CHINA
Overview
The People’s Republic of China is located in East Asia and has a rich history spanning thousands of years, marked by influential dynasties, cultural achievements and philosophical traditions like Confucianism and Taoism. China has ancient wonders such as The Great Wall and the Forbidden City as well as modern megacities like Shanghai and Beijing. Along with its rich culture and beautiful landscapes, China is know for its varied and delicious cuisine (China National Tourist Office, 2025).
Physiotherapy Overview
Employment
Over the past few decades, Western treatment methods such as physiotherapy are more commonly incorporated into Chinese healthcare alongside traditional medical treatments rooted in Chinese culture. The need for physiotherapists is ever increasing due to the ageing population and diverse employment settings (HiredChina, 2024).
Income
Salary for physiotherapist varies depending on location, experience and type of employment. However, on average, a physiotherapist with 1-3 years of experience earns a salary of ¥186,506 per year, whereas a senior physiotherapist with over 8 years of experience tends to earn an average salary of ¥326,117 (ERI Economic Research Institute, 2025).
Licensing and Registration
Regulator: Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association (CARM) Physical Therapy Committee
Languages: Mandarin is beneficial but not necessarily required.
There is no nation wide rules for foreign trained physiotherapists to practice in China as Physiotherapy is yet to be recognised by the Chinese government as a proffession (Hu et al., 2020). This means the title “Physiotherapist” can be used by personal regardless of qualification and experience (World Physiotherapy, 2019).
However, When applying for jobs as a physiotherapist in China, proof of study at a recognised institution and license to practise will likely be required by the employer (HiredChina, 2024).
Work Permit
A work permit will allow you to work legally in China for up to 12 months before renewal.
You will be issued a category A, B or C permit based off the established point-and-letter system below:
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- A is high-level expert status
- B is skilled worker status
- C is Low-skilled worker status
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(Salveo, 2020)
For more information regarding the point-and-letter system and work permits, click the link.
Travel Visa
Z Visa
A Z visa is the only visa that will allow foreigners to be employed by a Chinese company.
In order to apply for a Z visa you must be between the ages 18 and 60 and have a valid, official job offer in China.
First your employer will need to request the letter of invitation inviting you to work legally in China. Once the letter is received, you can apply for a a Z visa through you local Chinese embassy.
The work visa will authorise you to enter China legally and will need to be converted into a residence permit within 30 days of entering the country.
(Salveo, 2020)
Click the link to find out more about work visas in China
Cost Of Living
Cost of Living Index: China – 29.4 Hong Kong (China) – 72.2 Australia – 63.0
The average lifestyle in China is 33.6% cheaper than the same lifestyle in Australia, however, the average lifestyle in Hong Kong is 9.2% more expensive than the same lifestyle in Australia (Numbeo, 2025).
References
China National Tourist Office. (2025). CNTO – China National Tourist Office, AU. Cnto.org.au. https://cnto.org.au/
Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. (2025). Visa Category. Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. https://www.visaforchina.cn/VIE3_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/banliliucheng
ERI Economic Research Institute. (2025). Staff Physiotherapist Salary in China (2025). Salary Expert. https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/staff-physiotherapist/china
HiredChina. (2024, October 8). Physical Therapist in China | Best Guide for Working as a Foreigner. Hiredchina.com. https://www.hiredchina.com/articles/physical-therapist-jobs-in-china/#1_Increasing_Demand
Hu, J., Jones, A. Y. M., Zhou, X., Zhai, H., Ngai, S. P. C., Siu, K.-C., & Dalton, M. (2020). Acceptance of the “Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice (Chinese)” as a standardised evaluation of professional competency in Chinese physiotherapy students: an observational study. BMC Medical Education, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-02026-3
Numbeo. (2025). Cost of Living Index by Country 2025. Numbeo.com. https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings_by_country.jsp
Salveo. (2020). Work visa in China – Salveo. Salveo.international. https://salveo.international/en/work-visa-in-china/
World Physiotherapy. (2019). Protection of title Policy statement. https://world.physio/sites/default/files/2020-04/PS-2019-Protection-of-title.pdf
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