Choose a Company Type
Decide whether a WFOE, Joint Venture or Representative Office best fits your business model, ownership needs and operating goals.
China Company Registration
Open a company in China with practical guidance on entity choice, documents, banking, tax accounts and post-registration compliance.
Open a Company in China
China Company Registration Support
Completely confused about the China entity setup process? We guide foreign founders through each step, help choose the right structure, prepare the filing route, coordinate with authorities, and keep the incorporation journey practical from start to finish.
Get a QuoteSubmit Documents
Prepare shareholder documents, company name options, registered address details, business scope and required application forms.
Open Bank & Tax Accounts
Set up corporate banking, capital accounts, tax accounts, social insurance and other operating registrations after the business license is issued.
Stay Compliant
Arrange post-registration accounting, tax filing, payroll, fapiao, annual tax return and compliance support after setup.
Entity Route
What Business Structure Is Right for You?
Foreign investors usually compare three core legal entity routes in China. We help you select the most suitable option and check whether extra licenses apply to your operations.
WFOE
A Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise allows foreign investors to fully own and operate a company in China. It supports hiring staff, signing contracts, issuing invoices and managing operations directly.
Representative Office
A Representative Office cannot conduct profit-making activity, but it can support market research, promotion, liaison work and a light local presence while you explore China.
Joint Venture
A Joint Venture lets a foreign company partner with a Chinese entity, sharing ownership, control and profits. It is often used for restricted industries or local partner advantages.
License Review
Depending on your activity, you may also need import/export, food and beverage, alcohol, medicine, ICP or other sector-specific licenses.
Registration Procedure
China Company Registration Procedure
A typical incorporation route moves from preparation and document submission into AMR registration, bank/tax setup, licensing and monthly compliance.
1. Preparation
Confirm company structure and details: Chinese company name, optional English name, registered address, registered capital, shareholders and business scope.
2. Document Submission
Collect and organize notarized shareholder documents, articles of incorporation, Chinese translations and Chinese embassy authentication where required.
3. Company Registration
File with the Administration for Market Regulation. After approval, the business license and company chops can be issued.
4. Corporate Accounts
Open the corporate bank account and tax accounts, then arrange social insurance, housing fund and tax registration details.
5. License Applications
Apply for additional licenses if applicable, such as import/export, food and beverage, alcohol or medicine licenses.
6. Post-registration Support
Set up monthly tax and accounting reports, VAT invoice support, payroll, social contributions, annual tax return and trademark support as needed.
Market Entry Package
All-In-One Market Entry Support
After obtaining the business license and corporate bank account, several mandatory setup steps remain. We help connect incorporation with tax registration, finance system setup, HR compliance and ongoing reporting.
View Tax & AccountingWFOE Registration Guide
WFOE registration support including business license, registered address coordination and bank account preparation.
Tax & Accounting Compliance
China accounting system setup plus monthly, quarterly and annual reporting, including corporate annual tax return support.
Payroll & HR Compliance
Payroll, benefits administration and labor-law compliance support for WFOEs operating in China.
Business System Setup
Social security account setup, tax account registration and financial management system implementation.
Company Types
Types of Companies You Can Register in China
Your industry and activity determine the best setup path, required scope wording and whether extra approvals are needed.
Consulting WFOE
For service businesses in or from China, including marketing, legal consulting, training, software, financial services and other service activities.
Trading WFOE
For companies importing into or exporting out of China. Trading companies may require import/export registration and specialty product licenses.
Manufacturing WFOE
For companies conducting manufacturing operations, often requiring safety, environmental and site-related government review.
Representative Office
For nonprofit activities such as market research, customer support, humanitarian causes, scientific research and liaison functions.
Joint Venture
For companies with both foreign and Chinese shareholders, often used in more restricted or higher-liability sectors such as education, medical institutions, telecommunications, oil and gas or construction.
City & FTZ Planning
Registration city, free trade zone options and address strategy can affect timeline, banking, tax administration and operating flexibility.
Working Process
Our Working Process
We keep the process clear, bilingual and practical so foreign founders know what to prepare and what happens next.
1. Consultation & Proposal
We review your business model, advise on the most practical setup solution and send a detailed proposal.
2. Signing & Payment
After reviewing the proposal, we sign the service contract and receive payment to begin the project.
3. Preparing Documents
We send you an application form and a tailored checklist of documents required from your side.
4. Filing & Follow-up
We coordinate the registration steps, explain authority feedback and support post-approval setup items.
FAQs
Incorporation FAQs
Common questions foreign founders ask before registering a company in China.
What are the main company types for foreigners?
Common options include Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises (WFOEs), Joint Ventures (JVs) and Representative Offices (ROs).
What are the basic requirements?
A unique approved company name, registered capital, a physical office address in China, legal representative and shareholder information, and a compliant business scope.
How long does registration take?
The full process usually depends on structure, document completeness, city requirements and administrative efficiency. A practical estimate is often 1-3 months.
Do I need a Chinese partner?
No Chinese partner is required for a WFOE. A Joint Venture requires cooperation with a Chinese entity.
What is a WFOE?
A WFOE is a legal entity fully owned by foreign investors. It allows operational control, invoicing, hiring staff directly and conducting profit-making activities.
What are the post-registration requirements?
Companies must file taxes, maintain accounting, follow labor rules for contracts and social insurance, and complete relevant annual compliance work.
Start Here
Get Advice for Company Registration
Share your timeline, activity, shareholder nationality and preferred city. Our team will reply with a practical setup route.