China is a hotspot for hiring thanks to its vast talent pool, fast-growing tech sector and weight in the global economy. For companies without a local entity, though, hiring, tax, and benefits rules are complex and vary from city to city. An employer of record China arrangement lets you hire, pay and manage staff there without registering a company first.
In this update, I review 16 providers in 2 groups: 9 local and Asia-regional firms with their own mainland teams, and 7 global platforms. Whether you prefer global Employer of Record services or a specialist rooted in China, one of them should fit your plans.
Every name here ranks among the top EOR providers for hiring employees in China’s mainland. Hong Kong has its own employment rules and its own Anywherer guide.
Why Companies Use an Employer of Record in China
China pairs a huge talent pool with real complexity. You deal with state-owned and licensed private service providers, social insurance set city by city, and tax and reporting duties that vary between provinces.
That is why demand for China EOR support keeps growing. Companies want a partner who knows how things work on the ground, not just a fast onboarding form.
Here is why the model stays on the radar:
- Access to one of the largest and most diverse workforces in the world
- No need to register a WFOE before your first hire
- Contribution rates, bases and minimum wages handled city by city
- A choice between state-owned and licensed private providers, depending on whether you value scale or speed
- Faster market entry while you test demand
INSIGHT: How much do employers pay on top of salary in China?
Employer contributions are set by each city, and in Shanghai they add about one-third to gross salary once the housing fund is included.
- Shanghai employer rates: pension 16%, medical including maternity 9%, unemployment 0.5% and work injury 0.2% to 1.9% by industry. That totals 25.7% to 27.4%.
- Housing provident fund: 5% to 7% from each side in Shanghai, while other cities allow up to 12%.
- Contribution bases are capped at 3 times the local average wage and reset every July. In Shanghai, the base runs from RMB 7,546 to RMB 37,731 a month until June 30, 2027.
- Shanghai has China’s highest monthly minimum wage: RMB 2,740 since July 1, 2025.
Sources:
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries, China
- Shanghai HR and Social Security Bureau, 2026 bases
- Shanghai minimum wage notice
Checked September 2026
How Does an Employer of Record Work in China?
An EOR in China signs the labor contract with your hire through its own licensed local entity. It runs payroll, including the 5 social insurances and the housing fund, and withholds individual income tax every month. For foreign hires, it also arranges work permits and visas, while you direct the daily work.
There are 2 main routes. A foreign enterprise service company (FESCO) employs staff and places them with foreign firms, while a licensed labor dispatch company works within strict legal limits. Both serve as EOR solutions for foreign companies in China that are not ready to open a WFOE.
That is why EOR outsourcing China projects should start with 2 checks. Ask which licensed entity will employ your staff and which cities the provider covers.
INSIGHT: How does an employer of record work in China?
An EOR in China employs your staff through a licensed local entity, usually a foreign enterprise service company (FESCO) or a licensed labor dispatch company. The dispatch route has legal limits.
- Labor dispatch requires a license. Dispatched workers are limited to temporary, auxiliary or substitute positions and to 10% of the user employer’s total workforce.
- Representative offices of foreign companies cannot hire local staff directly and use licensed foreign enterprise service agencies instead.
- Coverage can be city-limited: Remote, for example, onboards China EOR hires only in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong and Zhejiang.
Sources:
- Interim Provisions on Labor Dispatch
- Labor Contract Law
- Beijing rules on representative office hiring
- Remote’s China EOR page
as of September 2026
What Is the Best Employer of Record in China?
What is the best employer of record in China for your team? It depends on where you hire and how many countries you manage.
Need China-focused hiring, local licensing, and city-level support? Then the best employer of record in China is often a mainland or Asia-regional firm with local staff.
Anyone searching for a China best employer of record should know one caveat. Global platforms offer one dashboard for every country, but some cover only certain provinces.
The 2 lists below separate those options, starting with the local specialists.
9 Local Businesses Offering China EOR Services
When you hire straight into the Chinese market, local know-how matters most. A China employer of record based on the mainland knows the city rules that shape EOR payroll, from social insurance bases to housing fund rates.
These 9 EOR service providers in China are either headquartered on the mainland or run Asia-regional operations with their own China team.
All China EOR providers are arranged alphabetically to ensure equal visibility.
Acclime China
Company Description
Acclime China is the Greater China arm of Acclime, an Asia-regional corporate services group with teams in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. It offers EOR services in China alongside company setup, accounting and payroll.
Key Specialty Area
End-to-end corporate services, including EOR
Service Cost
From $500 per local employee/month ($1,000 for expatriates)
Scope of Services
- Company incorporation and WFOE setup
- Payroll processing, tax filing and social insurance contributions
- Employment contracts, visa and work permit assistance
- Accounting, bookkeeping and audit support
Top Advantages
- Separate published fees for onboarding, monthly service and offboarding
- Different rates for local and expatriate staff, so budgets stay realistic
- Payroll deposit can drop from 2 months to 1 after KYC checks
My take
I would choose Acclime when you want transparent EOR fees now and your own WFOE later.
