Can we hire an intern with Horizons in China?

Hiring interns in China is a common and effective way to bring in short-term talent, especially during academic breaks.


Is It Legal to Hire Interns in China?

Yes. Employers in China can legally engage current students as interns for a limited duration—typically during school holidays such as summer or winter breaks. These internships are non-binding and are not intended to lead directly to full-time employment unless further action is taken.

Importantly, once the student obtains their graduation certificate or diploma, the internship must be terminated. If the company wishes to continue the relationship, the intern must be transitioned into a formal full-time employee under a legally compliant employment agreement.


Key Conditions for Hiring Interns

  • Eligibility: Interns must be enrolled students at the time of engagement.

  • Internship Agreement: A written internship agreement must be signed between the employer and the student. This outlines the internship scope, timeframe, and compensation terms.

  • No Minimum Pay or Duration Requirements: There are no statutory requirements for intern wages or contract length. These are based on mutual agreement between the parties.

  • End of Internship upon Graduation: Once a student graduates, the internship must end immediately, and a formal employment contract must be signed for continued work.


Compensation and Taxation

Interns are not entitled to social benefits or mandatory contributions under Chinese labor law. Here’s how compensation is handled:

  • Employers provide a gross compensation amount.

  • Individual income tax (IIT) is withheld and paid directly by the employer to the tax bureau.

  • Interns receive the net pay after tax deduction.


How Horizons Supports Intern Hiring

While Horizons' EOR services in China are primarily designed for full-time employment, we can assist with:

  • Drafting and reviewing internship agreements

  • Ensuring compliance with local labor laws

  • Supporting transition to full-time employment post-graduation

Was this article helpful?

That’s Great!

Thank you for your feedback

Sorry! We couldn't be helpful

Thank you for your feedback

Let us know how can we improve this article!

Select at least one of the reasons
CAPTCHA verification is required.

Feedback sent

We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article