Mijay Group
Professional opportunities in China: five options to assess

Professional opportunities in China: five options to assess

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If you want to move to China but don't have capital to invest, know that there are several businesses you can start with only your network and a good dose of resourcefulness. This isn't just empty rhetoric: these are jobs that foreigners do here every day, and some don't even need to set up a company.

There is, in fact, one point that most newcomers misunderstand, and which completely changes the range of possibilities: China is a self-sufficient country. In other words, even if you don't want to work with foreigners, you can easily build your entire business with Chinese clients and partners. The domestic market is huge, and it's not up to you.

Here are five concrete paths, from the most accessible to potentially profitable depending on volumes, costs and risk management, with for each the pitfalls I have seen people waste time and money on.

First and foremost: the question of status

One point that must be addressed before going any further, because it conditions everything else. Engaging in paid work in China requires being in compliance with regulations, and entering without a visa or on a tourist visa does not authorize you to work legally, even informally and even if everyone around you seems to be doing so.

The activities listed below all require verification of the applicable legal, tax, and immigration status before starting. However, as soon as you settle permanently, the question of a work permit will arise, and it's better to anticipate this than to discover it when your permit balance reaches zero.

1. Becoming an agent: an activity based on expertise and networking

This is by far the easiest entry point. The agent profession requires no investment, and you only need to have the necessary legal status and permits to conduct paid work. All you need are contacts, because they are what will bring you clients.

The real question remains, the one everyone asks when they arrive without knowing anyone: how do you find your first clients when you're not very comfortable with social media and you don't know anyone locally?

Rule number one: Don't be shy

This entire profession is based on interpersonal skills, which means two things. First, you have to approach people, start a conversation, introduce yourself, and be willing to be a little disruptive. Second, you have to know what we're talking about : as soon as a prospect feels that you are improvising on prices, deadlines or procedures, the conversation stops there and they will not come back.

The four places where I met the most people

The markets. You constantly meet people there who will become either clients, friends, or prospects whom you'll contact again six months later. It's also where you learn the trade, by seeing what sells and at what prices.

Spas open 24 hours. I particularly recommend Ossoto, where you meet a lot of foreigners and where you make acquaintances very easily, simply because people there have time and are relaxed.

Trade fairs and exhibitions. You'll always find someone to meet there, and it's the place where people have come precisely to do business, so no one is surprised if you strike up a conversation.

The subway. And this is the one I value above all others, because it's completely underrated. I met so many people there: my current Chinese employees, people who became friends, acquaintances who helped me at crucial moments, and people I was able to help in return. The Chinese subway is a goldmine, and it costs next to nothing.

How to pay you

This is the point beginners often overlook, and it's what determines profitability. You can be paid either through a commission on the order value or a flat fee per project. Decide on this in advance, clearly communicate it to your client, and don't change your model mid-project—that's the surest way to lose the trust of someone who has worked with you for years.

2. Freight forwarder: in my opinion, potentially profitable depending on volumes, costs, and risk management

If I had to choose the most potentially profitable activity from this list based on volume, cost, and risk management, it would be this one. And you have two ways to start it.

Option A: Use an existing freight forwarder

You work with an established freight forwarder who offers you good rates, and then you set your own prices for your clients. Your profit margin is the difference. This is the model that requires the least structure and allows you to test the waters before committing.

Option B: Become a freight forwarder with your own account

Here, you operate on your own behalf. For this to be viable, it's best to have a contract with a logistics company that itself holds very advantageous rates with the major integrators—DHL, UPS, DPD, and others. It's this contract that makes you competitive, not your sales skills.

Pitfalls to be aware of before signing

Pay close attention to specializations, because no single provider covers everything, and that's where unpleasant surprises happen:

  • Some only deliver within Europeothers exclusively in Africa
  • Some only deal with air travel.others solely from the maritime sector
  • The delivery methods differ : delivery to their warehouse for Africa in some cases, direct delivery to the customer's door in others

It's up to you to choose based on your actual markets, not those you hope to have one day.

And above all, Never forget to negotiate. This is absolutely central to this business: the first prices you are quoted are never the best, and a difference of a few percent on a price list represents your entire profit margin for the year.

The warning that no one will give you

The real risk in this business isn't commercial, it's financial: you often pay the carrier before you get paid by your client. A single client who pays two months late can put you in a difficult position, even if your business is profitable on paper. Establish your payment terms from the very first deal, request a deposit, and never finance a client you don't know.

