10 Menial Jobs in China for Foreigners in 2025

This blog highlights the top 10 menial jobs in China, detailing salaries, companies hiring, required skills, visa information, and a list of eligible countries. Read on!

What Are Menial Jobs?

Menial jobs are roles that do not require formal education or specialized training. They are usually manual labor roles or support positions such as:

• Cleaners

• Factory workers

• Farmhands

• Waitstaff

• Construction helpers

• Warehouse staff

• Kitchen assistants

Although considered low-skill, these jobs are vital to the functioning of several industries in China.

Menial Jobs in China for Foreigners in 2025

Let’s explore the 10 top menial jobs in China for international job seekers:

1. Factory Worker

Description:

Factory workers are needed in sectors such as electronics, clothing, plastics, and food packaging.

Average Salary:

• ¥6,000 – ¥9,000 CNY/month (approx. $830 – $1,250 USD)

Top Cities:

• Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dongguan

Companies Hiring:

• Foxconn

• BYD Auto

• Pegatron

Requirements:

• No degree required

• Basic English or Mandarin helpful

• Physically fit and willing to work long hours

Benefits:

• Dormitory accommodation

• Free meals

• Overtime pay

Visa Type:

• Work Visa (Z-Visa), with help from recruitment agents or the factory HR.

Eligible Countries:

• Pakistan

• Nepal

• Indonesia

• Vietnam

• Nigeria

• Ghana

• Bangladesh

• Philippines

• Cambodia

• Sri Lanka.

2. Construction Laborer

Description:

Assist in building infrastructure, roads, high-rises, apartments, and factories.

Salary:

• ¥7,000 – ¥10,000 CNY/month (approx. $980 – $1,400 USD)

Hiring Cities:

• Beijing, Chengdu, Wuhan

Companies Hiring:

• China State Construction Engineering

• China Railway Construction Corporation

• Shanghai Construction Group

Requirements:

• Ability to operate tools

• Physically demanding work

• No previous work experience required

Benefits:

• Safety training

• Group insurance

• Accommodation and meals

Eligible Countries:

• Pakistan

• Kenya

• Nigeria

• Vietnam

• India

• Bangladesh

• Myanmar

• Egypt

• Ethiopia

• Indonesia.

3. Warehouse Assistant

Description:

Work in logistics companies sorting, packaging, and loading goods.

Salary:

• ¥6,000 – ¥8,500 CNY/month (approx. $850 – $1,200 USD)

Hiring Locations:

• Shanghai, Yiwu, Tianjin

Companies Hiring:

• JD Logistics

• Cainiao (Alibaba)

• SF Express

Requirements:

• Can lift 20-30 kg regularly

• No degree required

• Basic literacy preferred

Perks:

• Performance bonus

• Meals provided

• Paid overtime

Eligible Countries:

• Philippines

• Vietnam

• Nepal

• Uganda

• Pakistan

• Ghana

• Cambodia

• Laos

• Kenya

• Sri Lanka.

4. Hotel Housekeeping

Description:

Clean hotel rooms, change linens, replenish supplies, and maintain cleanliness standards.

Salary:

• ¥5,000 – ¥7,000 CNY/month (approx. $700 – $980 USD)

Top Cities:

• Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou

Hotels Hiring:

• Marriott China

• Jinjiang Inn

• Hilton China

Requirements:

• Neat and presentable

• Physically active

• Polite demeanor

Benefits:

• Free uniforms

• Meals & lodging

• Staff discounts

Eligible Countries:

• Indonesia

• Vietnam

• Nepal

• Bangladesh

• Kenya

• Nigeria

• India

• Uganda

• Cambodia

• Myanmar.

5. Cleaner (Commercial or Residential)

Description:

Clean offices, malls, or apartment buildings either independently or as part of an agency.

Salary:

• ¥4,500 – ¥6,500 CNY/month (approx. $630 – $900 USD)

Cities:

• Shenzhen, Nanjing, Suzhou

Companies Hiring:

• ISS Facility Services China

• SINOPEC Cleaning Services

• Property Management Firms

Requirements:

• High hygiene standards

• Basic cleaning skills

• No prior experience required

Benefits:

• Training included

• Tips possible

• Flexible shifts

Eligible Countries:

• Philippines

• Kenya

• Ethiopia

• Nepal

• Ghana

• India

• Pakistan

• Sri Lanka

• Vietnam

• Bangladesh.

