Q1: What kind of approval/permit are needed for expats working in China?
 
A1：For expats working in China, they shall first apply for working permit/working card unless they hold a Foreign Expert Certificate. The application is usually made by their employer in China. With the working permit/working card, they can apply for a Z-visa (working visa) and residential permit in China.
Working in China without a working permit/working card should be regarded as illegal working.
 
 
Q2: Can an an expat work for another company while holding the original working card?
 
A2：No. The expat can only work for the employer specified on his working card. It is illegal for an expat working for one company while holding a working card issued under the name of another company. If he wants to change the job, his new employer needs to apply for a new working card for him.
 
 
Q3: Does an employer needs to pay social insurance for its expat employees?
 
A3：Under Chinese laws and regulations, the employer shall pay social insurance for its expat employees.
 
 
Q4: With which authority shall an expat employees to lodge a complaint regarding labor dispute?
 
A4：If you are a legitimate employee in China and have a labor dispute with your employer, you can lodge a complaint with local Labor Dispute Arbitration Committee. 
 
 
Q5: What is the applicable law for labor dispute labor dispute?
 
A5: The Chinese labor laws shall govern the labor dispute in China.
 
 
Q6: How long could a labor dispute last?
A6: Usually the local arbitration committee shall make arbitration award within 3 months upon receipt of the complaint. However, in many cases, if either party does not satisfy with the arbitration award, it may appeal with the court and the case could last longer period. However, if the parties reaches settlement under the mediation by the arbitration committee, the case could be settled down soon.