China offers access to a labor force of 772.2 million people with a competitive unemployment rate of 5.1% in 2024. The country's industrial sectors demonstrate robust expansion, with high-tech manufacturing growing 8.9% and IT services expanding 10.9% year-over-year, creating demand for specialized talent across technology and manufacturing operations.
An Employer of Record (EOR) service acts as the legal employer for your China-based workforce, managing the complexities of local compliance. China requires employer social security contributions ranging from 21.35% to 28.2% depending on the city, with rates varying across pension (16%), medical (9-9.8%), and unemployment insurance. Employers must also navigate annual leave requirements of 5-15 days based on tenure and mandatory written employment contracts. An EOR handles payroll processing across multiple jurisdictions, ensures accurate benefit administration, maintains tax compliance with local authorities, and eliminates the need to establish a Chinese legal entity. This comparison examines eight providers equipped to manage these regulatory demands.
Why Use an Employer of Record in China?
China represents the world's second-largest economy with RMB 134.91 trillion GDP, expanding at 5.0% annually in 2024. The country's 857.98 million working-age population delivers deep talent pools across technology hubs in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen, with sectors like equipment manufacturing growing 7.7% and industrial robot production increasing 14.2%. China's strategic position within the Belt and Road Initiative, representing 50.3% of total trade value, provides access to regional supply chains and emerging markets. Companies entering China gain proximity to a market that recorded RMB 43.85 trillion in trade volume during 2024, positioning teams to serve both domestic customers and regional partners across Asia-Pacific.
Our Picks for the 8 Best EOR Companies in China
Borderless AI
Borderless AI is an AI-native Employer of Record platform that streamlines global hiring through intelligent automation and real-time compliance monitoring. The platform serves businesses looking to expand into China and other international markets without establishing local entities, offering comprehensive HR, payroll, and compliance solutions.
Why Use Borderless AI for EOR in China
Borderless AI provides real-time compliance monitoring specifically designed for Chinese labor laws, ensuring your operations remain compliant as regulations evolve. The platform's AI-powered contract generation and automated payroll processing enable rapid deployment of teams in China, with onboarding completed in just 1-2 days. This speed and compliance focus makes Borderless AI particularly valuable for companies entering the complex Chinese market.
Key Benefits and Features
- Industry-fastest 5-day payroll processing with multi-currency support
- Direct entity ownership in 170+ countries including China for enhanced compliance control
- AI-powered HRGPT assistant for instant answers to China-specific HR and legal queries
- Localized benefits packages including health insurance and retirement planning aligned with Chinese market standards
- Comprehensive analytics dashboard for workforce insights and spending transparency
Price: $579/employee/month
Country Coverage: 170+ countries
G2 Rating: 4.9/5
Free Trial: Demo
Legal & Compliance: Real-time compliance monitoring for Chinese labor laws with automated regulatory updates ensures your operations remain compliant as China's employment regulations evolve. The platform generates locally compliant contracts and manages all statutory requirements.
Onboarding Speed: 1-2 days
Platform Experience: AI-powered, user-friendly interface with conversational HRGPT assistant, automated contract generation, and intuitive navigation. The platform centralizes all HR functions in a single dashboard accessible via web and mobile applications.
Customer Support: 24/7 support provided by a North America-based team of payroll experts who act as an extension of your HR department, ensuring responsive assistance for China-specific questions.
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Industry-fastest global payroll processing (5-days) | Newer Company in the industry |
Fastest international onboarding (1-2 days) | Fewer integrations than some legacy providers |
Real-time compliance monitoring | |
Direct Entity ownership |
Papaya Global
Papaya Global is a fintech-focused EOR platform that combines advanced payroll technology with comprehensive compliance management. The company operates in 160+ countries, providing businesses with automated global payroll processing and benefits administration through a data-driven platform designed for transparency and efficiency.
