Can Foreign Interns in China Get Paid? – We Got Updates For You

Last week, we had a face-to-face discussion with China’s immigration authorities about whether interns can get paid for their internships in China – at least at the time of this article’s publication, this is the most up-to-date policy information you can read about internships in China. 

– April 6^th, 2025

 

Internships in China can be a great opportunity for foreign students —  but how they’re compensated is tightly restricted and often misunderstood. 

Who can intern legally in China? 

Foreign students can legally intern in China — but only with the right approvals. Before starting, they need consent from both their school and the immigration authority. Once approved, their residence permit will be marked with “实习” (internship), making it clear they’re legally allowed to work as an intern.  

With proper immigration paperwork, foreign students enrolled in foreign universities can also come for internships in China – though the approach could be less straightforward when applying from outside China. 

Why wages are off-limits for foreign interns 

China has super restrictive terms over how foreigners receive compensations. Even if a foreign student is interning legally, they CANNOT: 

Foreign interns — unlike full-time employees or work-permit holders — are not protected by Chinese labor laws. Attempting to pay a student intern a wage puts both the intern and the employer at legal risk. 

What’s allowed: reimbursements 

What employers can do is offer reimbursements, such as: 

Important caveat: 

The reimbursement must look like a real reimbursement — not a disguised wage. That means: 

If the amount appears too generous, immigration or tax authorities may treat it as illegal employment income. 

The risk of getting it wrong 

Interning without proper documentation or receiving improper payments may lead to being classified as a “三非外国人” (“undocumented or illegal foreigner”: illegal employment, illegal entry, illegal stay). That can result in: fines, detention, visa revocation, deportation, and/or even future re-entry bans. 

In the past two years, China’s immigration and labor policies have been updating in rapid pace — but not always make public in time. “Window Guidance” (窗口指导) — informal policies or interpretations provided by staff at government service windows – aren’t published online but influence what gets approved. They often differ between cities and change without timely public notice. That’s why professional legal advice is essential, especially when compensation is involved, which could save applicants weeks of back-and-forth — or prevent serious legal mistakes. 

Moreover, records of internship play important roles in applying for work permits and permanent residency in China. In next article, we will discuss how to evaluate an internship opportunity and why applicants should get prepared early if staying in China is the goal. 

Bottom line 

By the time when this article was published, foreign interns in China still can’t be paid with wages — but modest, reasonable reimbursements are fine. Get your paperwork right, and always check with a qualified lawyer or consultant before starting. 

When in doubt, don’t risk it. Ask first. A 30-minute consultation may save you months of trouble.