Our Verdict
Reliable Navigator for China Market
*As pricing is subject to change, we are listing prices as they stand in October 2026
AYP Group
Company Description
AYP Group is a Singapore-headquartered EOR, PEO and payroll provider covering 13 APAC markets, including China. Its dedicated China employer of record services are run through local teams employed in the markets they cover.
Key Specialty Area
Asia-Pacific EOR with in-country teams
Service Cost
From $488 per employee/month (its Asia-wide EOR starting fee)
Scope of Services
- Employee onboarding and contracts
- Payroll processing and tax filings
- Social insurance and housing fund contributions
- Benefits administration
Top Advantages
- Acts as the legal employer through its own entities in major APAC markets
- Tracks city-specific contribution rules in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen
- Payroll-only plans from $28 per employee/month if you own an entity
My take
A sensible pick if China is one of several Asian markets and you want a single regional partner.
Our Verdict
Regional HR Expert
*As pricing is subject to change, we are listing prices as they stand in October 2026
CIIC (China International Intellectech Co., Ltd.)
Company Description
CIIC is a mainland, state-owned HR services group founded in 1987 and supervised by SASAC. It is the only wholly state-owned China employer of record company on this list, serving 50,000+ enterprises across 421 cities.
Key Specialty Area
HR services, payroll and dispatch at national scale
Service Cost
Custom
Scope of Services
- Employer of Record and talent dispatch services
- Payroll and individual income tax through CIIC Payroll & Tax
- Social insurance and personnel administration
- Employment services for foreign nationals
- Recruitment and training
Top Advantages
- More than 30 years of high client retention, on its own account
- Service network reaching 421 cities
- 400-person in-house IT team and ISO 9001 certification
My take
I would look at CIIC for large or multi-city headcounts where a state-owned partner carries weight.
Our Verdict
Experienced Local Provider
EOR China
Company Description
EOR China is a mainland, fully licensed and non-state-owned foreign enterprise service company (FESCO), with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.
Key Specialty Area
Employment outsourcing through a licensed FESCO
Service Cost
Custom
Scope of Services
- Local labor contract execution
- Payroll, tax, social insurance and housing fund payments
- Recruitment of bilingual professionals
- Visa support for expatriate staff
Top Advantages
- In-house legal team qualified in China, the UK and Malaysia
- Web portal showing payroll, contributions and contract data
- 15+ years of legal and HR experience behind its advice
My take
Worth a call if you want a private FESCO with legal support in-house and offices in 4 major cities.
Our Verdict
Reliable HR Partner
FDI China
Company Description
FDI China is a Shanghai-based market entry consultancy and an EOR agency China newcomers can pair with for a WFOE or representative office setup.
Key Specialty Area
Market entry consulting with EOR and HR outsourcing
Service Cost
Custom
Scope of Services
- EOR hiring and onboarding
- Payroll, benefits, and labor-law compliance
- WFOE and representative office registration
- Accounting and tax filings
Top Advantages
- Client projects combine EOR with rep office or WFOE setup
- Registered addresses and offices in Shanghai’s Jing’an district
- Bilingual guidance through each registration step
My take
I would use FDI China when EOR is a bridge while your own entity is being registered.
Our Verdict
Trusted Local Partner
HROne
Company Description
HROne is a Shanghai-based EOR, PEO and payroll firm that has supported foreign businesses for 20+ years. It works as an employer of record provider in China with teams in Shanghai and Beijing.
Key Specialty Area
Payroll and employment contract management
Service Cost
From $150 per head/month
Scope of Services
- EOR and PEO solutions
- Payroll outsourcing
- Visa and work permit processing
- Benefits and HR services
Top Advantages
- 10,000+ China employees onboarded for 1,000+ companies
- Tailored service proposal within 5 business days
- Native English-speaking consultants
My take
I like HROne for foreign firms that need expat work permits handled alongside local hires.
Our Verdict
Trustworthy Regional Expert
*As pricing is subject to change, we are listing prices as they stand in October 2026
FESCO Adecco
Company Description
A joint venture between FESCO Group and the Adecco Group, FESCO Adecco was established in Shanghai in 2010. It pairs FESCO Group’s local reach with Adecco’s international practice and offers employer of record solutions China-wide.
Key Specialty Area
Corporate outsourcing and payroll services
Service Cost
Custom
Scope of Services
- Comprehensive HR solutions
- Local and global payroll
- Employee welfare
- Talent and outsourcing services
Top Advantages
- Backed by FESCO Group, China’s first professional HR service organization
- Access to the Adecco Group’s global network
- Regional branches for teams spread across cities
My take
A strong option when you want a state-linked local partner with an international brand behind it.
