The situation: A foreign employee is surprised by monthly deductions from their salary for social insurance and wonders about their rights when leaving China.
Applicable law: The Social Insurance Law (2011) and the Interim Measures for Foreigners' Participation (2011) require foreigners with legal work permits to participate in five types of insurance: pension, healthcare, work injury, unemployment and maternity. On permanent departure: personal pension contributions can be withdrawn in full. Some countries (South Korea, Germany, France) have concluded agreements to avoid duplicate contributions.
Typical outcome: Submitting a withdrawal application after the contract ends and leaving China, with a departure document from the competent authority.
👷 Labour disputes · Awareness case
Social Insurance for Foreigners — Mandatory Contributions and How to Withdraw on Departure · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: 社会保险法 / Social Insurance Law 2011; 外籍人员参加社会保险暂行办法 2011
Is the employer required to deduct social insurance from foreigners' salaries, and can the amounts be withdrawn when leaving China?
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
Lesson: Do not reject insurance contributions arbitrarily; your right to healthcare and work injury cover is linked to them. Check whether your country has an agreement with China to avoid double contributions.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026