Why Use Papaya Global for EOR in China
Papaya Global brings a strong fintech infrastructure to Chinese operations, offering comprehensive compliance coverage with real-time reporting capabilities. Their automated global payroll system handles the complexities of Chinese tax regulations and mandatory benefits, while their data-driven platform provides visibility into workforce costs and compliance status across your Chinese operations.
Key Benefits and Features
- Automated global payroll with real-time reporting for compliance transparency
- Comprehensive benefits administration tailored to Chinese market requirements
- Advanced payroll technology with integrated payments infrastructure
- Data-driven analytics for workforce planning and cost management
Price: $599/employee/month
Country Coverage: 160+ countries
G2 Rating: 4.5/5
Free Trial: Demo
Legal & Compliance: Comprehensive compliance management with real-time reporting ensures adherence to Chinese labor laws, tax requirements, and statutory obligations. The platform provides transparent compliance tracking across all jurisdictions.
Onboarding Speed: 3-5 days
Platform Experience: User-friendly, data-driven platform that centralizes payroll, compliance, and benefits management. The interface emphasizes transparency and provides detailed workforce analytics.
Customer Support: Responsive and efficient support team with expertise in international payroll and compliance matters.
Pros & Cons
Globalization Partners
Globalization Partners is an established EOR provider with extensive global reach across 180+ countries. The company offers full compliance management, global payroll processing, and dedicated account management to support businesses expanding internationally, with a focus on comprehensive service and compliance expertise.
Why Use Globalization Partners for EOR in China
Globalization Partners provides expert guidance on Chinese tax, labor, and compliance requirements through dedicated account managers who understand the nuances of operating in China. Their intuitive web-based platform combined with 24/7 support ensures businesses can navigate China's complex regulatory environment with confidence while maintaining full compliance with local employment laws.
Key Benefits and Features
- Full compliance with labor laws across 180+ countries including China
- Global payroll processing with comprehensive tax management
- Employee onboarding and lifecycle management
- Dedicated account management for personalized support
Price: ~15% salary (est. $600+/employee)
Country Coverage: 180+ countries
G2 Rating: 4.5/5
Free Trial: Demo only
Legal & Compliance: Expert in tax, labor, and compliance requirements with deep knowledge of Chinese employment regulations. The platform ensures full adherence to local statutory requirements and handles all compliance documentation.
Onboarding Speed: 3-5 days
Platform Experience: Intuitive, web-based platform designed for ease of use with straightforward navigation and centralized workforce management capabilities.
Customer Support: 24/7 support with dedicated account management ensures personalized assistance and guidance through China-specific compliance and operational matters.
Pros & Cons
Global Expansion
Global Expansion operates in over 200 countries, offering customizable EOR solutions tailored to local market needs. The platform provides global employment services, payroll processing, and employee contract management with a focus on flexibility and adaptation to regional requirements.
Why Use Global Expansion for EOR in China
Global Expansion offers compliance with local labor laws in China through a customizable platform that adapts to the specific needs of Chinese operations. With 24/7 global support and extensive experience in over 200 countries, the platform provides the flexibility and local expertise necessary for navigating China's unique regulatory landscape.
Key Benefits and Features
- Global employment services across 200+ countries
- Payroll processing with local expertise
- Employee contract management tailored to Chinese requirements
- Customizable platform for country-specific needs
Price: Custom
Country Coverage: 200+ countries
G2 Rating: 4.9/5
Free Trial: Demo
Legal & Compliance: Compliance with local labor laws in China, ensuring adherence to employment regulations, tax requirements, and statutory benefits. The platform adapts to regional compliance needs.
Onboarding Speed: 7-10 days
Platform Experience: Customizable platform tailored to local needs, allowing businesses to adapt the system to their specific operational requirements in China and other markets.
Customer Support: 24/7 global support with local expertise available to address China-specific questions and operational challenges.
Pros & Cons
Mercans
Mercans provides payroll outsourcing, PEO services, and HR management across 160+ countries. The platform offers an integrated approach to HR and payroll management with a strong focus on compliance with local labor laws and dedicated support from a global team.
