Masterclass
Contracting Freelancers In China
Develop the practical knowledge to structure compliant freelance arrangements, manage contractor relationships and reduce the risk of misclassification.
Masterclass
2 weeks
approx. 4 hours/ week
100% online
Open Enrollment
EUR 149
Course Overview
People are one of an organization’s most valuable assets. In China, companies can meet their staffing needs through various arrangements, including direct employment, labor dispatch and the engagement of freelance personnel or independent contractors.
This masterclass provides a practical introduction to contracting freelancers in China, using examples of key provisions that may be included in service agreements. Each unit examines a specific contractual provision, explaining its purpose, practical implications and relevance within China’s legal and business environment. The examples and accompanying guidance help participants understand how freelance arrangements can be structured and managed in practice.
Course Structure
Focused Units.
Unit 1: Introduction
The first unit provides an orientation to the course and the online learning environment. The unit does not carry credits. You are encouraged to go through the materials at their own pace to get accustomed to the online medium.
Unit 2: Parties to the Service Agreement
Learn about the roles, responsibilities and obligations of the parties entering into a service agreement with a freelancer or independent contractor.
Unit 3: The Service Agreement
Learn the key differences between a service relationship governed by China’s contract framework and an employment relationship governed by the PRC Labor Contract Law, including the implications of each arrangement.
Unit 4: Primary Terms and Conditions
Learn about the key terms and conditions that should be considered when structuring a service agreement with a freelancer in China.
Unit 5: Remuneration
Learn about different approaches to remuneration, including fixed fees, commissions and revenue-sharing arrangements, and the key considerations when structuring payment terms.
Unit 6: Code of Conduct
Learn how a code of conduct can establish clear ethical, professional and business standards for freelancers, suppliers and other external business partners.
Unit 7: Change, Dissolution and Termination
Learn how service agreements can be amended, dissolved or terminated, including key provisions that can be included to manage changes and the end of the contractual relationship.
Unit 8: Liability for Breach of Contract
Learn about contractual liability when a party fails to perform its obligations or does not perform them as agreed, including performance, remedial measures and compensation for losses.
Unit 9: Confidentiality
Learn how to protect confidential information shared with freelancers, including defining confidential information, establishing confidentiality obligations and managing the risks associated with unauthorized disclosure.
Unit 10: Miscellaneous Provisions
Learn about common miscellaneous provisions that may be included in service agreements, with practical examples of clauses addressing additional contractual matters.
Unit 11: Signature Section
Learn about the key requirements for signing and, where applicable, sealing service agreements in China, including considerations for Chinese and foreign individuals and organizations.
Who Is This Course For?
This masterclass is particularly relevant for:
- HR professionals and China HR managers engaging freelancers or independent contractors.
- China country managers and senior executives managing external personnel and service providers.
- Legal and compliance professionals involved in contractual arrangements with freelancers.
- Procurement and supplier management professionals responsible for external service providers.
- Finance and payroll professionals involved in freelancer payments and contractual arrangements.
- Operations and project managers working with independent contractors or external specialists.
- Professionals responsible for drafting, reviewing or managing service agreements in China.
Practical Tools Included
This course includes the following tools that can be directly applied in real-work work environments:
- Freelancer Engagement Checklist: Key considerations when engaging independent contractors in China.
- Service Agreement Checklist: Essential provisions to review when drafting or reviewing a service agreement.
- Contract Provision Examples: Practical examples of commonly used contractual clauses.
- Remuneration Structure Guide: Practical considerations for fixed fees, commissions and revenue-sharing arrangements.
Earn Your Credential
Upon successful completion of the masterclass and the required assessments, you will earn a digital certificate of completion from the Institute of China Studies.
Your certificate provides a formal record of your completion of the program and can be retained as part of your professional learning portfolio.
Official Recognition
Issued by the Institute for China Studies.
Digital Format
Easy to download, share and add to your profile.
Your Course Professor
Dr. Richard van Ostende, DBA
Richard van Ostende is founder of the Institute for China Studies. He combines extensive professional experience and practical expertise in corporate finance, foreign investment and business strategy.
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