Moving & Living in China

International moving to China 

DocShipper handles every aspect of the relocation. Our employees have provided a comprehensive service, including international moving, furniture storage, insurance, door-to-door service, expatriation assistance, and Visa and Immigration Services.

The following are the various modes of transportation that we use:

• Complete container for relocating your home or some personal furniture
• Sea transport (LCL) for small volumes
• Air freight when small volumes and time constraints must be met
• Door-to-door will manage your move from start to finish, from packing to unpacking.

We are accustomed to developing trusting relationships with our customers as well as professional relationships that fully meet your needs.

Our teams speak fluently in French and English, you can request a phone interview at any time, or you can send us a message. 

Your needs are our responsibility !

Shipping Personal Effects to China

Customs regulations:

The customer should travel to China to do the customs procedure before the arrival of its merchandise. All the merchandise will be subjected to an x-ray examination. Local customs authorities will physically inspect between 20 and 30% of personal belongings.

Taxes calculation

Air transport taxes are typically 30% higher than maritime transport taxes. If you are importing your personal effects in multiple shipments, you must make a declaration of all the procedures. Each residence permit is limited to one shipment (by air or sea). The second shipment, whether by air or sea, will be taxed. If the final destination is Pekin, these permits must be asked for all at the same moment.

• Before the shipment's arrival, property owner and employer registration must be approved. Household goods and personal effects are taxed for Chinese citizens with foreign passports and foreigners who stay in China for an extended period of time (and do not have a residence card).
• The shipment cannot be delivered to the final destination address for foreigners who do not have a work permit or a residence card, resulting in additional storage and storage fees. Those with a permit valid for less than a year will be taxed on all imported personal effects.
• Chinese passport holders should avoid entering the country more than once in the 15 days preceding their personal belongings' customs clearance process. Otherwise, noncompliance may result in penalties and delays in customs clearance.
• All charges (import/export) related to transport to China will be subject to a 6% VAT. These fees include ocean freight and any other shipping-related costs. This is a government tax that applies to customs regulations and transportation contracts.
• Chinese citizens who return to China without proof of overseas residence will be subject to up to 100% taxation on their household goods and personal belongings. 
• Returning Chinese citizens can send goods by sea if they have lived abroad for at least one year, and by air, if they have lived outside the country for at least six months.

Each province has different immigration requirements

Shanghai port 

New condition: Import Marine Shipments 

The labels of all incoming products must be in accordance with the name on the passport used in advance and verified by customs.

Any non-conformity may cause the shipment to be halted and suspend the final inspection. In addition, additional fees will be assessed, and other conditions may be imposed.

Customs regulations and necessary documents

New condition: Inbound Marine Shipments for Foreigners 

Carriers who apply for a valid residency permit and a work permit for a minimum of 12 months will be automatically granted an export permit for household goods. An explanation letter must be provided if the period is less than 12 months. The agent in Shanghai will be able to assist you with this.

Only long-term residents may import or export household items or personal possessions to or from China. Only personal belongings can be imported or exported by short-term visitors.

The workers' spouses are subject to the same rules if they apply for a work permit in the Popular Republic of China for a period of 365 days or more while holding a valid resident permit for at least 365 days.

In such cases, the beneficiary is permitted to import household goods (and personal effects) if their work permit is valid. Spouses of self-employed workers must follow the same rules. They can ship household goods and personal belongings if their residence permit in China is valid for 365 days or more; if the validity is less than 365 days, they can only ship personal belongings.

The original passport and work permit should be with the reservation for sea transportation. Given the time constraints, all relevant information about the goods' transportation must be transmitted before the goods are packed. Any delay in obtaining necessary information may result in a delay in customs clearance and the delivery of the passport to the client.

Customs and quarantine can take up to 5 weeks to complete the necessary checks.

Shanghai Airport

When returning to China, citizens must declare the value of their luggage by completing the baggage declaration form. The declared amount will be deducted from the 5000 RMB duty-free allowance. Declarations worth more than 5000 RMB will be subject to a tax upon entry into the territory.

Shenzhen

When submitting residency application forms (provided by the officer), applicants must be physically present, accompanied by the officer at the destination and the representative of the public security bureau. During this trial, the original passport is required.

Xingang Port

All shipments of household goods to Xingang Port must include cargo labeling that, in full and numbers, matches the invoice for goods loaded into the container. Any omission could result in the container being immobilized for two months before it is handed over.

ps : Inbound and outbound shipments from the ports of Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Wuhan, and Chongqing are subject to a 6% VAT.

Necessary documents

• Passport and Letter of Authorization –
• Work permit (valid for one year)
• Residence Card / Residence Permit (valid for one year)
• Proof of Employment (ideally in Chinese) from the employer or the Chinese host company bearing witness that the applicant will be a foreign resident of the office or a foreign expert.
• Health certificate – complete blood test certifying the absence of diseases.