Why Use Mercans for EOR in China
Mercans delivers strong compliance focus with local labor laws through an integrated platform that unifies HR and payroll management. Their dedicated support team with global presence provides expertise in navigating Chinese employment regulations, while their payroll outsourcing capabilities ensure accurate and timely processing aligned with local requirements.
Key Benefits and Features
- Payroll outsourcing with local compliance expertise
- PEO services for comprehensive employment management
- Integrated HR management platform
- Strong focus on compliance with local labor laws
Price: Custom
Country Coverage: 160+ countries
G2 Rating: 4.8/5
Free Trial: Demo
Legal & Compliance: Strong focus on compliance with local labor laws, ensuring adherence to Chinese employment regulations, payroll requirements, and statutory obligations through expert oversight.
Onboarding Speed: up to a week
Platform Experience: Integrated platform for HR and payroll management that consolidates employment functions into a unified system for efficient workforce administration.
Customer Support: Dedicated support team with global presence provides expert assistance across different time zones and regional requirements.
Pros & Cons
INS Global
INS Global specializes in tailored expansion plans and efficient online HR management across 160+ countries. The platform handles HR-related tasks during international expansion transitions, offering comprehensive support and rapid onboarding capabilities with competitive pricing starting from $299 per month.
Why Use INS Global for EOR in China
INS Global provides tailored expansion plans specifically designed for entering markets like China, with comprehensive support during the transition period. Their advanced digital platform combined with rapid 1-2 day onboarding enables businesses to quickly establish compliant operations in China while managing HR functions efficiently through their online system.
Key Benefits and Features
- Tailored expansion plans for market entry
- Handles HR-related tasks during transition periods
- Efficient online HR management system
- Competitive pricing starting from $299/month
Price: From ~$299/mo
Country Coverage: 160+ countries
G2 Rating: 4.8/5
Free Trial: Demo
Legal & Compliance: Ensures compliance with legal requirements through expert guidance and localized knowledge of employment regulations and statutory obligations.
Onboarding Speed: 1-2 days
Platform Experience: Advanced digital platform for HR management that streamlines international workforce administration with modern tools and intuitive interfaces.
Customer Support: Comprehensive support during expansion, with dedicated assistance through market entry and ongoing operations.
Pros & Cons
Mauve Group
Mauve Group delivers global payroll, employee lifecycle support, and statutory compliance across approximately 150+ countries. The platform provides a comprehensive solution for managing international teams with around-the-clock customer service, though it currently lacks G2 reviews for independent verification.
Why Use Mauve Group for EOR in China
Mauve Group offers compliance with Chinese and international labor laws through a comprehensive platform designed for managing international teams. Their around-the-clock customer service ensures support across time zones, while their employee lifecycle management capabilities provide end-to-end oversight of workforce administration in China's complex regulatory environment.
Key Benefits and Features
- Global payroll processing across 150+ countries
- Employee lifecycle support from onboarding to offboarding
- Statutory compliance management
- Around-the-clock customer service
Price: Custom
Country Coverage: ~150+ countries
G2 Rating: No reviews yet
Free Trial: No
Legal & Compliance: Compliance with Chinese and international labor laws, ensuring adherence to employment regulations, tax requirements, and statutory obligations across jurisdictions.
Onboarding Speed: 7-14 days
Platform Experience: Comprehensive platform for managing international teams that centralizes workforce administration, payroll, and compliance functions in a unified system.
Customer Support: Around-the-clock customer service provides continuous support availability for businesses operating across different time zones.
Pros & Cons
Safeguard Global
Safeguard Global provides comprehensive employment, payroll, and benefits management across 170+ countries. The platform offers user-friendly interfaces with dedicated support teams, starting at $499 per employee per month for businesses seeking reliable international employment solutions.
Why Use Safeguard Global for EOR in China
Safeguard Global ensures compliance with labor laws through comprehensive employment management that covers all aspects of Chinese workforce administration. Their user-friendly platform combined with dedicated support teams provides businesses with accessible tools for managing payroll, benefits, and compliance requirements in China while maintaining operational efficiency.