6. Dishwasher/Kitchen Helper

Description:

Work in restaurants assisting cooks, cleaning utensils, and maintaining kitchen hygiene.

Salary:

• ¥5,000 – ¥6,500 CNY/month (approx. $700 – $900 USD)

Locations:

• Shanghai, Chengdu, Beijing

Employers:

• Local Chinese restaurants

• Western/fast-food chains like KFC, Pizza Hut

• Hotel kitchens

Requirements:

• No education required

• Fast-paced work environment

• Willingness to do repetitive tasks

Benefits:

• Free staff meals

• On-the-job training

• Opportunity to learn cooking skills

Eligible Countries:

• Pakistan

• Nepal

• Indonesia

• India

• Kenya

• Ghana

• Ethiopia

• Philippines

• Nigeria

• Vietnam

7. Farm Helper (Seasonal Work)

Description:

Seasonal work on vegetable, tea, fruit, or mushroom farms.

Salary:

• ¥6,000 – ¥8,000 CNY/month (approx. $850 – $1,150 USD)

Locations:

• Fujian, Yunnan, Sichuan

Farms Hiring:

• Local organic farms

• State tea plantations

• Fruit orchards (apples, pears)

Tasks:

• Planting, picking, packaging, watering

Requirements:

• Physically strong

• Willing to work outdoors

• Seasonal contracts (2–6 months)

Eligible Countries:

• Cambodia

• Indonesia

• Vietnam

• Nepal

• Kenya

• Nigeria

• Uganda

• Bangladesh

• Ghana

• Sri Lanka

8. Delivery Assistant (E-commerce)

Description:

Assist drivers in loading/unloading parcels or delivering in specific neighborhoods.

Salary:

• ¥6,500 – ¥9,000 CNY/month (approx. $900 – $1,250 USD)

Companies Hiring:

• Meituan

• Ele.me

• JD.com

• Cainiao

Locations:

• Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Beijing

Requirements:

• Ability to navigate city streets

• Some walking and lifting

• Optional scooter license

Benefits:

• Performance bonuses

• Meals provided

• Uniforms

Eligible Countries:

• Vietnam

• India

• Kenya

• Indonesia

• Nigeria

• Pakistan

• Ghana

• Sri Lanka

• Philippines

• Bangladesh.

9. Janitorial Staff (Schools & Offices)

Description:

Keep office buildings, schools, and institutions clean and presentable.

Salary:

• ¥4,800 – ¥6,500 CNY/month (approx. $680 – $900 USD)

Cities:

• Beijing, Tianjin, Nanjing

Hiring Organizations:

• International schools

• Office management firms

• Government cleaning contractors

Requirements:

• Trustworthy

• Physically active

• No experience needed

Eligible Countries:

• Kenya

• Uganda

• Nigeria

• India

• Philippines

• Ghana

• Nepal

• Vietnam

• Sri Lanka

• Indonesia

10. Pet Care Assistant / Dog Walker

Description:

Feed, bathe, and walk pets for families or pet hotels.

Salary:

• ¥5,500 – ¥7,500 CNY/month (approx. $750 – $1,050 USD)

Cities:

• Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen

Employers:

• Pet hotels

• Veterinary clinics

• Private clients

Benefits:

• Tips & bonuses

• Flexible hours

• Comfortable work environment

Eligible Countries:

• Nepal

• Philippines

• Indonesia

• Kenya

• Nigeria

• Ghana

• India

• Pakistan

• Sri Lanka

• Vietnam.

Visa Requirements for Menial Jobs in China (2025)

To work legally in China, foreign workers typically require a Z-visa (Work Visa). For menial jobs, it may be more challenging to get legal permits directly. However, several employers or agents assist with work permits for:

• Factory jobs

• Construction

• Cleaning

• Farming

Key Documents Needed:

• Valid Passport

• Medical Certificate

• Police Clearance

• Employment Offer

• Visa Application Form.

Final Thoughts

Menial jobs in China offer solid income opportunities and basic benefits to international workers. With cities growing rapidly and labor demand increasing in key sectors, 2025 presents an open door for those seeking work in factories, kitchens, warehouses, and more.

Before applying, always:

• Use reputable agents or job platforms.

• Confirm the employer’s ability to issue work permits.

• Understand your rights as a foreign worker.

• Learn some basic Mandarin, it helps!