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EMPLOYMENT · CHINESE LEGAL GLOSSARY REVIEWED SEP 2026
社会保险

Social insurance

China’s statutory social-insurance system, covering principal categories such as pension, medical, work injury, unemployment and maternity insurance.

CHINESE社会保险
PINYINshehui baoxian
PREFERRED ENGLISHSocial insurance
AREAEmployment
WHAT 社会保险 MEANS

What 社会保险 means

Employers and employees have statutory contribution obligations under national and local rules. Contribution bases, rates and administrative practice can vary by location and category.

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Why the role matters

Social-insurance compliance is a frequent issue in hiring, payroll diligence, termination and M&A. Contract wording cannot simply waive statutory obligations.

CONTEXT

Where you see the term

ContextWhat it means there
PayrollMonthly employer and employee contributions.
Employment contractsSocial insurance is a required contract item.
M&A diligenceHistoric underpayments can create liabilities.
TRANSLATION NOTE
文/A

Translation note

社会保险 is “social insurance”. “Social security” is sometimes used broadly, but may also include non-insurance welfare concepts.

AUTHORITY

Primary legal basis

PRIMARY AUTHORITY

PRC Social Insurance Law; PRC Labour Contract Law

National law establishes principal insurance categories and contribution rights/obligations.

National law establishes principal insurance categories and contribution rights/obligations.

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AUTHORITY

Primary legal basis

PRIMARY AUTHORITY

PRC Labour Contract Law

PRC Labour Contract Law

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ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE

Example

A company pays an employee a cash allowance instead of enrolling them in social insurance. The private arrangement does not necessarily discharge the statutory contribution duty.

SOURCES AND REVIEW

Primary authorities.

Last source check
18 Sep 2026
MAINTAINED BYChina Legal Portal Editorial
LAST REVIEWED
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