From 1997 to 2025, FDI in China averaged USD 531.92 hundred million, reaching a record high of USD 1,891.30 hundred million in December 2022 and a low of USD 18.32 hundred million in January 2000.
Despite this massive international presence, hiring locally remains a major hurdle.
Complex labor laws, region-specific regulations, and cultural differences often leave overseas businesses navigating a legal and administrative maze.
Employer of Record (EOR) services providers legally employ staff on your behalf, taking care of payroll, taxes, compliance, and HR operations, so you can focus on growing your business without setting up a legal entity in China.
Choosing the right EOR partner is important. The wrong fit can lead to delays, compliance risks, and poor employee experiences.
This guide breaks down the top 10 EOR providers in China to help you find the right match for a smooth and confident market entry.
What’s your China hiring priority?
Select your situation below.
You want skilled engineers without the 3-6 month entity setup. EOR providers handle compliance while you access China’s 7+ million tech professionals. Average setup time: 2-3 weeks vs. months for incorporation. Hire China developers →
You’re navigating region-specific regulations and cultural differences that create legal exposure. The right EOR manages payroll, taxes, and HR operations so you avoid the compliance maze that trips up 60% of new market entrants. Get EOR compliance support →
You need transparent pricing before committing. EOR fees typically run 8-15% of salary, but hidden costs vary wildly. Compare this against $50K-200K+ for entity setup plus ongoing admin expenses. View Asia salary benchmarks →
You want market presence without the 3-6 month entity setup that costs $50K-200K. EOR lets you hire locally in 2-3 weeks, validate your China strategy, then decide on incorporation once you’ve proven product-market fit. Explore EOR solutions →
If you would rather hire directly, Second Talent matches you with pre-vetted developers in China at 50 to 70% below US hiring costs, with first profiles in 24 hours.
Quick Comparison Table
Hiring in China through an Employer of Record (EOR) can simplify expansion, but choosing the right provider makes all the difference.
Below are the top 10 EOR companies helping foreign businesses build compliant, efficient teams across the Chinese market.
| EOR Provider | Company Scale | Pricing | China Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deel (Global) | 35,000+ clients, 1.25M workers. 150+ countries. | ~$599/month EOR. Contractors from $49. | China entity, legal experts. 7-day onboarding. |
| Second Talent (APAC Focus) | Boutique, fast-growing (4.9/5 G2). Asia-focused EOR coverage. | 31% lower than traditional EORs. Custom quotes. | In-house legal experts. China & SE Asia compliance. |
| G-P (Enterprise) | 2,000+ employees. 180+ countries coverage. | $600+ per employee. Custom pricing. | Expert compliance, proactive law updates. |
| Pebl (formerly Velocity Global) | 940 employees, 1,500+ clients worldwide. | Mid-to-high range. Custom pricing. | Strong payroll, tax, benefits compliance. |
| Papaya Global (HR Tech) | 700+ employees. 160+ countries. Unicorn status. | Premium pricing. AI-driven platform. | Automated tax and payroll compliance. |
| Remote (170+ Countries) | 1,100+ employees. Thousands of clients. | ~$599 EOR. Contractors $29-49. | Contracts, taxes, benefits, work visas. |
| HROne (China Specialist) | China-based, Shanghai HQ. 10+ years experience. | Custom pricing. China-focused competitive rates. | Local HR & legal teams. Full compliance. |
| Horizons (APAC) | Medium firm, Asia focus. China offices. | Mid-range, flexible. Contractors from $49. | Deep Chinese labour law knowledge. |
| FESCO Adecco (Nationwide CN) | FESCO + Adecco JV. Massive nationwide scale. | Custom, project-based. Large headcount rates. | Direct Chinese labour policy insights. |
| Remofirst (Cost-Focused) | 2021 startup, Inc. 5000. 185+ countries. | Flat $199/month. Transparent fees. | Full compliance at budget pricing. |
1. Deel

