China, with its dynamic economy, strong manufacturing base, and rapidly growing tech and service sectors, remains one of the most attractive markets for global employers. Hiring in China requires a thorough understanding of its labor framework, which emphasizes employee protections and compliance under the Labor Law of the People’s Republic of China.
The leave policy in China regulates annual leave, maternity and paternity benefits, parental leave, sick leave, public holidays, and other special leave entitlements. Employers must comply strictly with these statutory requirements to avoid penalties and maintain workforce satisfaction.
This guide provides a detailed overview of leave entitlements in China for 2025.
Table of Contents
- Adoption Leave in China
- Earned Leave (Annual Paid Leave) in China
- Maternity Leave in China
- Parental Leave in China
- Paternity Leave in China
- Public Holidays in China
- Sick Leave Policy in China
- Casual Leave in China
- Unpaid Leave in China
- Other Special Leave Types in China
- Digital Leave Management in China with Asanify AI
- FAQs on Leave Policy in China
Adoption Leave in China
Adoption leave in China is designed to support adoptive parents by giving them time to bond with their child and adjust to family responsibilities. It is regulated under the Labor Law of the People’s Republic of China and related provincial regulations.
- Duration: Adoptive mothers are entitled to 98 days of adoption leave, which mirrors maternity leave provisions. In some provinces, additional leave days may be granted.
- Special cases: Local regulations may provide extended leave, especially for older children or special family circumstances.
- Multiple adoptions: When adopting more than one child simultaneously, parents may receive extended leave depending on regional rules, though the statutory entitlement typically remains 98 days.
Employers are obligated to grant this leave without discrimination. Employees must provide the official adoption certificate and notify their employers in advance. Employers then ensure proper payroll adjustments and coordinate reimbursements through social insurance systems.
Earned Leave (Annual Paid Leave) in China
Annual leave in China depends on an employee’s length of service.
- Employees with 1–10 years of total service: 5 days of paid annual leave.
- Employees with 10–20 years of total service: 10 days of paid annual leave.
- Employees with 20+ years of service: 15 days of paid annual leave.
- Public holidays and rest days do not count toward annual leave.
Employers must calculate annual leave accurately during Payroll processing to avoid disputes.
Suggested Read: Understanding Labour Laws in China: A 2025 Guide
Maternity Leave in China
Maternity leave is one of the most important statutory entitlements in China.
| Feature | Details |
| Standard duration | 98 days (including 15 days before childbirth) |
| Extended leave | Local regulations may add 30–60 days |
| Payment | Paid leave provided through social insurance and employer contributions |
| Protections | Employers cannot terminate contracts during maternity leave |
Parental Leave in China
China introduced additional parental leave policies to encourage shared caregiving.
- Both parents may take 5–20 days of parental leave annually, depending on local regulations.
- Some provinces allow parents to take extended childcare leave until the child reaches a certain age (often 1–3 years).
- Leave is generally paid at the employee’s standard wage, funded by the employer.
Paternity Leave in China
Paternity leave varies by region.
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | Typically ranges from 7 to 30 days, depending on province |
| Payment | Fully paid by the employer |
| Flexibility | Must be taken around the child’s birth date |
Public Holidays in China
China has 11 official public holidays each year.
| Holiday | Date |
| New Year’s Day | 1 January |
| Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) | 3 days (dates vary) |
| Qingming Festival | Early April |
| Labor Day | 1 May |
| Dragon Boat Festival | June (date varies) |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | September/October (date varies) |
| National Day | 1–3 October |
The State Council announces adjustments annually, often creating “Golden Week” holidays by combining weekends with official days off.
Sick Leave Policy in China
Sick leave entitlements in China depend on an employee’s length of service and local regulations.
| Service Length | Sick Leave Entitlement |
| <2 years | 3 months |
| 2–4 years | 6 months |
| 4–10 years | 12 months |
| 10–20 years | 18 months |
| 20+ years | 24 months |
During sick leave, employees receive reduced pay based on tenure and local rules (usually 60–100% of salary).
Casual Leave in China
Employees may take short-term leave for personal matters such as:
- Marriage leave: 3 days (longer in some provinces).
- Bereavement leave: 1–3 days depending on relationship and local policies.
Employers may provide additional casual leave based on contracts or collective agreements.
Unpaid Leave in China
Unpaid leave is not formally regulated nationwide but may be agreed upon between employer and employee. Common cases include:
- Extended family care.
- Study or training leave beyond statutory entitlements.
- Career breaks negotiated in employment contracts.
Other Special Leave Types in China
- Marriage leave: 3 days (may extend under local laws).
- Bereavement leave: 1–3 days.
- Family planning leave: Certain regions grant leave for sterilization or related medical needs.
- Work injury leave: Employees injured at work receive full pay during certified recovery.
Suggested Read: Employer of Record China: A Comprehensive Guide
Digital Leave Management in China with Asanify AI
Managing leave in China can be complex due to varying entitlements based on seniority, provincial regulations, and evolving labor rules. Manual systems risk payroll errors, compliance issues, and employee dissatisfaction.
Asanify AI simplifies leave management in China by:
- Offering real-time tracking of leave balances across categories.
- Providing Slack and mobile-based approvals to streamline workflows.
- Automating Payroll processing to handle China-specific sick leave scales, parental benefits, and holiday pay.
- Generating audit-ready reports that align with Chinese labor regulations.
- Enabling seamless Global Contractor Management, so companies can manage employees and contractors together within one system.
With Asanify, employers hiring in China can stay compliant with strict labor regulations while providing employees with a seamless, transparent experience. This is especially valuable for startups and SMEs entering the Chinese market, as it ensures compliance and employee satisfaction without the burden of manual effort.
FAQs
Employees receive 5, 10, or 15 days depending on total years of service.
Standard maternity leave is 98 days, with local extensions of 30–60 days.
Paternity leave ranges from 7 to 30 days depending on province.
China observes 11 official public holidays each year, with adjustments announced annually.
Employees with over 20 years of service may receive up to 24 months of sick leave.
Yes, unpaid leave may be agreed upon between the employer and employee, though it is not a statutory right.
Yes, adoptive mothers receive 98 days of adoption leave, with local variations.
Not to be considered as tax, legal, financial or HR advice. Regulations change over time so please consult a lawyer, accountant or Labour Law expert for specific guidance.