To understand in depth how freight prices and seasonality are determined, everything is detailed here:

3. English teacher: a safe bet

Many establishments are constantly looking for English teachers, and the market is much larger than just traditional schools: nurseries and daycare centers recruit them, as do after-school and weekend tutoring facilities.

It pays very well, and there's an advantage that few people know about: some facilities offer a free apartmentThis is especially true in cities where demand is high and it's difficult to attract foreign professors. When you combine a decent salary with free accommodation, the financial equation for your move changes completely.

A word of caution: prioritize organizations that can officially sponsor your work permit. Organizations that offer to start you "while you regularize your status" are putting you at risk, not themselves.

4. Exhibitor and interpreter at trade shows

It's a little-known but regular job. Some Chinese companies will ask you to participate in exhibitions alongside their team, simply because their salespeople don't speak English and they need someone to interact with visitors, present their products and, while they're at it, close sales.

This is an activity that combines very well with the job of an agent, because you spend several days surrounded by international buyers who have come precisely to source — and nothing prevents you from leaving with your own contacts in addition to your remuneration.

The major events to watch out for are the major trade fairs, starting with the Canton Fair, which is held twice a year in Guangzhou.

5. Model, actor or extra

Chinese companies frequently seek foreign faces for their advertisements, catalogs, and to film movies or series that are then featured on TikTok or Instagram. The demand is constant, and it's not limited to professional models.

It's not hard to find: there are online casting calls, and especially... WeChat groups They are entirely dedicated to this. All you need to do is prepare a portfolio or a simple card with two or three photos and your measurements, and send it to them.

One point that makes the activity very accessible: if your profile interests them, Travel and accommodation between cities are provided. for the entire duration of filming. You discover the country while getting paid to do so.

The scam you need to know about. If an agency asks you to pay to be included in its database, refuse without hesitation or negotiation. They'll promise you contracts, but nothing will materialize. The principle is simple and without exception: in this business, the money always comes to you, never the other way around.

Two additional precautions: never sign a document you cannot read without having it translated, and have the amount, duration and payment terms confirmed in writing on WeChat before filming.

Summary: Which activity for which profile

Activity Investment What you need Strength Agent None. Interpersonal skills, subject matter expertise. Immediate start, no company required. Forwarding agent Low A good logistics contract Potential to be assessed based on costs and volumes English teacher None An employer who sponsors Stable income, sometimes housing included Exhibitor / Performer None Fluent English, strong sales skills Can be combined with the role of agent Model / Extra None. A few photos and your measurements. Travel and accommodation provided.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to start a business in China without initial capital? Yes, several professions can require little initial investment: agent, English teacher, trade show interpreter, model, or extra. What replaces capital is networking and the ability to connect with people. The freight forwarding profession requires a bit more structure but remains accessible by first going through an existing freight forwarder.

Do you need to open a company to work as an agent in China? Paid work must be carried out under a compliant legal status and with the required permits. However, as soon as you establish a permanent residence, the question of a work permit arises, and creating a company is one of the two ways to obtain it.

How do you find your first clients in China when you don't know anyone? By physically going where people are: markets, trade shows, 24-hour spas frequented by foreigners, and the subway, which is by far the most underestimated meeting place. The only prerequisite is not being shy and truly knowing your subject.

Is the freight forwarding business profitable in China? In my opinion, this is potentially profitable depending on the volumes, costs, and risk management of the items on this list, provided you have a contract with a logistics company that offers preferential rates with major integrators. The key point to watch out for is cash flow: you often pay the carrier before you get paid by the customer.

Do you have to be a professional model to shoot commercials in China? No. Companies are mainly looking for foreign faces for their advertisements and TV series. Two or three photos and your measurements are enough to introduce yourself in dedicated WeChat groups. Never pay an agency to be added to a database: it's a known scam.

You're probably wondering what type of business to set up from abroad, but with China It's a completely different model, and I'll explain it in detail here:

And if you'd like to discuss this in detail—which path best suits your profile, where to start, which contacts to activate—write to us on WhatsApp at +33 7 55 97 34 49.

Editorial information

Author: Raoua Smaali, co-founder of Mijay Group.

Last updated: August 27, 2026.

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