Our Verdict
Asia Expansion Ally
JSC Groups
Company Description
JSC Groups is a China-based provider of EOR services China entrants use to hire without an entity. It also offers PEO, payroll and company registration.
Key Specialty Area
Recruitment and company registration
Service Cost
Custom
Scope of Services
- EOR, PEO and employment outsourcing
- Payroll, tax and mandatory benefits
- Company registration for WFOEs, rep offices and JVs
- Recruitment and candidate assessment
Top Advantages
- Bilingual labor contracts drafted by HR experts and lawyers
- Monthly payroll reports covering tax and social benefits
- Advice on disputes, termination and severance
My take
A practical EOR service provider China entrants can keep once they register their own WFOE.
Our Verdict
Strategic Partner for Market Entry
PLT Group
Company Description
PTL Group provides international companies with operational support for entering and operating in the Chinese market. With over 25 years of experience, 300 employees on the ground, and more than 300 completed projects, the company provides operational expertise tailored to international business needs.
Key Specialty Area
Market entry operational support and management services in China
Service Cost
Custom, available upon request
Scope of Services
- Recruitment, Employment, Payroll, HR management
- Financial and Tax management, accounting
- Logistics and supply chain management in China
- Trading services
- B2B marketing localization
- Company registration & WFOE setup
Top Advantages
- Over 25 years of China market experience
- Local teams in major Chinese cities
- Comprehensive one-stop business operation support
Our Verdict
Strategic Partner for Operational Business Support in China
7 Global Businesses Offering China EOR Services
A multi-country platform earns its place once China joins a longer list of hiring markets. The 7 below are the EOR solutions China employers most often weigh against local firms, usually for their single contract and dashboard.
Coverage is the catch, since several deliver employer of record services China teams can use only through partners or in selected provinces. My guide to Employer of Record fees explains how their pricing compares.
The global platforms below follow the same A-to-Z order, which implies no ranking.
Access Financial
Company Description
Access Financial is a global workforce solutions provider with a local office in Shanghai and over 22 years of experience helping companies and contractors operate in 60+ countries. Their China team supports foreign employers with Employer of Record services, payroll, tax, and contract management, making it easier to hire in China without setting up a WFOE or local entity.
Key Speciality Area
China EOR with a local Shanghai team
Service Cost
Custom pricing
Scope of Services
- Employer of Record in China
- Payroll processing and tax handling
- Employment contracts and labour law compliance
- Work permit and visa support
Top Advantages
- On-the-ground team in Shanghai and Shenzhen
- 22+ years of cross-border employment experience
- Strong support for contractors, recruitment agencies and corporates
Our Verdict
Experienced Global Partner with Local China Presence
Atlas
Headquarters
Chicago, IL, USA
Price for EOR Services
Custom
Presence in China
Partner‑based model
Top Advantages
- Platform-centric, digital HR experience
- Integrated payroll and global compliance tools
- Agent of Record option for contractors alongside EOR
My take
I would consider Atlas when you want China handled inside the same HR platform as your other countries.
Our Verdict
Global Expansion Partner
Explore the company’s wide options for your business in our unbiased Atlas EOR review.
Globalization Partners
Headquarters
Boston, MA, USA
Price for EOR Services
Custom
Presence in China
Local employing entity supplied by G-P
Top Advantages
- Employment contracts and benefits arranged without a WFOE of your own
- AI-powered legal and payroll guidance through G-P Gia
- Supports hiring in 180+ countries
My take
I would consider Atlas when you want China handled inside the same HR platform as your other countries.
Our Verdict
Comprehensive EOR Partner
Discover the provider’s full potential in our balanced G-P EOR review.
GoGlobal
Headquarters
Tokyo, Japan
Price for EOR Services
Custom
Presence in China
Own legal entity
Top Advantages
- In-house payroll platform (BlueOcean) with real-time data
- Risk-monitoring tools for employment compliance
- Strong regional presence in Asia
My take
A good match when China sits inside a wider Asia rollout and you want one employer across the region.
Our Verdict
International Expansion Partner
Learn more about HR solutions for your company in our thorough GoGlobal EOR review.
Lano
Headquarters
Berlin, Germany
Price for EOR Services
From €499 per employee/month
Presence in China
Aggregator (network of partners)
Top Advantages
- Flexible partner model across countries
- Contractor management and payroll in the same platform
- Volume discounts available on EOR fees
My take
I would pick Lano for mixed teams of employees and contractors managed from one European-built platform.
Our Verdict
Agile EOR Provider
*As pricing is subject to change, we are listing prices as they stand in October 2026
Find out what other options and solutions may be useful for you in our expert Lano EOR overview.
