and, if successful, apply for a work visa.

Job vacancies for working in China without knowledge of the language

Not everyone can master the Chinese language; it is one of the most difficult in the world. This is a significant obstacle when moving and finding work. In order to get a job, you must be fluent in at least a conversational level of English. Living in China without speaking Chinese or English is very difficult.

If you do not speak any language other than your native one, then finding a decent job will be very difficult. In this case, you should try to get a job in one of the companies working with Russian tourists, or in a company that works closely with Russia. In this case, your knowledge of the Russian language may be in demand by the employer.

Working as an English teacher in China

Currently, English teachers are in great demand in China. Experienced teachers are needed in preschool institutions, private and public schools, and universities.

The average salary of teachers in a regular school ranges from $900 to $1,200 per month. A private school teacher can earn double that, $1,350 to $2,275. The monthly salary of a preschool teacher ranges from $760 to $1,820.

Teachers working in higher education institutions as professors have high salaries with a fairly low teaching load. Monthly earnings for 10–15 hours of employment per week will be about $1,000. Foreign teachers are often provided with housing for the entire duration of their employment contract.

Exchange programs

Many Chinese universities enter into cooperation agreements with educational institutions in Russia, which makes it possible to go on exchange work. To do this, you need to find out from the international department which universities in China your educational institution has agreements with.

Working as an engineer in China

Engineers can easily find work in China. The country needs specialists in a variety of fields. Software engineers, product quality control engineers, design engineers, and process engineers are especially in demand.

The average salary for an engineer ranges from $1,000 to $2,000, while the income of high-level professionals reaches $4,500 and even $6,000 per month. In the telecommunications industry, an engineer's salary will be at least $2,500, often even higher.

To obtain such a job, knowledge of English is required, in some cases, fluency in Chinese at a conversational level and a degree in computer science or mathematics are required. It is also necessary to have a higher technical education, know the programs required for work and production technology.

Engineers are willingly hired both by local companies and by branches of any international corporations.

Pilot work in China, salaries and vacancies

The air transportation market in China is very developed. The country has more than 200 airports and about 3,800 routes. Hundreds of millions of people use Chinese airlines every year.

Working conditions for pilots in China are noticeably better than in Russia. The wages of airline workers exceed Russian wages by at least 1.5-2 times. In addition, housing, insurance and airfare are provided for pilots and their family members.

Typical pilot vacancies in China

Typical pilot vacancies in China look like this. All the above bonuses (visas, air tickets, housing) are included. The amount of bonuses reaches 30% of the pilot’s base salary.

Russian pilots are easily hired as PICs and co-pilots on Boeing 737, Airbus A320, as well as co-pilots on Boeing 777. According to the experience of our compatriots, it is almost impossible to get a job on large aircraft (Boeing 747, etc.). In addition, many pilots prefer to find employment through specialized agencies Parc and Rishworth, which have connections in the country and can find the optimal vacancy for you.

When hiring, you need to carefully study the working conditions. In some Chinese airlines, your salary may be half as much in the first 60 days. It is easier to pass a medical examination than in Russia. Health requirements are below. The annual flight hours are usually set at around 935 hours.

Pilot schools in China are very busy. Many residents of this country go to study in the USA and Europe. Among the reputable educational institutions, one can note the CAAC training center.

Working as a pilot in China has no special age restrictions. You can get a job at 40-50 years old. The age limit when an applicant is guaranteed nothing will happen is 58 years old.

Working as a model in China

Boys and girls of model appearance are in demand for filming in advertising photo shoots, as well as for participation in fashion shows. Even if you are not tall, but have a photogenic face, you may be suitable for commercial advertising photography.

The European type of girls is very popular in China. The work may involve filming for catalogs or online stores. Models also work at exhibitions and various shows.

A safe way to find employment is to sign a contract with a modeling agency, but in this case, they will have to give a percentage of the fees. Another option is to become a freelance model so you can choose your own time and place of work.

The fee may vary by city, but on average you can get $200 for a show, and a catalog shoot costs $100 per hour.

