As one of China’s most dynamic cities, Nanjing offers a wealth of opportunities for foreign businesses seeking to establish or expand their operations. However, navigating the complexities of local labor laws and employment practices can be challenging. For overseas employers, leveraging an Employer of Record (EOR) model can simplify the process while ensuring compliance with Chinese regulations. This article explores key employment strategies and cost considerations for businesses planning to hire in Nanjing. Click here to see ChaadHR China Employer of Record EOR hiring guide.

Understanding the EOR Model in China

An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party organization that legally employs workers on behalf of another company. In China, the EOR model is particularly beneficial for foreign companies that lack a local legal entity but wish to hire talent. The EOR handles employment contracts, payroll, tax compliance, benefits administration, and other HR functions, allowing overseas employers to focus on their core business activities.

In Nanjing, where labor laws are strictly enforced, the EOR model ensures that businesses remain compliant with regulations such as social insurance contributions and mandatory benefits. This reduces the risk of legal complications and streamlines the hiring process.

Employment Strategies in Nanjing

1. Leverage Local Talent Pools  

  Nanjing is home to a highly educated workforce, thanks to its renowned universities and research institutions. Employers can tap into this talent pool to recruit skilled professionals in fields such as technology, engineering, and finance. Collaborating with an EOR can facilitate access to this talent, as they often have established networks and expertise in local recruitment.

2. Understand Labor Laws and Cultural Nuances  

  Compliance with Chinese labor laws is non-negotiable. In Nanjing, employers must adhere to regulations regarding working hours, overtime pay, and employee benefits. Additionally, understanding cultural expectations—such as the importance of job stability and clear career progression—can help businesses attract and retain top talent.

3. Adopt Flexible Hiring Models  

  For businesses testing the market or managing short-term projects, hiring through an EOR offers flexibility. Employers can onboard employees quickly without committing to the complexities of setting up a local entity. This approach is also cost-effective for scaling operations incrementally.

Cost Analysis: Key Considerations

1. Salary Expectations  

  Salaries in Nanjing are generally lower than in Tier 1 cities like Beijing or Shanghai but remain competitive within the Yangtze River Delta region. Employers should research industry benchmarks to offer attractive compensation packages while staying within budget.

2. Social Insurance and Benefits  

  Chinese labor law mandates contributions to social insurance programs, including pensions, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, and housing funds. In Nanjing, these contributions typically account for 30-40% of an employee’s gross salary. An EOR ensures accurate calculations and timely payments.

3. EOR Service Fees  

  While the EOR model simplifies compliance and administration, it comes with service fees. These fees vary based on the scope of services provided but are often outweighed by the time and resources saved by avoiding direct HR management.

Conclusion

For overseas employers looking to hire in Nanjing, the EOR model offers a practical solution to navigate China’s complex employment landscape. By leveraging local expertise, ensuring compliance, and managing costs effectively, businesses can unlock the potential of Nanjing’s workforce while minimizing risks. With careful planning and the right partner, expanding into this vibrant city can be a seamless and rewarding endeavor.

For more information on how to set up and manage your international workforce in China, check out ChaadHR's hiring guide for China.

How Chinese Employer of Record (EOR) Works

As a local Employer of Record (EOR), we take on the legal responsibility of employing your new workforce in China. While you manage the day-to-day activities of your employees, we legally hire them through our agency. ChaadHR operates in over a hundred countries and utilizes local networks of experts to gain in-depth knowledge of local laws and regulations, as well as recruitment customs and trends. By partnering with us as an EOR, you gain access to this expert knowledge, which can be invaluable when expanding your business into China.

Our employment contract with your employees complies with Chinese labor laws and includes benefits such as insurance and pensions. We can hire, onboard, and manage your new employees in China in a matter of days, ensuring a fast and efficient process.

Hereis how we can assist you:

- We ensure that your new hires are compliant with Chinese laws and regulations.

- We take care of the employment contract, HR (Human Resources) matters, taxes, and payroll.

- We arrange the required visas or work permits for your employees.

- Our team keeps your employees informed about holiday arrangements, benefits, and any changes in labor laws.

- We keep you updated on changes in local laws and ensure that we comply with them.

-Your employees' declarations are forwarded to us on a monthly basis. Once we receive your payment, we deduct taxes and other contributions, and ensure that your employees receive their salaries promptly.

- You retain control over the daily activities and responsibilities of your employees.

🌎💼Compliantly Hire and Pay Talent in 160+ Countries With ChaadHR

With our comprehensive Global Employer of Record (EoR) solution and integrated Global Payroll solution, we empower businesses to confidently and compliantly hire and pay their workforce in over 160 countries. By partnering with ChaadHR, companies can eliminate the burdensome task of entity establishment and navigating complex labor laws, while ensuring their payroll operations are fully compliant with local regulations.

ChaadHR helps businesses expand globally. We provide support for testing new markets, hiring employees, and setting up subsidiaries. Our platform offers compliant onboarding of international contractors, remote employee hiring, and consolidated payroll management through a single dashboard. Book a demo to learn more.