Deel is a major global EOR used by over 35,000 companies. It offers a sleek platform with local legal teams in China to ensure compliance. Deel supports hiring, payroll, benefits, and taxes, with everything built to local standards.
Hiring in China with Deel is fast and efficient, with onboarding typically completed in under a week. It also offers full benefits packages to help attract quality candidates.
Its reputation and round-the-clock support give it an edge in more complex hiring environments.
Pros:
- Trusted by thousands worldwide
- 24/7 multilingual support
- Local benefits and payroll setup
- China-specific legal knowledge
- Quick onboarding process
Cons:
- High monthly fees
- Not cost-effective for small teams
- Complex service tiers
- Less flexibility for small businesses
- Lower prioritisation for small accounts
“Deel combines both contractor management and employer of record services in one platform… simplifies the complex process of international hiring.” – Employ Borders
2. Second Talent

Second Talent is an Asia-focused EOR that combines fast tech recruitment with full legal compliance. Ideal for startups and digital firms, it stands out by sourcing top-tier local engineers within days.
With in-house legal and tax experts, Second Talent ensures every hire meets China’s strict employment laws.
This provider targets high-growth companies looking for speed, value and HR support across Asia-Pacific. Its bilingual team supports onboarding, payroll and ongoing HR with hands-on service.
The pricing is attractive for smaller teams and lean budgets.
Pros:
- Quick onboarding in days
- Competitive pricing model
- Specialised in tech hiring
- In-house compliance experts
- Bilingual APAC support
Cons:
- Smaller global footprint
- Limited tools for large enterprises
- Focused on startups
- Newer in the market
- Less recognised brand
“Exceptional support… always available to answer my questions… makes the whole experience smooth and stress‑free.” – Anywherer
3. G-P (Globalization Partners)

G-P is a premium EOR designed for global enterprises. Known for its AI-powered compliance tools and legal precision, it delivers a reliable hiring solution in China.
G-P ensures all legal requirements are met while providing full visibility into HR operations.
Clients benefit from dedicated account managers, proactive legal updates and HR expertise at scale. While its pricing suits larger firms, the support is robust and always compliance-led.
It’s a strong match for companies needing a structured, enterprise-grade experience.
Pros:
- Best-in-class compliance standards
- AI platform for HR compliance
- Worldwide reach and recognition
- Assigned account managers
- Strong industry reputation
Cons:
- Premium-level pricing
- Less suited to smaller teams
- Onboarding can be slower
- Fewer options for flexibility
- Long-term contracts often required
“G‑P offers the most comprehensive global HR tech solutions… compliance and seamless integrations.” – Trustpilot
4. Pebl (formerly Velocity Global)

Pebl (formerly Velocity Global) combines a wide international reach with personal support. Active in 185+ countries, it helps businesses manage everything from onboarding to payroll in China.
It also assists with immigration, entity setup, and long-term workforce planning.
The company is popular with both growing firms and established brands thanks to its high service levels. Each client is assigned a dedicated manager, and support is responsive.
While pricing is on the higher side, the customisation and experience justify the investment.
Pros:
- Global coverage and reach
- Responsive customer service
- Help with immigration and visas
- End-to-end HR and payroll support
- Strong Chinese compliance knowledge
Cons:
- Mid to high pricing range
- Fee structures are not clearly listed
- Less automation than competitors
- Can feel complex for small teams
- Slower to adapt to new tech
“Velocity Global is the best EOR, very responsive and supportive… they always have an answer for you.” – Trustpilot
5. Papaya Global

Papaya Global is a tech-first EOR offering a single cloud platform for HR, payroll, and compliance. It automates local Chinese requirements and gives foreign businesses real-time insights into costs, contracts, and workforce status.
With a focus on accuracy and efficiency, Papaya Global uses automation to manage tax, social insurance, and benefits.
This is ideal for companies scaling quickly or managing multiple countries at once, where visibility and consistency matter most.
Pros:
- Automated local compliance
- Real-time payroll tracking
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Strong accuracy and reliability
- Efficient multi-country management
Cons:
- Premium pricing structure
- Platform-heavy interface
- Less personal service
- Best suited to large businesses
- Requires onboarding to learn the system
“Managing payroll across 20 countries has never been easier. Backlog of 5 months’ invoices finally paid in one lump sum…” – Trustpilot
6. Remote (Remote.com)

