After departure, apply promptly for unemployment benefits and review any non-compete
Complete Chinese unemployment procedures promptly and read the non-compete. The cited regulation calculates benefits from unemployment registration, so delay can cost payment time. Involuntary job loss is required, another reason to avoid falsely signing personal voluntary resignation.
What it takes
Free.
What you may gain
Chinese unemployment benefits require at least 1 year's contributions, involuntary interruption of employment, registration and continued job-seeking. Contribution years determine maxima of 12, 18 or 24 months; see online application. Post-employment non-competes last at most 2 years, with monthly employer compensation. Where no amount is agreed, the standard is 30% of the preceding 12-month average wage, at least the local minimum. Three consecutive unpaid months attributable to the employer permit a request for termination; see Chapter 11, entry 12. A valid restriction remains binding until it ends.
Context & considerations
Grade C concerns the practical “apply immediately” advice; the cited numbers are statutory. The source says entitlement does not simply expire, but payment calculation begins at registration. See Chapter 7 for documents and entry points and Chapter 11 for non-compete payment and termination. A personal-reasons resignation can jeopardize both N and unemployment benefits.
Research & references
The author's experience, without a direct study of applying immediately. Figures come from State Council of China (1999), Unemployment Insurance Regulations, Order No. 258, Articles 14, 16 and 17, with benefits calculated from registration. https://xzfg.moj.gov.cn/front/law/detail?LawID=517; NPC Standing Committee (2012). Labor Contract Law, 2012 amendment, Articles 23 and 24. https://yjglj.fushun.gov.cn/008/20260622/d846d3c2-df3d-4c4c-af16-898ede43e1ee.html (Fushun Emergency Management Bureau reprint).