Chinese Payroll

Last updated: Feb 2025
The HR Regulations Guide for Foreign Companies in China
employment services in China and payroll services in China

Labor laws are very important in China. The Chinese government enforces labor laws, while also adjusting them from time to time. These laws are complemented by many provincial laws and supplementary regulations. PTL Group’s vast expertise includes employment services in China and payroll services in China.

Read more about PTL Group’s HR management and recruitment services in China.

Chinese Payroll

HR managers around the world are well aware of the complexities – and the importance – of effective payroll management. In China, the situation gets more complicated not only due to the lack of familiarity with tax regulations and labor laws but also because of specific local regulations in different provinces. Needless to say, noncompliance with Chinese laws leads to serious consequences.

Many international companies prefer outsourcing payroll management to a reliable and proficient service provider (employer of record). At PTL Group, we want to provide you with a short summary of Chinese payroll components.

Taxation & social benefits

These are the major deductions from employees’ salaries. The employer is obligated to contribute a certain amount of money (based on the insurance and locality) to five different social insurances. The employee is also required to allocate a smaller percentage of his or her salary to the same insurance and to pay individual income tax (IIT).

Learn more about taxes employers and employees in China pay in the comprehensive financial guide for foreign companies in China

Employees’ salaries

Salary in China is usually paid on a fixed range of dates as decided by company rules. For example: between the 2nd and the 5th of the following month. Employers must pay all employees at the same corporate level with a comparable salary, regardless of their demographics.

Read more about labor laws in China

Here is a visual breakdown of a Chinese salary slip, which demonstrates the salary calculation:
(This diagram is only to present the different items in the salary slip. The calculation may be different from city to city for the same amount)

Chinese Payroll

Termination of employment

Severance payment is required when the ground for employment termination is reasonable, proven, and complies with several conditions. Severance payment is also due when the employee’s contract comes to an end, and the company does not wish to renew it.

The calculation of severance payment is based on the accumulated years of service with a certain employer.

Read more about termination of employment by the employer.

Annual leave & public holidays

The Chinese government has declared eleven mandate public holidays, in which employees are on vacation. The longest holidays are during the Chinese New Year (in January-February) and the Chinese National Holiday (in October). Sometimes, the government can extend or adjust holiday arrangements, as exemplified during the coronavirus crisis.
The government often suggests companies to connect weekend days to the official national days to create longer vacations. This requires that employees compensate for those days by working on a Saturday or a Sunday or both before or after the holidays.

Employees are also entitled to an annual leave, which lasts 5-15 days, based on accumulated work years.

Bonus and 13th month salary

Bonuses are not mandatory in China. However, it is customary to give an annual bonus before the Chinese New Year, which is usually considered a 13th salary.

This is an example of how local culture affects payroll management, in addition to the official and legal requirements.

Retirement Age & Pension Contributions

As of January 1, 2025, China’s statutory retirement age has begun to gradually increase. For male employees, the retirement age is rising to 63, increasing by one month every four months. For female workers, the retirement age is being extended from 55 to 58 over 15 years at the same pace. Meanwhile, for female employees who previously retired at 50, the age is increasing to 55, rising by one month every two months over the same period.

Additionally, starting in 2030, the minimum contribution period for employees to receive basic pensions will increase from 15 to 20 years, rising by six months each year until 2039. Employees may also opt for early or delayed retirement under specified conditions.

These new flexible retirement measures require employers to anticipate workforce planning adjustments. Companies should review their HR policies to ensure compliance with the evolving retirement structure and mitigate potential legal risks.

At PTL Group, we specialize in HR services in China. Get in touch today and let us support your China operations.

Last updated: Feb 2025