Recent Insights

Business conditions change. Revenue declines. Projects are cancelled. Headquarters may decide to reduce headcount. For a foreign company operating in China, however, a decision from global headquarters to “cut 20% of the workforce” does not automatically mean the China entity can terminate employees immediately. China has specific legal requirements for employee termination and economic layoffs. For foreign business owners, understanding the difference between a normal termin

If you employ staff in China — whether through a WFOE, joint venture, or representative office — social insurance compliance is one of the most commonly misunderstood and most frequently mishandled areas of Chinese labor law. Many foreign employers assume that as long as some contribution is being made, they are covered. In reality, incorrect contribution bases, late registration, or missed local policy updates can lead to fines, employee disputes, and even visa or work permi

Learn how a Silicon Valley SaaS company used China EOR to retain a foreign executive working remotely in Shanghai without setting up a local entity.

Short version: You can hire freelancers in China — but only if the relationship behaves like a vendor relationship. If it behaves like employment, Chinese courts will reclassify it as employment, and the bill lands on you. Contract labels don’t protect you. Substance does.​ China doesn’t have “independent contractors” There is no legal category called “independent contractor” under PRC law. You’re either in a labor relationship​ (Labor Contract Law + Social Insurance Law — fu

China is entering a new phase of foreign investment defined by "deep localization + long-termism." For global businesses, establishing a presence here is both a strategic opportunity and a compliance challenge. The EOR (Employer of Record) model serves as a critical bridge between the two. I. Data Speaks: Foreign Capital is Restructuring, Not Retreating The investment data for 2025 is the strongest testament to market confidence. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Chi

Every year, thousands of foreign professionals apply for a China work permit as the first step toward legally living and working in the country. On paper, the process is well documented: submit an application, receive a work permit notice letter, then proceed to apply for a residence permit before your visa-free or visa entry window expires. In practice, however, the timeline — and the outcome — can depend heavily on which office you visit, which officer reviews your case, an