Teaching English in China: Legal Risks You Must Know

Teaching English in China can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with serious legal risks that many foreign teachers don't fully understand until it's too late. From work permit violations to employer disputes, here's what you need to know to protect yourself.

Legal Requirements for Teaching in China

Work Permit (Z Visa) Requirements

To legally teach in China, you need:

• Z Visa: Work visa issued before entering China
• Work Permit: Obtained after arrival, tied to your employer
• Residence Permit: Allows you to stay and work legally

Qualification Requirements

Legal teaching positions typically require:

• Bachelor's degree (in any field)
• TEFL/TESOL certificate (120+ hours preferred)
• 2 years of teaching experience (requirements vary by city)
• Clean criminal background check
• Health check

Common Illegal Situations

1. Teaching on a Tourist or Student Visa

This is extremely common and extremely illegal. Many schools recruit teachers on tourist (L) or student (X) visas with promises to "sort out the paperwork later." This puts YOU at legal risk, not the school.

2. Working for Multiple Employers

Your work permit is tied to one employer. Teaching part-time at other schools without authorization is illegal, even if your main job is legal.

3. Private Tutoring Without Authorization

Private tutoring for cash is technically illegal without proper business registration. Recent crackdowns have made this riskier than ever.

4. Working Outside Your Permitted Location

Your work permit specifies where you can work. Teaching in a different city, even for the same company, may violate your permit.

Consequences of Illegal Teaching

• Fines: 5,000-20,000 RMB or more
• Detention: Up to 15 days administrative detention
• Deportation: Forced removal from China
• Entry ban: 1-10 years, depending on severity
• Criminal charges: In serious cases, criminal prosecution

Employer Red Flags

Watch out for these warning signs:

• Asking you to come on a tourist visa first
• Promising to "handle" the visa later
• Offering to pay you in cash
• No written contract or contract only in Chinese
• Asking you to work at multiple locations
• Reluctance to provide work permit documentation

Disputes with Employers

Common problems foreign teachers face:

Salary Issues

• Unpaid wages or delayed payment
• Deductions not specified in contract
• Employer refusing to pay final month

Contract Violations

• Changing work hours or locations
• Adding duties not in the contract
• Substandard housing when housing was promised

Work Permit Problems

• Employer holding your passport
• Employer refusing to transfer or cancel work permit
• Threats to report you if you quit

Protecting Yourself

1. Get everything in writing: Bilingual contract with clear terms
2. Verify the school: Check business registration and reputation
3. Keep copies: Work permit, contract, payment records
4. Never surrender your passport: Employers have no right to hold it
5. Know your rights: Chinese labor law protects foreign workers too

What to Do If You're in Trouble

If you're facing legal issues:

1. Don't panic, but take it seriously
2. Contact your embassy for guidance
3. Consult a lawyer before talking to police
4. Gather all documentation
5. Don't sign anything you don't understand