Key Benefits and Features
- Comprehensive employment management
- Payroll processing with compliance oversight
- Benefits management aligned with local requirements
- User-friendly platform interface
Price: From $499/employee/month
Country Coverage: 170+
G2 Rating: 4.3/5
Free Trial: Demo
Legal & Compliance: Ensures compliance with labor laws through comprehensive oversight of employment regulations, payroll requirements, and benefits administration.
Onboarding Speed: up to 2 weeks
Platform Experience: User-friendly platform designed for ease of use with intuitive navigation and straightforward workforce management capabilities.
Customer Support: Dedicated support team for clients provides personalized assistance and guidance through operational and compliance matters.
Pros & Cons
Selection Criteria and Methodology
Our evaluation of EOR companies for China operations employed a rigorous, data-driven methodology to ensure objective comparisons. We assessed each provider across eight critical dimensions that directly impact operational success in the Chinese market.
- Price: We compared transparent pricing models, evaluating monthly per-employee costs ranging from $299 to $600+, as well as percentage-based structures. Providers with clear, predictable pricing received higher marks for budgeting certainty.
- Country Coverage: Global reach matters for scaling beyond China. We assessed coverage from 150+ to 200+ countries, recognizing that broader networks indicate established infrastructure and compliance expertise.
- Key Features: We evaluated core capabilities including AI-powered automation, contract generation, payroll processing speed, benefits administration, and technology innovation. Features directly relevant to China operations received priority weighting.
- G2 Rating: User reviews provide critical insights into real-world performance. We considered ratings from 4.3/5 to 4.9/5, with verified customer feedback informing our assessment of reliability and satisfaction.
- Legal & Compliance: China's complex regulatory environment demands specialized expertise. We evaluated real-time compliance monitoring, local labor law knowledge, and statutory benefits management capabilities specific to Chinese operations.
- Onboarding Speed: Time-to-productivity directly impacts business outcomes. We compared onboarding timelines from 1-2 days to 2 weeks, recognizing that faster deployment accelerates hiring initiatives and revenue generation.
- Platform Experience: User interface quality affects daily operations and adoption rates. We assessed AI integration, customization capabilities, mobile accessibility, and overall usability based on platform demonstrations and user feedback.
- Customer Support: Responsive assistance is essential for China operations across time zones. We evaluated 24/7 availability, dedicated account management, regional expertise, and response quality based on documented service levels.
Expert Tips for Hiring in China
Successfully hiring in China through an EOR requires strategic planning and local expertise. Here are essential considerations for HR leaders expanding into the Chinese market:
- Prioritize Real-Time Compliance Monitoring: China's labor laws evolve frequently, with regulations varying by region and industry. Select an EOR provider with automated compliance updates and local legal expertise to ensure continuous adherence to employment regulations, social insurance requirements, and tax obligations.
- Understand Social Insurance Contributions: Chinese employers must contribute to five social insurance programs and one housing fund. Work with your EOR to accurately calculate total employment costs, including mandatory contributions that can add 30-40% to base salaries.
- Plan for Extended Onboarding Timelines: While some EOR providers offer 1-2 day onboarding, Chinese bureaucracy may require additional documentation and registration processes. Factor in time for work permits, visa processing, and local registration when planning hiring timelines.
- Leverage AI-Powered Contract Generation: Chinese employment contracts must comply with specific local requirements and include mandatory clauses. Use EOR platforms with AI-powered contract generation to ensure compliant, locally-appropriate agreements that protect both employer and employee rights.
- Establish Clear Communication Channels: Time zone differences and language barriers can complicate China operations. Choose an EOR with 24/7 support and Chinese-speaking staff to facilitate smooth communication between your global team and local employees.
How to Choose the Best EOR Company
Selecting the right EOR provider for China operations requires systematic evaluation aligned with your business priorities. Follow this strategic framework to make an informed decision:
- Define Your China Expansion Goals: Clarify whether you're hiring one employee or building a full team, your timeline for deployment, and your budget constraints. These factors will determine which EOR features and pricing models align with your needs.
