Teach English in China – A Complete Guide 2025
Thinking about teaching English in China? Our guide covers everything you need to know, from finding jobs and understanding local culture to nearby destinations to explore.
Thinking about teaching English in China? Cool decision! Since Nov 7, 2023, China has accepted Apostille, marking a significant policy shift. So, before you start the new adventure, let’s explore how this change impacts your journey and learn more about the crucial part – the Z visa, which is the key to teaching legally in China. In this article, we’ll guide you through each step of obtaining a Z visa as a foreign teacher, clarify the requirements, and provide insights to make the process as smooth as possible.
Table of Contents
Requirements to Teach English in China
Before we begin, let’s preview the requirements and process for teaching English in China.
Your first step is securing a job offer from your prospective employer in China. Once you get a job offer, provide the school with your authenticated/ apostilled documents, and they will apply for your Work Permit Notification Letter on your behalf. With this letter, you can apply for the Z visa. Once you successfully obtain your Z visa, you are all set to enter China.
Basic requirements to apply for Z VISA to teach English in China:
To teach in English China, you need to meet these basic requirements:
- Be between 18 and 60 years old (60 for men, 55 for women).
- Be from one of the following countries: US, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, or South Africa.
- Be in good health.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Provide a police clearance certificate.
- Have a legitimate job offer from a school in China.
- Have TEFL/TESOL certification (or at least two years of teaching experience).
**If you’re applying for a non-English teaching role, the requirements might differ. We recommend reaching out to the school directly for more details.
Apostille and Document Preparation for Teaching in China
When you’re ready to teach English in China, having the documents in order is crucial. You’ll need to get the documents below apostilled to ensure everything is legit. These include:
- Your Degree: You’ll need at least a Bachelor’s degree to teach English in China.
- Teaching Certificate: A TEFL/TESOL certificate (or something similar) is necessary.
- Background Check: A clean criminal record from your home country is required, and it needs to be apostilled.
Visa and Work Permit for Teaching English in China
Once you get the Work Permit Notification Letter, the next step is applying for the Z visa. You need to submit the required documents to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre.
Here’s what you’ll need to have ready:
- Fill out the visa application form.
- Provide your valid passport.
- Include a recent passport-sized photo.
- Attach the Work Permit Notification Letter (WPNL) from your employer.
Some schools might help during the Z visa application process. However, if you’re handling this yourself, we recommend you apply as early as possible in case of processing delays.
It is advisable to schedule your time wisely and submit applications at staggered times.
When is the best time to apply for teaching jobs in China?
The best time to apply for teaching jobs in China depends on the type of school. For Monday-to-Friday schools (like kindergartens, public schools, and universities), most hiring happens between March and July, with positions starting in September. Some schools may even begin recruiting as early as December or January. If you’re looking to start in the spring (February), schools usually hire between October and December. On the other hand, language training centers hire year-round, giving you more flexibility when applying. For more info on when to apply, check out our guide on the best time to teach English in China.
Salary and Living Costs for Teaching English in China
When teaching English in China, your salary can vary depending on your degree, experience, and the city you’re teaching in. For new teachers with little or no experience, salaries typically start around 10,000 RMB per month. However, schools tend to value local teaching experience more. If you have over three years of relevant experience in China, you could be looking at a salary between 23,000 and 28,000 RMB per month. On average, you can expect to earn anywhere from 12,000 to 25,000 RMB per month.
The cost of living in tier-one cities doesn’t differ much. Your biggest expense will likely be rent. For example, a single room can cost anywhere from 1,800 to 3,700 RMB per month (around $250 to $515 / £190 to £390), depending on cities and regions. Then, there are utilities like water, electricity, internet, and your mobile plan, which typically add another 500 RMB (about $70 / £50) to your monthly expenses.
Here’s the monthly budget for an ESL teacher in China:
| Category | Amount in RMB | Amount in USD | Amount in GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary | 20,000 RMB | $2,728 | £2,044 |
| Rent and Utilities | -3,700 RMB | -$505 | -£378 |
| Food | -2,800 RMB | -$382 | -£286 |
| Transportation | -200 RMB | -$27 | -£20 |
| Total Expenses | -6,700 RMB | -$914 | -£685 |
| Disposable Income | 13,300 RMB | $1,814 | £1,359 |
Is China a safe place to live?
Overall, China is safe to live and work with low violent crime rates, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Most places feel comfortable even at night.
Teachers are highly respected in China, and foreign teachers are often treated with curiosity and admiration. As long as you follow the rules and have the proper visa (the Z visa), your experience should be safe and enjoyable.
While China is generally safe, scams do exist, such as telecom fraud or online schemes. Being cautious with online contacts and offers will help you avoid these risks.
To find out more about teaching safety in China, click here.
Cultural Insights & Daily Life for ESL Teachers in China
When you first arrive in China to teach English, everything might feel overwhelming. The culture is different, and some things in daily life might catch you off guard. For example, you’ll probably notice that most public toilets are squat toilets—something you might not be used to at first. Also, you’ll quickly realize tap water isn’t drinkable, so you’ll rely on bottled or filtered water instead. And during the hot summer, many locals carry umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun—it’s a common sight! While these changes might surprise you at first, they’ll soon become just part of your daily routine. With time, you’ll adjust and feel right at home in China.
Nearby Cities and Countries to Visit While Teaching English in China
Here’s a quick summary of some great nearby cities and countries to visit while teaching English in China. Whether you want to explore within China or hop over to nearby countries, there’s plenty to choose from:
Nearby Countries to Visit:
| Destination | Flight Cost (From Shanghai) | Best Time to Visit | Things to Do | Food |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bali, Indonesia | 1,800–5,000 RMB (250–700 USD) | April–October (Dry Season) | Scuba diving, beach days, temple visits | Babi Guling, Nasi Goreng, fresh seafood |
| Phuket, Thailand | 900–3,500 RMB (120–470 USD) | Nov–April (Dry Season) | Patong Beach, Phi Phi Islands, Bangla Road nightlife | Pad Thai, Green Curry, seafood |
| Tokyo, Japan | 900–3,500 RMB (120–470 USD) | March–May, Sept–Nov | Tokyo Tower/Skytree, Shibuya Crossing, Omoide Yokocho for yakitori | Sushi, Matcha treats, traditional street food |
Travel within China:
China’s high-speed rail network makes it easy to travel between cities quickly and affordably. Here are a few notable routes:| City | Nearby Getaways | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Tianjin, Chengde, Great Wall (Mutianyu, Badaling) | 1–2 hours by train |
| Shanghai | Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing | 30 minutes–2 hours by train |
| Guangzhou | Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai | 1–2 hours by train/boat |
| Xi’an | Mount Huashan, Pingyao, Taiyuan | 1–2 hours by train |
| Chengdu | Jiuzhaigou, Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei | 2–3 hours by train/bus |
Now that you’ve got a good overview of what it’s like to teach English in China, it’s time to take the next step! If you’re ready to find your perfect teaching job in China, check out our job board for the latest listings. We have tons of opportunities waiting for you!
Looking for a school in China? You can easily search for schools here and even leave a review to help other teachers make informed decisions.
If you need assistance with apostille services or document preparation for your visa, be sure to visit our Visa Help Center – we’re here to make the process easier for you.
Ready to start your adventure? We’ve got you covered!