China is the world’s second-largest economy and a global hub for manufacturing, technology, e-commerce, and finance. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou attract both multinational corporations and startups seeking access to highly skilled professionals and vast consumer markets.
However, managing HR in China is complex due to strict labor laws, varying local regulations, high social security contributions, and compliance-heavy payroll systems. Employers must also adapt to city-specific rules on minimum wages, mandatory benefits, and housing fund contributions. For foreign companies, setting up an entity in China (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise – WFOE) can be expensive and time-consuming.
That’s why many businesses turn to manpower outsourcing companies in China. These partners help simplify recruitment, payroll, compliance, payslip generation, and Employer of Record (EOR) services, ensuring smooth and compliant operations.
Table of Contents
- Why Companies Choose Manpower Outsourcing in China
- Key Services Offered by Recruitment Companies in China
- 10 Best Manpower Outsourcing Companies in China (2025)
- Comparison Table: Best Manpower Outsourcing Companies in China (2025)
- How to Select the Right Manpower Outsourcing Partner in China
- Benefits of Using Asanify for Manpower Outsourcing in China
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Why Companies Choose Manpower Outsourcing in China
China offers massive opportunities but also HR complexity. Companies rely on outsourcing because:
- Complex Labor Law: China’s Labor Contract Law mandates strict rules on contracts, probation, and termination. Non-compliance can lead to penalties.
- Local Variations: Social security rates, housing fund contributions, and minimum wages differ by city (e.g., Beijing vs. Shenzhen).
- High Employer Costs: Employers must contribute to social insurance and housing funds, which can exceed 30–40% of gross salary.
- Payroll & Tax Compliance: Payroll must include individual income tax (IIT) filings and social security payments.
- Talent Availability: China offers deep talent pools in IT, manufacturing, logistics, and finance.
- EOR Advantage: Employer of Record providers allow companies to hire employees legally in China without establishing a WFOE.
Key Services Offered by Recruitment Companies in China
Recruitment companies and manpower outsourcing providers in China typically deliver:
- Recruitment & Staffing: Recruitment companies in China manage temporary, permanent, and project-based hiring for industries like tech, logistics, and finance.
- Payroll & Payslip Generation: Providers calculate wages, deduct IIT, and manage social insurance and housing fund contributions while issuing compliant payslips.
- Leave & Absence Management: Tracking of statutory annual leave, public holidays, maternity/paternity leave, and sick leave.
- Employer of Record (EOR): Enables global firms to hire employees legally in China without setting up a WFOE.
- Contractor & Freelancer Compliance: Ensure compliance with Chinese tax laws and prevent risks of misclassification.
Suggested Read: Staffing Agencies in China (2025): Complete Guide for 2025
10 Best Manpower Outsourcing Companies in China (2025)
1. Asanify
Asanify is a global HR, payroll, and EOR platform that helps companies hire in China without establishing a WFOE. Its platform integrates payroll, leave management, and contractor compliance with Chinese labor laws and tax requirements. Asanify is particularly valuable for foreign businesses entering China, as it eliminates the need for costly entity setup while ensuring full compliance with city-specific regulations. Its scalable model supports startups, SMEs, and global enterprises alike, making it a top choice for fast, compliant expansion.
Key Features:
- EOR services across China and APAC.
- Automated payroll with compliant payslips.
- Attendance and leave tracking in line with Chinese law.
- Contractor management with tax compliance.
- Unified HR and payroll platform.
Best For: Startups, SMEs, and global companies entering China.
2. FESCO (Foreign Enterprise Service Corporation)
FESCO is one of China’s oldest and largest HR outsourcing companies, known for supporting multinational corporations in employment and payroll. With decades of experience, it has deep expertise in navigating China’s labor laws and administrative systems. FESCO’s nationwide network makes it ideal for large employers managing operations in multiple cities. Its strong government relationships also provide clients with reliable compliance and regulatory support.
Key Features:
- Payroll outsourcing and tax compliance.
- Recruitment and staffing services.
- Benefits administration and social insurance handling.
- HR advisory for foreign companies.
- Strong presence in major Chinese cities.
Best For: Multinationals needing full-service HR outsourcing in China.
