Can I pay social security for my internship?

Interns generally don't have to pay social security.

The relationship between interns and employers is usually regarded as a labor relationship rather than a labor relationship, and there is generally no need to pay social security. Students who practice in their spare time are not regarded as formal employment, nor are they subject to the adjustment and protection of the labor law. Because there is no labor relationship, employers generally don't buy social security for interns. However, interns can choose to purchase basic medical insurance and basic old-age insurance as flexible employees.

Relevant regulations on social security for interns:

1. Legal provisions: According to relevant laws, whether an enterprise needs to pay social security for interns depends on the identity of interns and the nature of internships;

2. Internship agreement: whether the intern and the enterprise have signed an internship agreement, and whether social security matters are stipulated in the agreement;

3. Internship time: the length of internship time may also affect social security payment, and short-term internship may not need to pay social security;

4. Internship remuneration: whether interns have wages and how much they get will sometimes affect the decision to pay social security;

5. Interns: full-time students and interns who are not in school may have different regulations on social security payment;

6. Local policies: Different regions may have different regulations on interns' social security, so it is necessary to refer to specific local policies.

To sum up, interns generally do not need to pay social security, but they can choose to buy basic medical insurance and basic old-age insurance as flexible employees.

Legal basis:

People's Republic of China (PRC) social insurance law

Article 57

The employing unit shall, within 30 days from the date of its establishment, apply to the local social insurance agency for social insurance registration with its business license, registration certificate or unit seal. The social insurance agency shall, within fifteen days from the date of receiving the application, examine and issue the social insurance registration certificate.

Article 58

The employing unit shall, within 30 days from the date of employment, apply to the social insurance agency for social insurance registration for its employees. If the social insurance has not been registered, the social insurance agency shall verify the social insurance premium it should pay.