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China Pension Insurance: How to Get a Refund When Leaving?

Ikky Ma January 12, 2026 2 minutes read
pension

If you are a foreigner who has worked in China and paid into the pension insurance system, you may be entitled to a refund of your contributions when you leave the country.

Here’s how to apply for a pension insurance refund when leaving China.

Step 1: Collect Your Documents

Before you leave China, make sure you have all the necessary documents to apply for a pension insurance refund. You will need:

  • Your passport
  • Your work permit or residence permit
  • Your social insurance card
  • Your bank account information (including a bank statement or deposit slip)
  • Your tax payment receipts (if applicable)

Step 2: Visit the Local Social Security Office

You will need to go to the local social security office where you have been contributing to the pension insurance system.

This is usually located in the city where you have been working.

The office will be able to provide you with the necessary application form.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

Fill out the application form completely and accurately.

Make sure you provide all the required information, including your personal details, employment history, and bank account information.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once you have completed the application form, submit it to the social security office along with all the required documents.

The office will review your application and let you know if there are any issues or if any additional information is needed.

Step 5: Wait for Your Pension Insurance Refund

If your application is approved, you can expect to receive your pension insurance refund within a few weeks. The refund will be deposited directly into your bank account.

If your application is rejected, the social security office will provide you with an explanation and you can reapply if necessary.

Conclusion

In summary, applying for a pension insurance refund when leaving China requires collecting the necessary documents, visiting the local social security office, filling out the application form accurately, submitting your application, and waiting for your refund.

With these steps in mind, you should be able to successfully apply for a refund of your pension insurance contributions.

About the Author

Ikky Ma

Administrator

For over a decade, Ikky has served as a cultural navigator and practical guide for foreigners building lives in the world's most complex and dynamic society. What began as a personal journey of adaptation has transformed into a mission to demystify China's systems for the international community. Through firsthand experience navigating the intricacies of Chinese bureaucracy, business culture, and daily life, Ikky has developed a unique expertise that blends legal knowledge, cultural insight, and hard-won practical wisdom.

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