3. Randstad China
Randstad is a global staffing leader with strong operations in China. It offers recruitment and HR outsourcing across finance, IT, and manufacturing. Randstad is widely respected for its digital-first recruitment platforms, which allow employers to quickly access talent from its extensive candidate database. Its ability to combine international hiring standards with local compliance knowledge makes it especially useful for multinational corporations expanding in China’s fast-moving sectors.
Key Features:
- Temporary and permanent staffing.
- Payroll processing with IIT compliance.
- Training and upskilling solutions.
- Workforce planning and advisory.
- Nationwide candidate database.
Best For: Large enterprises hiring across multiple sectors.
4. Adecco China
It is a global staffing firm with extensive coverage in China, serving industries such as manufacturing, IT, and logistics. Adecco has a strong track record of helping companies scale during seasonal or peak demand cycles, particularly in China’s e-commerce and logistics industries. Its services are backed by localized compliance expertise, ensuring that payroll and social insurance requirements are met in every city. With its global reputation, Adecco is also a preferred partner for companies seeking consistent HR solutions across multiple regions.
Key Features:
- High-volume temporary staffing.
- Payroll outsourcing and compliance.
- Customized workforce solutions.
- Employee training programs.
- Localized expertise in city-specific regulations.
Best For: Companies requiring large-scale workforce support.
5. Manpower China
Manpower is widely recognized in China for providing staffing and HR outsourcing across IT, engineering, and industrial sectors. It has built a strong reputation for sourcing specialized technical talent in China’s booming innovation hubs like Shenzhen and Shanghai. Manpower also provides flexible workforce models to help businesses manage project-based and short-term hiring. Its ability to adapt global HR best practices to China’s regulatory environment makes it a reliable choice for compliance-driven companies.
Key Features:
- Sector-specific recruitment.
- HR outsourcing with Chinese compliance.
- Project-based hiring solutions.
- On-demand recruitment for seasonal demand.
- Global standards adapted to Chinese laws.
Best For: Companies in tech, engineering, and industrial markets.
6. Hays China
Specializes in professional recruitment in China, particularly in finance, technology, and life sciences. Hays is known for its ability to fill highly skilled positions where competition for talent is intense. Its strong international networks also make it effective at sourcing overseas talent for businesses operating in China. With compliance-focused processes and industry-specific expertise, Hays is a leading choice for employers seeking executive or professional hires.
Key Features:
- Executive search and professional recruitment.
- HR consulting and workforce planning.
- Access to international talent pools.
- Sector-specific expertise.
- Compliance-focused hiring.
Best For: Employers hiring professionals in high-skill industries.
7. China Star Consulting
China Star Consulting provides HR outsourcing and EOR services for foreign enterprises entering China. It is especially popular with SMEs and startups looking for cost-effective entry into the Chinese market. Its services include visa and work permit processing, making it a strong partner for companies relocating expat employees. By focusing on compliance-heavy functions like payroll and contractor management, China Star Consulting simplifies expansion for foreign businesses unfamiliar with China’s complex regulatory system.
Key Features:
- Employer of Record services.
- Payroll management and tax filings.
- Visa and work permit processing.
- Contractor management.
- Local labor law expertise.
Best For: Foreign companies seeking EOR-focused solutions in China.
8. CIIC (China International Intellectech Corporation)
CIIC is a leading Chinese HR outsourcing provider with a strong focus on payroll and social insurance administration. It has one of the largest service networks in China, making it a top choice for companies with employees spread across multiple provinces. CIIC also offers benefits administration, helping businesses manage mandatory housing funds and pensions. Its longstanding reputation for compliance and government alignment gives clients confidence when managing large-scale HR operations.
Key Features:
- Payroll processing with IIT and social contributions.
- Recruitment and staffing services.
- Benefits and housing fund management.
- Nationwide compliance expertise.
- HR consulting.
Best For: Large companies requiring payroll accuracy and compliance.
9. Top FESCO Adecco (joint venture)
Top FESCO Adecco is a joint venture between FESCO and Adecco, offering integrated manpower outsourcing services in China. This unique collaboration combines FESCO’s local expertise with Adecco’s global reach, making it one of the most powerful HR partnerships in the country. It provides end-to-end HR services, from staffing to payroll, for both domestic and international clients. Companies choose FESCO Adecco for its ability to deliver both scale and compliance across multiple industries.
Key Features:
- Staffing and recruitment solutions.
- Payroll processing with compliance.
