Requirements to teach English in China
- A bachelor's degree in any subject — required for the Z visa and work permit.
- A 120-hour TEFL, TESOL or CELTA, or a home-country teaching licence.
- Experience: the standard rule is two years' post-graduate teaching experience; it is commonly waived with a 120-hour TEFL or a teaching licence.
- A national criminal record check, usually issued within six months, apostilled. China joined the Apostille Convention on 7 November 2023.
- A medical check, before departure or at a designated clinic after arrival. Work permits generally cover ages 18–60.
How much do English teachers earn in China?
| School type | Monthly pay (RMB) | ≈ USD |
|---|---|---|
| Public schools | ¥10,000–20,000 | US$1,500–3,000 |
| Training centres | ¥10,000–18,000 | US$1,500–2,700 |
| Kindergartens | ¥10,000–16,000 | US$1,500–2,400 |
| Bilingual schools | ¥15,000–25,000 | US$2,250–3,750 |
| Universities | ¥8,000–15,000 | US$1,200–2,250 |
| International schools | ¥20,000–35,000+ | US$3,000–5,250+ |
Free housing or a housing allowance, flight reimbursement, health insurance and an end-of-contract bonus are common. Premier TEFL reports training-centre pay up to ¥30,000 in the biggest cities. USD at 30 October 2026 rates (US$1 ≈ ¥6.68).
The legal route: Z visa, work permit and residence permit
- Get a job offer from a school licensed to hire foreigners — and check it can get a work permit for you in that city.
- Apostille your degree, TEFL and criminal record check at home.
- Your employer applies for a Work Permit Notification.
- Apply for a Z visa at a Chinese consulate or visa centre (typically 5–10 business days).
- Enter China, finish the medical check and collect your work permit.
- Convert to a residence permit within 30 days. It usually lasts a year and is renewed with your contract.
Red flag: “Come on a tourist (L), business (M) or student (X) visa and we'll sort it out later.” That is illegal work, and China's visa-free entry for tourism does not allow work either. The fines and deportation fall on you.
Non-native speakers and no degree
No degree
Not legally possible. A bachelor's degree is required for the Z visa and work permit.
Non-native English speakers
Limited. For foreign-language teaching posts, official policy favours passports from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. Exceptions exist for licensed or experienced teachers, but practice varies by province. Before you pay for any apostilles, ask the school to confirm in writing that it can get a work permit for your passport. See the non-native speaker guide.
When do schools in China hire?
The school year starts in September, with a spring semester from late February. Main hiring windows are February–March and July–August; training centres hire all year. Allow about 12–16 weeks from job offer to arrival.
Cost of living
| Monthly | Tier-1 cities | Smaller cities |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (if not provided) | ¥3,000–7,000 | ¥1,500–3,500 |
| Groceries | ¥1,500–2,500 | ¥1,500–2,500 |
| Utilities (studio) | ¥500–1,000 | ¥500–1,000 |
With free housing, teachers in big cities report saving about ¥5,000–10,000 a month.
Sources checked
- ESL Base, “Teaching English in China in 2026: The Complete Guide” (updated 22 Oct 2026; pay checked Aug 2026).
- Premier TEFL, “Best places to teach English in China in 2026” (5 Jan 2026).
- Exchange rate: open.er-api.com, 30 Oct 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much do English teachers earn in China?
Typically ¥10,000–20,000 a month at public schools and ¥10,000–18,000 at training centres (about US$1,500–3,000), often with free housing. International schools pay ¥20,000–35,000 or more.
Can I teach English in China without a degree?
No. A bachelor's degree is required for the Z visa and work permit.
Can non-native speakers teach English in China?
Sometimes. Official policy favours passports from seven native English-speaking countries, with exceptions for licensed or experienced teachers that vary by province. Get written confirmation from the school before you start paperwork.
What visa do I need to teach in China?
A Z (work) visa, issued after your employer gets a Work Permit Notification, then a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
Updated October 2026 by Teacher Francois. Salaries and visa rules are typical ranges reported for 2025–2026 and can change — always confirm with your employer and the official embassy or immigration website before you pay for anything.
Photo: Velatrix, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).