- Evaluate Compliance Capabilities: Review each provider's China-specific compliance expertise. Look for real-time regulatory monitoring, local entity ownership, and demonstrated knowledge of Chinese labor laws, social insurance, and tax requirements.
- Compare Total Cost of Ownership: Look beyond monthly fees to understand employer contributions, transaction fees, and any hidden costs. Calculate total employment costs including mandatory Chinese social insurance and housing fund contributions.
- Assess Onboarding Speed Requirements: Balance speed with thoroughness. If rapid deployment is critical, prioritize providers offering 1-2 day onboarding. If you have more time, slower onboarding with comprehensive support may be appropriate.
- Test Platform Usability: Request demos to evaluate user interfaces, mobile accessibility, and workflow automation. The platform should simplify—not complicate—daily HR operations across time zones.
- Verify Support Quality: Confirm 24/7 availability, response times, and access to China-specific expertise. Strong support becomes essential when navigating complex regulatory questions or operational challenges.
- Review Customer Feedback: Examine G2 ratings and read detailed reviews from companies with similar China expansion goals. Look for patterns in feedback regarding compliance reliability, platform performance, and support responsiveness.
- Consider Scalability: Choose a provider that can grow with your China operations, supporting expansion from initial hires to full teams while maintaining compliance and service quality.
Why Choose Borderless AI in China as an EOR Provider
Borderless AI distinguishes itself in the China market through a combination of AI-native technology, industry-leading speed, and comprehensive compliance expertise. With a 4.9/5 G2 rating—the highest among evaluated providers—Borderless AI delivers exceptional user satisfaction backed by real customer experiences.
The platform's competitive advantages for China operations include:
- Fastest Onboarding in the Industry: Deploy team members in China within 1-2 days, the fastest timeline among all providers evaluated, enabling rapid response to hiring needs and market opportunities.
- Real-Time Compliance Monitoring: AI-powered systems continuously track Chinese labor law changes, automatically updating contracts, payroll calculations, and benefits administration to maintain compliance as regulations evolve.
- Transparent, Competitive Pricing: At $579 per employee per month, Borderless AI offers clear, predictable costs without percentage-based fees that escalate with higher salaries—providing budget certainty for China expansion.
- AI-Powered Platform Intelligence: The HRGPT assistant provides instant answers to China-specific HR and legal questions, while automated contract generation ensures locally compliant agreements tailored to Chinese requirements.
- 24/7 Expert Support: North America-based payroll experts act as an extension of your HR department, providing responsive assistance across time zones with deep knowledge of Chinese employment regulations.
- Direct Entity Ownership: With owned entities in 170+ countries including China, Borderless AI maintains direct control over compliance and employee experience rather than relying on third-party partners.
- Industry-Fastest Payroll Processing: Five-day payroll cycles ensure timely, accurate compensation for Chinese employees, supporting workforce satisfaction and operational efficiency.
For businesses prioritizing speed, technology innovation, and compliance confidence in China, Borderless AI provides a compelling combination of capabilities backed by market-leading customer satisfaction ratings.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right Employer of Record for China operations is a strategic decision that impacts compliance risk, operational efficiency, and workforce satisfaction. The providers evaluated in this analysis offer varying strengths across pricing, technology, compliance expertise, and support quality. Businesses should prioritize EOR partners with demonstrated China-specific knowledge, real-time compliance monitoring, and rapid onboarding capabilities. Data-driven evaluation using transparent criteria—including G2 ratings, onboarding speed, platform capabilities, and total cost—enables confident decision-making. As China continues to represent significant growth opportunities, partnering with an EOR that combines technological innovation with deep local expertise positions your organization for sustainable international expansion and competitive advantage in the world's second-largest economy.
Ready to streamline your China hiring process? Book a demo to see how the right EOR partner can accelerate your growth.
