Practical life in China
Your journey in China, made simpler.
Practical guides and services for people moving to, working in, living in, and doing business in China.
Begin where you are
Whatever brings you to China.
Clear starting points for the decisions that shape your work, home, family, and next business move.
Work
Find grounded support for work authorisation, relocation, and your next professional step.
Explore workingLive
Make everyday life easier with practical information for healthcare, schools, and family.
Explore livingBusiness
Navigate company formation, tax, compliance, and local professional services.
Explore businessEssential in China
The information you reach for again and again.
Start with the fundamentals. Each topic leads to practical guidance and the people who can help when the details get personal.
- Visa & residence
- Housing
- Banking & payments
- Healthcare
- Schools & family
- Jobs & careers
Directory
Find the right help in China.
Search public service information across services, schools, healthcare, and housing for your next practical step.
City spotlight
Shanghai
A practical guide to living, working, and settling in China’s largest international city.
Explore ShanghaiUseful guides
Start with a little more clarity.
Three focused paths for decisions that benefit from context, not just a list of links.
Moving to China
Housing, arrival, and the practical details of finding your feet.
Read guideChina visa & residence
Where to begin when your work, residence, or documents need attention.
Read guideInternational schools in Shanghai
Curriculum, age range, and public admissions information in one place.
Read guideAbout ExpatChina
About ExpatChina
Practical guidance, city information and useful resources for foreigners in China—with a clear route to services and professional help when useful.
How ExpatChina works
Information first.
Help when you need it.
Important guides show their sources and review dates. Services remain a separate next step.
- 01China-specific context
- 02Sources you can see
- 03Review dates
- 04Professional help stays separate
Practical help
Need practical help?
Know what you need? Find a service. Not sure what applies? Contact ExpatChina and tell us what you are trying to solve.
A practical next step
Planning your move to China?
Get practical guidance based on your situation, from the first question to the next clear action.