Work in clubs and restaurants in China

The artistic field of work is quite popular in China. Clubs offer work in dance shows, go-go dancers, and vocalists. Employees are provided with free housing, as well as assistance with flights and visas. Girls and boys aged 18 to 30 with a minimum command of English are in demand. The average salary is from $1000 per month. Preference is given to girls who have a European appearance, since club visitors like the European type of appearance.

In addition, restaurants and clubs require workers for the positions of service personnel, cooks, and accountants. An accountant in a restaurant in China can earn from $600 per month. A cook's monthly salary is about $1,000.

Foreign waiters who speak Chinese in restaurants earn from $900 a month. Girls of European appearance with blond hair are also welcome. The age criterion for selecting employees is from 21 to 35 years. The salary of applicants who do not speak spoken Chinese starts from approximately $500 per month.

Work for musicians and bands

In the Asian country, it is possible to find vacancies for both solo performers and musical groups. The terms and conditions of the work contract are negotiated with the employer individually. Basically, employers pay for the visa, tickets and accommodation.

The salary level depends on the professional capabilities of the musicians, the composition of the group and the performance program available to applicants. On average, it ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. It is possible to get a job as a musician in a restaurant or club, and you can also perform on beaches, gala evenings or play at presentations.

Translators in China

Many companies in Asian countries need translators for negotiations and meetings. Translators are also required to accompany guests and tourists as guides from the airport to the hotel, conduct excursions, and visit exhibitions in China. Such employees can earn between $50 and $100 per day. The salary of beginning translators or students is slightly lower.

Working in Shanghai is tempting for compatriots due to the opportunity for self-realization. The government provides employment to the working-age population—social programs are strong. The flow of the country also does not dry out.

In a country with high economic potential and rapidly developing technologies, knowledgeable specialists, experts, specialized workers, and representatives of creative professions are valued. Blue-collar jobs and unskilled labor are also in demand. Even a student has the opportunity to learn or improve Chinese, and at the same time earn extra money.

The prospect of quickly finding a good place in Shanghai depends on the professional and personal qualities of the applicant, the level of aspirations, and the candidate’s entrepreneurial spirit.

You need to immediately realistically assess your chances and think about future integration into the language environment of the state providing the work.

Chinese speaking skills (conversational level) are more than enough to start with, the rest will come with immersion in society. How soon depends on the degree of interest, desire, and abilities of the individual. But this is optional, the main thing is to know English. When preparing for your trip, it’s a good idea to improve your English level to at least Pre-Intermediate.

You will learn how to live in China without knowing the Chinese language in the following video:

Popular professions and specialties

China welcomes qualified personnel with open arms; moreover, it provides visa support, a decent level of pay, social package, and housing. For a programmer, architect, design engineer, technologist, economist, marketer, surgeon, manager, international logistics specialist, the easier it is to find your place, the higher your professional achievements.

Young people have different priorities - they value the opportunity to combine work and interests (study, tourism, cultural heritage, cuisine, spiritual practices, communication). However, we are not talking about high earnings here.

The most common employment options:

• model;
• dancer;
• extra in the film's crowd;
• promoter.

In many respects, people get hired only because of their bright European appearance.

As part of the Au Pair social program, supervised by the state, you can get a job as an au pair or babysitter with room and board. This is the best option for young people of both sexes aged 18 to 29 years.

Babysitter in a Chinese family

Work for a polyglot

Export-oriented, China willingly acquires English-speaking personnel (managers, office workers, logisticians, translators, consultants) to negotiate with Western partners. A decent knowledge of languages ​​allows you to count on employment in the teaching field (schools, tutoring). There are more English schools in Shanghai than native language teachers.

English teacher at Chinese school

Interestingly, for students you can be a resident of Canada, America or Australia - at the request of the school administration. The average monthly salary of a foreign language teacher is 7500-10000 yuan. For a private lesson they pay 20 US dollars, at school - 30. Russian teachers are paid half as much. To get one of these places, you need to provide a resume, diplomas, certificates, lay out convincing evidence of language proficiency (without an accent) and interest a potential employer. Successful teaching practice is encouraged, but impeccable language proficiency is key. The school administration helps with a business visa. - is as rare as concluding a contract, to which locals are skeptical, although for the applicant official registration is a guarantee.

kindergarten in China