• Letter of commitment – issued by the liaison office, notarized
• Customs declaration (license, pre-approved prior to arrival of goods)
• Customs declaration (packing list of products)
• Application for sealed customs letter – 3 copies
• Import permit for personal effects: validity of 3 months
• Port of Shanghai: Only shipments destined for persons with a Residence Permit and a Work Permit of at least 366 days are allowed for import into China. 
• For groupage shipments not exceeding 5m3, none of these documents will be requested.
• A document listing the goods and quantities imported. This document must be sent to the local authorities and written in Chinese.
• A document certifying authorization for the importation of personal effects shipped to China (by air or sea). The destination agent can fax this document.
• Certificate of Origin – can be requested
• Detailed list – in English or Chinese: objects must be listed and described by categories. Wooden crates are not allowed.

Diplomatic status

For diplomats, imported household goods, automobiles, and motorcycles are exempt from taxes and inspection. Diplomats must be physically present in China before their shipment arrives to undergo any customs procedures. The customs control process takes about ten days.

Necessary documents

• Certificate of the Consular Office
• Passport/Diplomatic Visa & Diplomatic Card 
• Import Permit – Obtained by the Embassy
• Letter of notification from shipping company (valid once the ship arrives at the port)
• OBL or ABL – Original
• Detailed inventory – in English or Chinese
• Pro-forma invoice

Returning Chinese citizens

Returning Chinese citizens must have a visa from their home country. 

• They must have spent at least 12 months abroad in order to import household goods tax-free. 
•  They must not return to Chinese territory more than once every 15 days, or they will be subject to customs duties for their shipment. 
• Individuals who return to China with a professionally dependent passport in the city of Shanghai should contact the regional customs authorities.

Restricted and taxable items

• Tobacco –
  • 800 cigarettes (400 for Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau for permanent residents). 
• Alcohol – 
  • 4 bottles are allowed for foreigners.
  • 2 bottles are allowed for Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and for Chinese passport holders.
  • Permanent residents: Consult with your agent regarding other ports and confirmation of deposition.
  • Alcohol is not allowed in the port of Shanghai regardless of your status.
• Furniture, lamps, and golf club – 
  • Chinese returnees are not allowed to import furniture.
• Perfume – 
  • In reasonable quantities only for personal use.
• Books –
  • letter of explanation is demanded: title, abstract, subject, place of purchase, value, and total number of books
• Antiques and works of art –  
  • it is recommended to photograph each of them and must be registered in advance prior to the import process to avoid reshipment to the country of origin
• Electronic devices – 
  • A detailed list written separately from all other lists is required. Size, model and purchase value must be included in this document. 1 camera, 1 VCR and 1 processor are allowed quantities; Any additional items will be subject to a 20% fee.
• Personal computers with special encryption capabilities must be approved before sending
• Mobile phones – require an import permit.
• Golf clubs – 
  • 1 golf club is allowed, any additional golf club will be taxed.

Prohibited items

• Firearms and ammunition of all kinds, as well as firecrackers and children's toys.
• Narcotics, psychotropic substances, anaesthetic drugs.
• Obscene pornography, objects, magazines, videos, and software.
• Food/Beverages – allowed only for diplomatic status.
• Reproduction of publications and videos protected by copyright.
• Seditious and treacherous materials.
• Lighters in the shape of a gun or in the shape of a revolver.
• Chewing tobacco and any other tobacco products.
• Chewing gum, counterfeit notes, and change.
• Animals on the endangered list
• Hides, horns, skins, furs, fossils, corals, and objects from the list of endangered species 

You find on this site CITES Convention the list of endangered species

• Seeds, soil, fertilizers, and pesticides.
• Pool table – Only at CHENGDU port.
• Grand pianos or half-tails, photocopiers, faxes, radio transmitters.
• Maps or globes depicting Taiwan as an independent state or depicting borders other than those officially communicated by China are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated with possible fines. 

Any object that includes maps of colonial periods (Sin kiang aspirations, Manchuria, or foreign concessions) is also prohibited for import.

Necessary documents

• Health Certificate – 7 days before the departure date
• Vaccination record – Rabies vaccine, carried out at least 30 days before the date of arrival and a maximum of one year before the date of departure.
• Entry registration – less than 2 weeks

Vehicle importation

Diplomatic status entitles you to import a vehicle and exempts you from paying any taxes, including those on motorcycles. 

We strongly advise others to not import a vehicle. Only left-hand drive vehicles without conversion are permitted.

Vehicles, with a production date before 1 January 2005, will be registered only after an examination, at the expense of the shipper, and will be charged 1,200 USD. 

All vehicles must be registered for the first time in Beijing and meet EURO IV standards.

Remark: DIESEL vehicles are not permitted.