Remote is built for companies that need flexible hiring without complexity. Its platform is modern and simple, letting employers generate China-compliant contracts, run payroll, and manage local benefits with ease.
Remote also offers visa support, contractor options, and clear flat-rate pricing. With fast onboarding and full legal coverage, it’s a great fit for remote-first businesses expanding into China without setting up local operations.
Pros:
- Flat-rate transparent pricing
- Fast generation of compliant contracts
- Support for work visas
- Easy-to-use platform
- Covers all legal hiring steps
Cons:
- Fewer in-country specialists
- Moderate pricing tier
- Less customisation for large firms
- Narrower support in enterprise tools
- Limited reach for complex hiring
“The platform is consistently praised for being intuitive and easy to navigate, simplifying complex tasks like global payroll and compliance. Users note that it has a low learning curve, making it easy for both HR teams and employees to get started.” – RemotePeople
7. HROne

HROne is a China-based provider focused solely on helping foreign companies hire locally. With over 10 years in the market, it has deep knowledge of Chinese payroll laws, regional differences, and visa requirements.
The company’s local presence allows it to offer hands-on support, tailored solutions and cultural guidance. Bilingual staff handle everything from employment contracts to social fund enrolment.
It’s a practical, cost-effective choice for SMEs entering China.
Pros:
- Deep local HR and legal expertise
- Bilingual service teams
- Visa application support
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible contracts for SMEs
Cons:
- Focused only on China
- Manual processes limit speed
- Smaller operational team
- Fewer global systems
- Less automated platform
“Real-world onboarding and strategic EOR insights make HROne stand out in China-specific compliance.” – Trustpilot
8. Horizons

Horizons offers EOR services across Asia-Pacific, with a strong presence in China. It’s built to support flexible business needs, offering no-exit-fee contracts, short-term project options, and regionally tailored onboarding.
This provider is known for its agility and responsiveness. Its local teams understand Chinese employment culture and can adjust quickly to changes or unique requests.
Horizons is best suited to firms looking for adaptable solutions without long-term commitments.
Pros:
- Flexible contract structures
- Specialised in APAC hiring
- Strong cultural and legal knowledge
- Agile and customisable services
- No hidden cancellation fees
Cons:
- Smaller international presence
- Mid-sized brand awareness
- Limited software integrations
- Fewer tools for large-scale hiring
- Less coverage for global growth
“Horizons is frequently commended for its “exceptional” customer service. Reviewers highlight the team’s responsiveness, professionalism, and local HR expertise, which helps streamline onboarding and address concerns quickly”. – G2
9. FESCO Adecco

FESCO Adecco is a heavyweight in the Chinese HR space. Formed through a joint venture between state-backed FESCO and global player Adecco, it offers unmatched compliance and on-the-ground access across the country.
It’s the go-to EOR for large-scale hiring, handling everything from contracts and payroll to mandatory health checks.
With government ties and proven infrastructure, FESCO Adecco delivers on reliability, especially for high-volume or sensitive hires.
Pros:
- Strong government connections
- Nationwide service coverage
- Excellent compliance standards
- Scalable infrastructure
- English-speaking support via Adecco
Cons:
- Bureaucratic workflows
- Less flexible for new firms
- Formal communication style
- Slower processes for SMEs
- Limited modern tech tools
“The company is a major staffing and HR services provider, particularly in China. It is known for services such as staffing solutions, payroll, and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO)”. – Anywherer
10. Remofirst

