Moving to China from The UK

Known for being the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter of goods, China has the largest economy worldwide – as well as the fastest-growing.

If you are considering making the move from the United Kingdom to China, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.

Quick China Facts:

Population: 1.412 billion (2021 estimate)
Official Language: Mandarin (de facto) is spoken by 70% of the population, with other dialects – Yue (Cantonese), Xiang (Hunanese) – being used, too
GDP Per Capita: $12,556 USD (2021 estimate)
Random Fact: The Great Wall of China is made up of lots of different walls, combining to span a total of 20,000 kilometres
Currency: Chinese Yuan (¥). As of late 2023, £1 = ¥8.95, €1 = ¥7.76, $1 CAD = ¥5.21, $1 AUD = ¥4.68

Sections

1. Moving Costs to China from the UK

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from different ports in the UK, and shipping it to Beijing:

Origin Port	20FT	40FT
Aberdeen	£3,200 - £3,500	£4,700 - £5,200
Belfast	£3,300 - £3,600	£4,800 - £5,300
Dover	£3,200 - £3,500	£4,700 - £5,200
Liverpool	£3,100 - £3,400	£4,500 - £5,000
London	£3,150 - £3,450	£4,600 - £5,100
Southampton	£3,200 - £3,500	£4,700 - £5,200

All figures are in GBP;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (June, 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Hapag-Lloyd or GoComet;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. How Long Does It Take To Move to China from the United Kingdom?

While moving somewhere in the United Kingdom may take a few hours, there can be big discrepancies in move time duration when it comes to China due to the vastness of the country.

Let’s take a look at some cities from a range of locations in the country to give you an idea of the move time, from both London and Scotland starting locations in the United Kingdom.

London Heathrow to Beijing – 10 hours, 25 minutes – £440
London Heathrow to Shanghai – 12 hours, 20 minutes – £450
London Heathrow to Hong Kong – 12 hours, 45 minutes – £600
London Gatwick to Beijing – 13 hours, 50 minutes (connecting flight) – £540
London Gatwick to Shanghai – 11 hours, 20 minutes – £400
London Gatwick to Hong Kong – 14 hours, 40 minutes (connecting flight) – £500
Edinburgh to Bejing – 12 hours, 35 minutes (connecting flight) – £480
Edinburgh to Shanghai – 14 hours, 40 minutes (connecting flight) – £515
Edinburgh to Hong Kong – 14 hours, 35 minutes (connecting flight) – £550

This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.

3. Moving Restrictions to China from the UK

Moving from one country to take up residency in another will incur various restrictions – most notably, this comes in the form of visa requirements, which we will cover in the next section.

All British nationals will need a visa to enter mainland China. This application needs to be done in person at a Visa Application Centre, where biometric data will be captured.

As of August 2023, there are no COVID-19 restrictions upon entering China, but this should be looked into at the time of your travel in case of any changes.

You will need to register your place of residence with the Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival in China.

If you wish to work in China, you can only do so with a Z visa – we will cover these in the following section. A valid work permit will also be required, and working without this may lead to severe penalties.

It’s of paramount importance that you check the regulations for your individual situation before travelling to ensure you are abiding by the laws at all times. More information can be found at Gov.uk.

4. Visa Requirements to China from the UK

Alongside a valid UK passport, you will need a visa to grant you entry into China.

Gov.uk states that British nationals will need a visa to enter mainland China, which includes Hainan Island, but not Hong Kong and Macao. For travel advice to Hong Kong, you can visit this page, but broadly speaking you don’t need a visa for trips of 6 months or less, but longer stays do require visas.

Visa applications for those aged between 14 and 70 need to be done in person at a Visa Application Centre, located in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. There are strict rules in China regarding proper work permits and visas, and if you are found to have the wrong type for whatever business you are carrying out, you can face deportation, fines, or detainment.

For those wishing to stay in China for longer than 6 months, you will need a Residence Permit.

It’s important to keep updated with any changes to the entry requirements to China as they can change with little notice. If you are at all unsure about what is required of you, speak to the Chinese Embassy Consulate in the UK.

In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your individual circumstances and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.

5. Cost of Living Differences in China

While this article is covering China as a whole, house prices will obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.