Necessary documents

• Logbook, chassis, engine number, registration number, and detailed description of the vehicle
• Import Permit – approved by customs authorities before the importation to China
• Invoice, Registration, and Ownership – Originals
• Documents justifying the age and value of the vehicle.

Terms & Conditions

• Permanent residents of Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau do not have the right to vote in the People's Republic of China. 

• Long-term residents are all non-PRC citizens who have a Work Permit and/or a Residence Permit valid for at least 365 days. 
• All non-PRC citizens with a Work Permit and/or a Residence Permit valid for less than 365 days are considered short-term residents.

Entry and exit requirements

• The new regulations affect the transfer process. 
• Residence Permits are available in 15 days. 
• While waiting for their residence permit, foreigners can arrive with their visa, obtain a Work Permit, and use health services.
• To leave China, you must obtain an exit visa. If you have overstayed your visa, you must apply for an extension from the Police and Security Bureau before returning to your home country.
• If one of the parents has Chinese nationality, the child is considered a Chinese citizen. If you want to travel with your child outside of China, you may need to contact the local Public Security Bureau for more information on obtaining the necessary documents.

Prohibited Diseases 

Certain diseases are prohibited for foreign visitors and residents of China. Please check the Embassy of China's website before departing. 

• Hepatitis E is common in northeastern and northwest China
• hepatitis A is widespread throughout the country
• Hepatitis B is a highly contagious disease
• Japanese encephalitis should be avoided, particularly in rural areas
• Avian influenza outbreaks are common
• SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is also common.

Fumigation of wood packaging materials

The Republic of China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine of Living Persons have published ISPM 15 standards for wood-based packaging materials (WPM). 

The regulation went into effect on June 1, 2005.

Failure to comply with shipping conditions

Failure to conform to shipping conditions can lead to one of three results:

• Merchandise will be returned to the sender
• The goods will be separated from the non-compliant packaging material. . Packaging material may be destroyed.
• If the goods cannot be separated from the packaging material or returned to their original destination, then the goods will be destroyed.

Remark : These facts can cause additional charges supported by the importer

Why move to China?

Even the most seasoned expats may find it difficult to relocate to China. China has the world's third-largest land mass and the largest population, with just over 1.33 billion people (23% of the world's population). 

That’s why the places are crowded due to the large number of people living in cities.

China is a country rich in culture and history, both of which revolve around their ancient civilization. The country's vastness makes it a fascinating place for expats to live and explore, and there are many places to visit.

China has a population of 92% of Han, with 55 other nationalities accounting for the remaining 8%.

While China has been under communist control since 1949, it is currently undergoing social and economic development, with significant funds invested in the country's infrastructure. Previously high trade barriers are being reduced, and the country as a whole is becoming more attractive for international offshoring.

China's booming economy and bright future make it a popular destination. Many Westerners live here and teach English, while others are offered internal positions in multinational corporations. 

China as an expat destination

Moving to China can be exciting as well as frustrating. Living side by side with different people provides expats with a valuable experience that is very enriched and constructive. However, it is also a place with significant challenges, hampered by language barriers and different cultural attitudes.

The cost of living in China

The cost of living in China is frequently miscalculated. It should be remembered that China is still a developing country with a very low standard of living for the majority of the population. However, the majority of expats are paid significantly more than locals, and the low tax rates mean that expats often have a higher standard of living than in their home country. 

According to Mercer's 2012 Cost of Living Survey, the cost of living in China's major cities has risen, and Chinese cities have remained among the most expensive in the world. Shanghai was named the most expensive city in China in the sixteenth position in the world, followed by Beijing in the seventeenth position.

Expatriate employment 

Expatriate employment in China has changed a lot in these recent years. 

A large proportion of expats in China work as teachers in the region, and there are always opportunities for those who want to teach English. Other opportunities for foreign workers such as accountants, financial analysts, and managers are in high demand.

Expatriates with technical (IT, manufacturing), financial (CPA, CIMA, GAAP), or international marketing skills and experience may be able to find suitable work in this country. 

Ps : Chinese language proficiency is almost always required.

Language 

In China, 70% of the population speaks Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), while the remaining 70% speak Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), and other minority languages. 

English is becoming more important as a business language.

Climate

Because of its vast size, China has a diverse climate. 

• In the north: Summers are short, and winters can be bitterly cold. 
• In the central region, along the Yangtze River Valley, Summers are long and humid, with extremely high temperatures. Winters here are also bitterly cold, with temperatures regularly falling below freezing. 
• Summers in southern China are hot, and winters are short.

What you need to know before moving to China

1. All contracts you need to sign in China will always have an English version and a Chinese version. 
2. Health care in big cities is available, but some rural clinics may refuse to provide treatment to foreigners. You should check with local hospitals in advance and always make sure you know a proper clinic in case of an emergency.
3. Many Chinese public hospitals don’t accept foreign medical insurance; so you should find suitable insurance in China itself.
4. Checks are not accepted as a valid method of payment in China.