Expatriates Focus: What should be prepared before leaving China – Part 1
For many expatriates in this country, China is not their permanent home. However, leaving the country where you used to live can mean a lot of work. There might come a time when you make the decision, for example, when your working contract has ended or you are seeking a new place to settle down.
As an expatriate in China, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind before you plan to leave a few months ago. The following article covers the most important things you should do and answers the most common question people have when preparing to leave China.
- Tax Payment Certificate Bearing the Official Seal
Before leaving China, you should obtain a “Tax Payment Certificate” from the local tax bureau, detailing the salary and taxes you pay each month or year. Treat it as a tax clearance and make sure you don’t have any debt or tax liability. This document will also serve as evidence of your tax payment in China to avoid double taxation. You could get the proof with your taxpayer status on it at the local tax bureau.
- Cancellation Certificate of Work Permit
When your employment contract is terminated, your HR department will normally ask you to return your work permit to apply the cancellation. It is important that you get a cancellation certificate, or at least a scan from the relevant department. This certificate can be used as an official proof of your working experience in China. And if you plan to cancel your work visa later, it is a must document.
- Non-Criminal Record
Once you have left the country, it is impossible to recover your non-criminal record from China. The immigration bureau will require your original passport and the temporary registration proof of residence (with an original leasing contract) before you can issue a certificate of non-criminal record. The record needs to be notarized and legalized by the different local administrations.
- Settle Payment With Your Landlord
Expatriates and business owners alike must resolve their rents before leaving China to avoid future conflicts. When you settle the rents, always remember to ask for your rent invoice and get your rent deposit back. For business owners, if this is your company’s registered address, it may involve the closure of the business. You will need to first properly handle the process of the deregistration of your company.
- Company’s Reference Materials
Getting the “Recommendation Letters” from Chinese companies is a good thing, because sometimes it is hard to get these originals from Chinese companies after you leave. A bilingual document is highly recommended. This recommendation letter can be used as an official proof of your working experience in China as well.
Please check the other points in our part 2
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.