Remofirst is a rising EOR offering flat-rate pricing at $199 per employee, making it one of the most affordable options. Despite its low cost, it provides full compliance in China, including social benefits, contracts, and payroll.
Its platform is easy to use, with consolidated invoicing and real-time support. Remofirst appeals to startups and budget-conscious businesses aiming to test or scale into China without long-term commitments or high costs.
Pros:
- Industry-low flat pricing
- Clear, transparent costs
- Quick and flexible onboarding
- 24/5 live customer support
- No minimum hire requirements
Cons:
- Newer to the market
- Smaller global support team
- Basic enterprise tools
- Lighter China-specific resources
- May not scale well long term
“Remofirst is noted for its competitive and transparent pricing, starting as low as $199 per full-time employee per month, with no hidden fees. The platform is described as user-friendly and intuitive, allowing for quick onboarding of new hires.” – G2
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an EOR in China
Choosing the right Employer of Record (EOR) in China can make or break your expansion strategy. With complex regulations and local nuances at play, it’s important to assess providers across several key areas and not just price.
- Pricing transparency is a major factor. While some EORs offer flat, predictable rates, others use custom quotes that may include hidden fees for onboarding, benefits administration, or offboarding. Always ask for a full breakdown before signing anything.
- Compliance expertise is non-negotiable. Your provider must have a deep understanding of PRC labor law, including regional social insurance rules, tax rates, and contract requirements. Look for in-house legal teams or proven experience in China.
- Support quality can impact both your experience and employee satisfaction. Bilingual account managers, local HR experts, and fast response times make a real difference—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the Chinese business environment.
- Consider flexibility, especially if you plan to scale. Some EORs are better suited to startups or short-term projects, while others are built for larger teams and long-term growth.
- Industry focus matters too. Providers experienced in tech, manufacturing, or consulting will better understand your specific hiring needs.
- Lastly, assess how well the EOR’s HR and payroll systems integrate with your existing software. A smooth tech fit avoids duplication, errors, and unnecessary admin work.
Your Gateway to Hiring in China
Hiring in China isn’t just about finding the right people. It’s about doing it the right way. Choosing the right EOR provider ensures legal compliance, smooth onboarding, and long-term stability as your business grows.
While global providers offer reach and infrastructure, local experts bring the cultural understanding and regulatory insight needed to navigate China’s complex employment landscape.
Second Talent stands out by combining both speed and precision. As an Asia-focused EOR, it delivers fast access to top-tier tech talent while handling every aspect of local compliance. From payroll to benefits with expert care.
It’s a practical, reliable choice for businesses ready to enter or expand within the Chinese market.
If your company is exploring growth opportunities in China, now is the time to work with a provider that understands the region inside and out.
Reach out to Second Talent for tailored EOR support built around your goals, your team, and your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: How much does an EOR cost in China?
Costs vary widely depending on the provider and level of service. Budget-friendly options like Remofirst start at around $199 per employee per month, offering essential compliance and payroll support.
On the higher end, global providers such as Deel or G-P typically charge $600 or more per employee, reflecting premium features like AI-driven compliance tools and 24/7 global support.
2: Can an EOR in China sponsor work visas for expatriates?
Yes. Many established EORs offer visa sponsorship and immigration support as part of their services.
Providers like HROne, Deel, and Velocity Global are experienced in securing work permits and guiding foreign employees through the visa process.
3: What industries benefit most from EOR in China?
EOR services are widely used across several sectors. Tech startups, consulting firms, manufacturing businesses, and global enterprises often rely on EORs to hire legally and efficiently in China without opening a local entity.
4: How long does onboarding take with a Chinese EOR?
Most providers can onboard a new employee in China within 7 to 14 days. Fast-moving providers like Second Talent and Deel are known for onboarding talent in as little as a few business days.
5: Is using a local Chinese EOR better than a global provider?
Both have advantages. Local EORs like HROne and FESCO Adecco offer deep knowledge of China’s legal system and bureaucracy. In contrast, global providers deliver broader scalability and consistent processes across multiple countries.
The right choice depends on your expansion goals and hiring needs.



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