
Requirements to Teach English in China
We make Teaching English in China easy, even if you've never worked overseas before.
The requirements to work in China are low, a BA Degree or higher is required but you do not need any teaching experience, you can also earn a salary around 4 times the local wage in your first year.
This salary goes a long way when your rent and bills will be no more than 30% of your monthly wage.
When teaching english in China you will, in nearly all cases have far more disposable income, as well as a more enjoyable and rewarding life, compared with back home; and don't worry you won't need to speak Chinese!
Working abroad in China is a lovely experience as the people are warm, welcoming and genuine. The culture is fascinating and the experience and skills you'll learn constitute an unforgettable life experience you cannot find any other way.
Working visa requirements to Teach English
Working (Z visa) for teaching English
1. BA Degree or Higher (Essential)
2. 60/120 hour TEFL certificate (Or TESOL, CELTA etc. Can be completed in 2 days online. click here)
3. Native English Nationality (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zeland or South Africa)
4. 21 to 55 years of age
5. 2 years post-graduate work experience (In any field, ONLY for Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai - Other cities DO NOT require this)
Note: If your BA is in an education related field a TEFL is NOT required, 120 hour TEFL required for Shenzhen, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai
2. 60/120 hour TEFL certificate (Or TESOL, CELTA etc. Can be completed in 2 days online. click here)
3. Native English Nationality (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zeland or South Africa)
4. 21 to 55 years of age
5. 2 years post-graduate work experience (In any field, ONLY for Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai - Other cities DO NOT require this)
Note: If your BA is in an education related field a TEFL is NOT required, 120 hour TEFL required for Shenzhen, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai


Other types of working visa in China
If you're going for a non-teaching role, Director of studies or other position a different type of working visa is offered. This type of working visa can be offered by any company in China, however they need to justify why a local Chinese national could not perform the position they are hiring for. A reference letter confirming 2 or more years related work experience in a non-Chinese company is usually required for employees under 30 years old, or employees without solid related work experience.
Working (Z visa) for professional and management roles
1. BA Degree or Higher (Essential)
2. 21 to 65 years of age
3. 2 years post-graduate work experience (In the RELATED field of employment. A Reference Letter IS REQUIRED)
Note: Any nationality can get this visa, note you must have a reference letter.
2. 21 to 65 years of age
3. 2 years post-graduate work experience (In the RELATED field of employment. A Reference Letter IS REQUIRED)
Note: Any nationality can get this visa, note you must have a reference letter.
No BA Degree and Misc. working visas
If you do not satisfy the above requirements it is not possible to legitimately get a working visa in China.
If you know of friends working in China without a BA or the requirements listed above, either they had a working visa years ago when the rules were less strict and have renewed it since then, Or they are working on a Business or Tourist visa.
Many teachers still do work on a tourist or business visa although it comes with small risks. Usually, employers have good relationships with local police stations if this is happening and are rarely checked. Although, if you qualify for a working visa you should always try to get one as it saves having to exit the country every 2-3 months if you're on a Business or Tourist visa.


Important requirements to work in China
Financially, you must have around £1000/$1500 available to pay for your visas, flights and first month to live and work in China. Note that your initial costs are reimbursed to you at the end of your contract in the form of an end of contract bonus.
Key requirements
1. At least £1000GBP or $1500 available for initial flights, visas and costs to get started
2. Available for a minimum of 12-month contract
3. Adaptable/Cultural awareness recommended
4. Chatty/Confident personalities will find teaching in China easy
If you've never taught before, there's no need to worry, full training and support is offered. Many foreign teachers who've never taught before learn to teach within 1-2 weeks.
2. Available for a minimum of 12-month contract
3. Adaptable/Cultural awareness recommended
4. Chatty/Confident personalities will find teaching in China easy
If you've never taught before, there's no need to worry, full training and support is offered. Many foreign teachers who've never taught before learn to teach within 1-2 weeks.
Recent Teaching Jobs in China
All jobs in China
Id | Title | Salary | Location | Hours | Housing | Students | Type | |
Job 8871 This position is not interviewing until 17-05-2018. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Teach AP History in High School in Sanshui District,Foshan city ,up to20000RMB start in August | ¥18000CNY 20000CNY /month. | Sanshui Foshan, China | Monday to Friday from 8am to 5:30pm, weekends off | free-rent apartment provided | High school | Full time | Apply Details |
Job 8870 ![]() ![]() ![]() |
ESL Language Teacher in Ningbo,Zhejiang,Up to 20000RMB ,start immediately | ¥15000CNY 20000CNY /month. | Ningbo Zhejiang, China | Working hours are about 40 each week, 8 working hours per day. Two days off per week. | 2000rmb per month housing allowance is provided | Training center (Children) | Full time | Apply Details |
Job 8869 ![]() ![]() ![]() |
ESL Language Teacher in Hangzhou,Zhejiang,Up to 20000RMB ,start immediately | ¥15000CNY 20000CNY /month. | Hangzhou Zhejiang, China | Working hours are about 40 each week, 8 working hours per day. Two days off per week. | 2000rmb per month housing allowance is provided | Training center (Children) | Full time | Apply Details |
Job 8866 ![]() ![]() |
Low working hours Primary School position in Da Xing District , Beijing,up to 16000RMB, start immediately | ¥15000CNY 16000CNY /month. | Daxing Beijing, China | Monday to Friday , weekends off, one week is total 18-20 working hours | not provided | Primary school | Full time | Apply Details |
Job 8865 ![]() |
Half Day work in Top Kindergarten in Shangdi,Beijing, near metro station, start immediately | ¥7000CNY 8500CNY /month. | Shangdi Beijing, China | Monday to Friday from 2pm-4:30pm, weekends off | not provided | Kindergarten | Full time | Apply Details |
Job 8864 ![]() ![]() |
Non natives English Teachers needed in training center in Tianjin China, Z visa provided, up to 14500RMB,start immediately | ¥11500CNY 14500CNY /month. | Binhai Tianjin, China | Work 5 days per week, around 25 teaching hours plus 15 office hours, 50-60 mins per class, 2 days off; (Required fields of expertise: Elementary, ESL to Children, Kindergarten and/or High School.) | house rent fee 2500 rmb which will afford you a fully equipped apartment (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room) which will be assigned to you before your arrival. the apartment will be close to the school. | Kindergarten | Full time | Apply Details |
Job 8863 ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Looking for ESL teacher in Tianjin China, Z visa provided, up to 17500RMB ,start immediately | ¥14500CNY 17500CNY /month. | Binhai Tianjin, China | Work 5 days per week, around 25 teaching hours plus 15 office hours, 50-60 mins per class, 2 days off;( Required fields of expertise: Elementary, ESL to Children, Kindergarten and/or High School.) | house rent fee 2500 rmb which will afford you a fully equipped apartment (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room) which will be assigned to you before your arrival. the apartment will be close to the school. | Training center (Children) | Full time | Apply Details |
Job 8857 ![]() |
Up to 15000RMB ,Monday to Friday Property management staff needed in Zhujiang New Town ,Guangzhou , start immediately | ¥15000CNY 15000CNY /month. | Zhujiang New Town Guangzhou, China | Monday to Friday 8:00am-12:00pm,13:30pm-18:00pm,weekend off | not provided | Other | Full time | Apply Details |
All jobs in China
Further reading
China's main cities for teaching english