Remote
Headquarters
San Francisco, CA, USA
Price for EOR Services
From $699 per employee/month
Presence in China
Partner‑based model
Top Advantages
- China EOR available only in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong and Zhejiang
- Country guide sets out China’s leave, overtime and contribution rules
- Payroll for your own entities from $29 per employee/month
My take
Remote works well if your China hires sit in its 4 covered provinces and you already use it elsewhere.
Our Verdict
International Hiring Navigator
*As pricing is subject to change, we are listing prices as they stand in October 2026
Explore our honest Remote overview to learn more about the company’s EOR offerings.
RemotePeople
Headquarters
New York, USA
Price for EOR Services
Starts at $199/month per employee
Presence in China
Own legal entity
Top Advantages
- Localized compliance
- Fast hiring and onboarding
- Direct recruitment
- Flexible workforce management options
- Optimal recruitment workflow
- Built-in HR and financial tools
Our Verdict
Cost-Effective EOR & Integrated Services Platform
*As pricing is subject to change, we are listing prices as they stand in August 2025
Explore more benefits and service options of RemotePeople China EOR.
EOR Pricing in China
EOR pricing in China is only the service layer of your budget. Salary, city-level social insurance and the housing fund sit underneath it, and in Shanghai those contributions alone add roughly one-third.
The table lists every published starting fee I found, plus the providers that quote on request.
| Provider | Section | Published EOR fee |
|---|---|---|
| Acclime China | Local | From $500 per local employee/month ($1,000 for expatriates) |
| AYP Group | Local | From $488 per employee/month |
| HROne | Local | From $150 per head/month |
| Lano | Global | From €499 per employee/month |
| Remote | Global | From $699 per employee/month |
| RemotePeople | Global | Starts at $199/month per employee (August 2025) |
| Quote-based providers | Both | Custom: Access Financial, Atlas, CIIC, EOR China, FDI China, FESCO Adecco, Globalization Partners, GoGlobal, JSC Groups, PTL Group |
*As pricing is subject to change, we are listing prices as they stand in September 2026
INSIGHT: What does an employer of record in China cost per employee per month?
Published fees vary widely, and most mainland China providers quote per project rather than publish a price.
- Cheapest published entry points: $150 at HROne and $199 at RemotePeople, as listed in its block.
- Highest published starting fee: $699 at Remote, while Acclime China lists $1,000 a month for expatriate staff.
- Quote-based: 10 of the 16 providers share prices only on request.
Weighing Greater China options? A Hong Kong Employer of Record works under the Employment Ordinance and MPF, which differ from mainland rules in almost every payroll detail.
If you want a regional hub with a simpler setup, my guide to EOR in Singapore covers the providers there.
China Employer of Record: FAQs
Why should companies use an EOR to hire in China?
Because the rules are local and change often. The EOR acts as the legal employer: it signs the labor contract and runs payroll. It also pays city-level social insurance and the housing fund, and withholds individual income tax. In my view, the biggest gain is time: you can start hiring in weeks instead of waiting months to set up your own entity.
What are the benefits of using an EOR instead of setting up a local entity in China?
The alternative is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE), which needs registered capital, a business license, bank accounts and ongoing audit and tax filings. An EOR skips that setup, so you avoid the upfront cost and can test the market first. When the team grows, you can open a WFOE and move staff across.
What are the common challenges of hiring in China without an EOR?
Hiring directly means registering with local social insurance and housing fund authorities, which set their own rates and contribution bases each July. You also need Chinese-language labor contracts, cumulative monthly tax withholding and, for foreigners, work permits. Mistakes lead to back payments, late fees and labor disputes.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing an EOR in China?
I start with 2 checks: the licensed local entity that will employ your staff, and whether the provider covers the city where they will work. After that, compare payroll accuracy, expat work permit support, published or quoted fees, and reviews from companies of your size.
How do EOR providers in China handle local labor laws and compliance?
They draft labor contracts under the Labor Contract Law and run payroll with the 5 social insurances and the housing fund. Individual income tax is filed monthly. Good providers also track city-level changes, such as new contribution bases each July, and adjust payroll without being asked.
What does employer of record compliance in China involve?
4 obligations come first. A written labor contract must be signed within 1 month of the start date, or double wages can apply. Social insurance and housing fund registration follow city rules. Individual income tax is withheld monthly on a cumulative basis at 3% to 45%, and foreign hires need a work permit before they start.
Yaryna is our lead writer with over 8 years of experience in crafting clear, compelling, and insightful content. Specializing in global employment and EOR solutions, she simplifies complex concepts to help businesses expand their remote teams with confidence. With a strong background working alongside diverse product and software teams, Yaryna brings a tech-savvy perspective to her writing, delivering both in-depth analysis and valuable insights.
