Essential Steps to Take Before Leaving China

For individuals who have been working in China for a significant period and are considering reuniting with their families or relocating, there are several important tasks to complete before departing. In this article, we will outline three crucial steps that foreigners should take to ensure a smooth transition:

1.Obtain your non-criminal record

Obtaining a certificate of no criminal record in China is a necessary requirement. However, it's important to note that there is no central authority responsible for issuing these certificates nationwide. Instead, the certificates are issued for specific time periods and limited to certain provinces or cities. This means that if you have lived in multiple provinces or cities, you may need to apply for a certificate in each location. Furthermore, the process and requirements for obtaining the non-criminal record may vary across different cities. To ensure you are fully prepared, we highly recommend obtaining the non-criminal record from all cities where you have resided for more than six months. For detailed information on obtaining certificates of no criminal record in China, please refer to our article: How to Get A Certificate of No Criminal Record

2.Authenticate your degree from a Chinese university

Authenticating your degree is another crucial step to consider before leaving China. While it is possible to complete the authentication process outside of China, it can be time-consuming. Therefore, we recommend getting your degree authenticated before you depart. For further guidance on this matter, please consult our article: How to authenticate your degree in China online?

3.Apply for a refund of your social insurance

It is important to be aware that individual income tax payments are non-refundable, unless you have overpaid. However, Article 5 of the Interim Measures for the Participation in Social Insurance of Foreigners Employed in China states that the pension in your personal account can be refunded if you determine that you will not retire in China. During the process of transferring your employment from one city to another, your pension will continue to accumulate. 

To apply for a refund of the pension, you will need to follow the specific rules of the final city where you work. Depending on the city, you may need to request your employer's assistance or provide a signed power of attorney (POA) to authorize someone else to handle the application on your behalf. We strongly recommend checking the regulations applicable to your specific city. For comprehensive information on social insurance for expats, please refer to our article: Step by Step Guidance on Claiming Social Insurance Refund

By completing these essential tasks before leaving China, you can ensure a smooth departure and lay a solid foundation for your future endeavors.