Foreign Teacher Contract Checklist: 10 Things to Check Before You Sign in China
Check probation length vs contract term, salary breakdown (base vs allowances), social insurance commitment, visa sponsorship, termination clauses, IP ownership, penalties, non-compete, dispute resolution, and the language of the contract.
Before you sign anything
Read the whole contract, even the boilerplate. The traps are in termination, IP and 'other duties as assigned' — never in the salary line.
Get it in writing
Anything promised verbally (bonuses, renewal terms, housing) — get it added to the contract or a signed side letter. Verbal promises are hard to enforce.
If it's Chinese-only
Request a signed bilingual version. In a dispute, the Chinese text governs.
Key facts / law
- Article 19: probation caps by contract length
- Severance/overtime calculated on average total wage, not just base
- Non-compete needs paid compensation to be valid
- General resignation penalties are unenforceable (Article 25)
- Foreigners are entitled to social insurance
Have the actual contract in front of you?
Paste it into ContractGuard for a clause-by-clause plain-English risk report with Chinese law references. Free preview; full report RMB ¥36 (~$4.99), one-time.
Analyze my contract →
Related guides
Also: see what teachers actually earn in China →
ContractGuard helps you understand your contract — it's not a law firm, and this isn't legal advice. If a clause affects your money, visa, or job mobility, a licensed Chinese lawyer is a small price for peace of mind.