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Moving to mainland China
Useful information
HSBC understands the banking challenges faced by our international customers in establishing their finances in a new country.
Our network of offices in key cities of mainland China are ready to help you prepare for your new life here and deliver high value, quality services. Whether you want to arrange your banking affairs before your arrival or want to know more about the country, our International Banking Centres are more than happy to help you.
Some information that might be useful to you before you leave - click on the headings below:
- China Fast Facts
- Arranging your visa
- Using a mobile phone in mainland China
- Customs formalities
- Importing pets
- Personal income tax in mainland China
- Driving in mainland China
- Arranging your finances
- Finding the right place to live
- Children's education
- Family healthcare
Please note: The information is provided for your reference only, and does not construe any form of legal, financial or other professional advice. HSBC is not responsible for the accuracy, updatedness and completeness of the information. This document does not constitute an offer, solicitation, advice or agreement, and is not legally binding over any party. HSBC makes no representation or warranty (express or implied) of any nature nor is any responsibility of any kind accepted with respect to the completeness or accuracy of any information, representation or warranty (expressed or implied) in, or omission from, this document. No liability is accepted whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of this document.
Fast facts
- Full name:
People's Republic of China - Capital city:
Beijing - Area:
about 9.6 million sq km (about 3.7 million sq miles) - Population:
about 1,300 million - Time zone:
GMT +8 - Language:
Mandarin (Official) – China's official spoken language is Mandarin or Putonghua in Chinese. - Currency:
Renminbi (RMB) (also known as Chinese Yuan, CNY) - Electricity:
220V 50Hz - Electric plug details:
Plug with two parallel flat blades
Arranging your visa
Nearly all foreign visitors to China will need a visa. Visa forms are available for download from the website of the Chinese Embassy in the country where you live. In general, you need to apply for a visa in person at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General, with a completed visa application form, two recent passport-size photographs, your passport with a blank double page and other documents required depending on the specific type of visa you are applying for.
Using a mobile phone in mainland China
Mobile/cellular phones are available on GSM900 and 1800. China Mobile and China Unicom are two mobile phone service providers.
You can purchase mobile phones at department stores, supermarkets or the outlets of China Mobile and China Unicom. Connecting to the mobile phone network is very convenient:
Solution 1 Top-up-cards
It is easy to buy a SIM card at most mobile phone counters of electronic appliance department stores, and to substitute that for your regular SIM card. Most companies offer pay-as-you-go plans, and it's fairly cheap and convenient, though you do have to pay for incoming calls. Top-up cards are widely available, from convenience stores, grocery stores and anywhere with an assortment of telephone cards in a plastic wallet hanging outside.
Solution 2 Registered user
You can also connect to the mobile phone network as a registered user, which is a little bit more difficult. You need to visit the office of China Mobile or China Unicom to register, with a guarantee letter either from your employer or another person. You can dial 10086 to find out more details about the application process.
Customs formalities
Expatriates must arrive before their possessions in order to complete customs formalities. All possessions must be registered and approved before their arrival. Only one air and sea shipment may be imported. Shipments must arrive within six months of the expatriate and will be inspected on arrival by customs. Used household goods and personal effects are dutiable for foreign nationals entering China for an extended stay and not holding a Residence Card.
> New or used electrical/electronic goods, including computers, are dutiable. Only one of each electrical/electronic item, e g TV, stereo, refrigerator, washer-dryer may be imported per person.
The following documents will be required: passport and authorisation letter, residency registration (to obtain a green card), identity card, residence permit, letter of employment certification (preferably in Chinese certifying that the expatriate will be personnel of a foreign residence office or a foreign expert), a detailed inventory, application for import of personal effects, a work visa and a customs permit. A customs declaration form must be completed on arrival.
Importing pets
One cat or dog may be imported per passenger. Birds may not be imported. Pets must be accompanied by a health certificate and certificate of rabies vaccination issued by a government veterinary authority at the point of origin/departure. The mainland China veterinary authority will keep the cat/dog for a 30-day quarantine period.
Personal income tax in mainland China
IIT is levied in respect of most earnings and benefits-in-kind including the following:
- Salaries
- Overtime
- Bonuses (special calculations apply)
- Hardship allowance
- Medical & life insurance cover
- Contributions to a foreign pension plan (under certain circumstances)
- Relocation allowances
- Home leave costs for family members
- Stock option exercises (under certain circumstances)
Foreigners are able to exempt the first RMB4,800 per month from their taxable income.
It is required that all foreigners register with the appropriate Tax Bureau in order to commence filing tax returns. The documentation required for registration can, and does, differ from office to office. Usually the following documents are required:
- A copy of your passport
- Salary certification
- Work permit
- Residence permit
Other tax facts:
- IIT rules assess tax separately for individuals, ie there's no need to combine the income of a husband and wife's earnings
- The Chinese tax year is the same as the calendar year
- Overseas investment income and capital gains of foreigners are not normally taxable in mainland China unless the foreigner has spent more than five consecutive tax years in the PRC
Driving in mainland China
If you hold a driving licence from your country of origin or an international driving permit, you are eligible to apply for a driving licence in China. The following documents are required for local driving licence application:
- Completed "Driving Licence Application Form"
- Passport
- Residence permit
- Your driving licence in your country of origin
- A translation of your original licence into Chinese
These documents should be taken to the local Police Licensing Department (at the Public Security Bureau) where you:
- Have your photograph taken for the licence
- Undergo a series of medical and optical tests
You are also required to take a written and practical driving test before being granted a driving licence.
Arranging your finances
Contact the HSBC International Banking Centre in your country of origin to sort out your banking arrangements in mainland China. HSBC China can open a new bank account for you before your arrival in mainland China.
Please note that China is a country with quite a lot of banking restrictions and you may like to visit our FAQ sections to better understand how these may impact your financial arrangements
Finding the right place to live
You can choose a hotel for a short stay whilst looking for a serviced apartment, apartment or villa for a longer duration. You can seek assistance from relocation companies for information on property purchase or rent. HSBC also has relationships with a number of local property agents, and our International Banking Centre will be able to provide you with more information.
Children's education
If you are moving to mainland China with your children, you will no doubt aim to ensure the continuity and consistency of your children’s education. In most big cities, children of expatriates can enter either local or international schools for primary and middle school education.
Family healthcare
Mainland China's major cities have a good number of hospitals and many new international health clinics with western medicine, staffed by highly-trained medical staff.
> For non-emergency medical problems, expatriates often attend foreign outpatient clinics which offer medical check-ups, x-rays and standard tests. In emergencies, such as car accidents, patients are usually taken to the nearest Chinese hospital.
The information provided is intended as a general guide for reference. Benefits and features may be subject to local country regulatory restrictions. Please refer to the Premier Service Guide for detailed information.