As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in China is 54.7% lower than that of the United Kingdom, with rent being around 62.8% lower.

Monthly Rental Prices in China:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: ¥6,500+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: ¥4,000+
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: ¥16,000+
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: ¥8,600+

China Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: ¥118,000+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: ¥57,000+

Source: Numbeo

6. Tax Treaties in China

Gov.uk recommends that you seek professional advice on what taxes you may owe in China from an English-speaking lawyer in China.

There is a tax treaty in place between the UK and China to prevent the double taxation of income, which came into force in January 2014.

7. Working Rules in China

To work in China, you need a Z visa, as well as a valid work permit. Working without these can have severe consequences, including deportation, fines, and a ban on leaving or returning to China.

To obtain this, you will need to:

Provide your passport with 6 months of validity and at least 2 blank pages
A visa application form
A colour photograph taken in the last 6 months
Either a Foreigners Employment Permit, Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China, Letter of Invitation, Registration Certificate, or an approval document for commercial performance

Here is more information on obtaining a Z visa for China from visaforchina.cn. You can find full information on obtaining visas for China at china-embassy.gov.

The Chinese Embassy has the most up-to-date information which you should follow completely to ensure a smooth transition from the UK to China.

Whatever your employment circumstances, it’s important to have your visa ironed out before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes, so that you are completely clued up on your rights.

8. Healthcare in China

While the UK benefits from the NHS, offering free healthcare to those who need it, as well as elective private healthcare for a fee, there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between China and the UK, meaning it is essential that you take out medical insurance before travelling.

For this insurance, Gov.uk advise that it’s important that it covers the following:

Full medical cover
Air ambulance usage
Repatriation of remains in the event of death
Repatriation of your family in the event you need to return home due to illness or injury

Gov.uk continues to say that it is common for ambulance services to be slow, and for hospitals to seek immediate payment by cash or card before payment is given. It is essential you are aware of these terms before travelling to keep yourself safe and looked after during your trip.

9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in China

Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you need to move to China with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.

The rules do differ depending on the area of China you are visiting, so it is important to seek individual advice on your specific pet and destination. In general, Gov.uk advises that you will need to:

Have export documentation
Follow a mandatory quarantine period
Have proof of rabies vaccination
Have your pet microchipped
Have vet-approved health certificates

There will be various costs involved with the transport of your pet to China, which will vary depending on the size and type of your animal. It’s important to note that you can only bring one pet per adult, as you can usually only register one pet per household address.

It’s also important to check that your animal doesn’t fall into China’s banned list, as some bigger dogs and breeds may be banned in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

It is advised that you use a reputable company to transport your pet to China to ensure everything is taken care of and is carried out in the best way possible.

10. Similar Cities

Taiwan comes up as the most similar country to China. This is notably due to the history shared between the two countries, which split in the 1940s.

The two countries speak the same language – Mandarin Chinese – and the population is broadly of the same heritage. Both locations have strong ties to tourism and are frequented for their cultural ties.

There are distinct governmental and political differences between the two. Despite their geographical closeness, the climates of both locations are different, with China having a colder and drier climate versus Taiwan’s subtropical climate.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to China from the UK

Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from the UK to China, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from the UK to China	Disadvantages of Moving from the UK to China
Cultural Richness: China has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, offering a unique experience with historical sites, traditions and cuisine	Language Barrier: Mandarin is the official language, and while English is spoken in urban areas, language differences may pose challenges in some regions
Career Opportunities: China's growing economy provides opportunities for career advancement, especially in industries like technology, finance and education	Pollution Concerns: Some cities in China may experience high levels of air pollution, impacting air quality and potentially affecting health
Affordable Living: The cost of living in China can be lower than in the UK, offering potential savings in various aspects of daily life	Internet Restrictions: China has internet restrictions, including the Great Firewall, which may limit access to certain websites and services commonly used in the UK
Diverse Landscapes: China offers diverse landscapes, from bustling megacities like Shanghai to picturesque rural areas and natural wonders like the Great Wall	Cultural Adjustment: Cultural differences in social norms, customs, and business practices may require time for adjustment

Whatever you decide, it’s important that you understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to check Gov.uk for all the information you need.