- Social insurance and benefits management.
- HR advisory and consulting.
- Pan-China coverage.
Best For: Multinationals requiring hybrid local-global HR solutions.
10. Links International
Links International is an Asia-focused HR outsourcing provider with operations in China. It specializes in payroll, EOR, and HR technology solutions. Links International is highly regarded for its technology-driven approach, providing HR automation tools that streamline workforce management. With expertise across Asia-Pacific, it is particularly valuable for companies managing employees in multiple countries, offering consistent compliance and reporting systems.
Key Features:
- Payroll outsourcing with IIT compliance.
- EOR services across APAC, including China.
- HR technology integration.
- Leave and attendance tracking.
- Contractor management solutions.
Best For: Companies expanding across China and wider Asia-Pacific.
Comparison Table: Best Manpower Outsourcing Companies in China (2025)
| Company | Key Services | Best For | Pricing (Indicative) |
| Asanify | EOR, payroll, leave, contractor compliance | Startups, SMEs, global firms | Custom pricing |
| FESCO | Payroll, staffing, benefits, compliance | Multinationals in China | Custom pricing |
| Randstad | Staffing, payroll, HR outsourcing | Large enterprises | Custom pricing |
| Adecco | High-volume staffing, payroll outsourcing | Manufacturing and logistics firms | Custom pricing |
| Manpower | IT, engineering, industrial staffing | Technical and industrial companies | Custom pricing |
| Hays | Professional recruitment (finance, IT, pharma) | High-skill industries | Premium/custom pricing |
| China Star | EOR, payroll, visa, contractor management | Foreign SMEs entering China | Custom pricing |
| CIIC | Payroll, social insurance, HR consulting | Large local and multinational firms | From ¥200–¥400 per role |
| FESCO Adecco | Staffing, payroll, benefits, consulting | Multinationals needing hybrid solutions | Custom pricing |
| Links Intl | Payroll, EOR, HR tech | APAC-focused companies | Custom pricing |
How to Select the Right Manpower Outsourcing Partner in China
When selecting a provider in China, consider:
- Compliance Expertise: Ensure experience with labor contracts, IIT, and social contributions.
- City-Specific Knowledge: Providers must manage variations across Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and other regions.
- Payroll Accuracy: Look for providers offering automated payroll with compliant payslips.
- Industry Specialization: Hays is ideal for professional recruitment, while Adecco and Manpower excel in manufacturing.
- Global Scalability: Platforms like Asanify simplify hiring for global companies.
Benefits of Using Asanify for Manpower Outsourcing in China
Asanify offers a comprehensive workforce management solution designed for China’s complex regulatory environment.
- Employer of Record (EOR) in China: Hire employees without establishing a WFOE.
- Automated Payroll: Generate compliant payslips with IIT and social insurance contributions.
- Leave Management Tools: Track annual leave, public holidays, and sick days digitally.
- Freelancer Compliance: Manage independent contractors with full tax compliance.
- Unified HR Platform: Centralize payroll, attendance, HR, and compliance.
For companies hiring in China, Asanify ensures faster, compliant, and cost-effective workforce management.
Suggested Read: Understanding Labour Laws in China: A Complete Guide 2025
Conclusion
China offers immense opportunities with its skilled workforce and vast markets, but complex labor laws, city-specific regulations, and strict payroll requirements make HR management challenging. Outsourcing is often the most efficient solution.
While local providers like FESCO, CIIC, and FESCO Adecco dominate the market, Asanify is the top choice for global employers. With its EOR services, payroll automation, and compliance-driven platform, Asanify ensures seamless and risk-free hiring in China.
FAQs
Top providers include Asanify, FESCO, Adecco, Randstad, Manpower, Hays, CIIC, and Links International.
They calculate salaries, deduct IIT, manage social insurance and housing fund contributions, and generate compliant payslips.
Yes, through Employer of Record (EOR) providers like Asanify.
Outsourcing covers staffing and HR services, while EOR legally employs staff on your behalf.
Yes, most track annual leave, public holidays, maternity, and sick leave digitally.
They manage contracts, taxes, and invoices for freelancers to reduce misclassification risks.
IT, manufacturing, e-commerce, finance, and life sciences.
Payroll outsourcing starts around ¥200–¥400 per employee/month, with enterprise solutions priced on demand.
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.
