Teach English in Shenzhen
Shenzhen offers ESL teachers competitive monthly salaries of ¥15,000–25,000, furnished housing, and round-trip airfare — with no Chinese language requirement.
¥15–25K
Monthly Salary
Mon–Fri
Schedule
Included
Housing
Included
Flights
Assisted
Z Visa
Year-Round
Start Dates
Shenzhen is a first-tier Chinese city bordering Hong Kong, home to tech giants like Huawei, Tencent, and DJI. With a population of over 17 million and a subtropical climate, it has become one of the most popular destinations for ESL teachers in Asia. The city offers salaries 20–40% higher than most other Chinese cities, a modern metro system, and a thriving international community.
Why Do Teachers Choose Shenzhen?
Higher Salaries Than Most Chinese Cities
According to Korvia's placement data from 2018–2025, ESL teachers in Shenzhen earn an average of ¥18,000/month — approximately 30% more than positions in second-tier cities like Chengdu or Wuhan. With included housing, teachers typically save ¥8,000–12,000 per month.
Proximity to Hong Kong
Shenzhen shares a border with Hong Kong, accessible by metro in under an hour. This gives teachers easy access to international banking, shopping, and weekend travel throughout Southeast Asia via Hong Kong International Airport.
Modern Infrastructure
Shenzhen's metro system has 16 lines covering 567 km — making it one of the most extensive in the world. The city was built almost entirely after 1980, so infrastructure is modern, clean, and efficient. Cashless payments via WeChat and Alipay are universal.
Year-Round Warm Climate
With average temperatures of 22°C and a subtropical climate, Shenzhen rarely drops below 10°C even in winter. Teachers from colder climates particularly appreciate the lack of heavy winter gear and heating bills.
What Are the Requirements to Teach in Shenzhen?
Bachelor's Degree
Any major accepted. Degree must be from an accredited university in a native English-speaking country.
TEFL/TESOL Certificate
120-hour certificate minimum. Korvia offers partner TEFL programs if you don't have one yet.
Native English Speaker
Citizens of USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
Clean Background Check
FBI, RCMP, DBS, or equivalent from your home country. Must be recent (within 6 months).
Teaching Experience
2 years preferred but not always required. New graduates with strong TEFL credentials are welcome.
Chinese Language
Not required. Most schools provide Chinese language support and bilingual staff.
How Much Do English Teachers Earn in Shenzhen?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | ¥15,000 – ¥25,000 (depends on qualifications and school type) |
| Housing | Furnished apartment provided or ¥3,000-5,000 housing allowance |
| Flights | Round-trip airfare reimbursement upon contract completion |
| Health Insurance | Basic medical insurance included |
| Vacation | Chinese public holidays + winter/summer breaks (paid) |
| Visa | Z Work Visa sponsored and processed by employer |
| Contract Bonus | ¥5,000-10,000 completion bonus common |
* Salary data based on Korvia's 2024–2025 placement records. Actual compensation varies by school, qualifications, and experience level.
How Do I Apply to Teach in Shenzhen?
Apply Through Korvia
Submit your application with resume, degree, and TEFL certificate.
Interview & Matching
Complete a video interview. Korvia matches you with schools based on your preferences.
Document Preparation
Korvia guides you through background check, apostille, and medical exam.
Z Visa Processing
Your employer sponsors your Z Work Visa. Korvia assists with the entire process.
Fly to Shenzhen
Arrive in Shenzhen with pre-arranged housing and school placement confirmed.
Orientation & Support
Settle in with Korvia's ongoing support including SIM card, banking, and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I teach English in Shenzhen without a degree?
No. Chinese immigration law requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited university for Z Visa eligibility. This is a strict legal requirement that applies to all cities in China, not just Shenzhen.
Do I need to speak Chinese to teach in Shenzhen?
No. Most international schools and language centers in Shenzhen use English as the medium of instruction. Bilingual Chinese staff handle administrative communication. However, learning basic Mandarin will significantly improve your daily life experience.
What is the cost of living in Shenzhen?
With housing provided by your employer, monthly living expenses typically range from ¥3,000-5,000 (roughly $420-700 USD). This covers food, transportation, phone, and entertainment. Shenzhen is more expensive than smaller Chinese cities but cheaper than Hong Kong.
Is Shenzhen safe for foreigners?
Shenzhen consistently ranks as one of the safest major cities in the world. The city has extensive CCTV coverage, low crime rates, and a large international community of over 100,000 expats. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare.
How long does the application process take?
From initial application to arrival in Shenzhen, the process typically takes 2-4 months. Document preparation (background check, apostille) takes the longest. Starting your application 3-4 months before your target start date is recommended.
What student ages will I teach in Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has strong demand across all age groups, but kindergarten (ages 3-6) and elementary (ages 6-12) positions are the most common. Teachers who prefer older students can apply for middle school, high school, or adult training positions through Korvia.
Ready to Teach in Shenzhen?
Korvia has been placing ESL teachers in China since 2006. Apply today and start your teaching career in one of Asia's most exciting cities.