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Business setup · ChinaChina company formation: set up a WFOE or foreign-invested company with a team on the ground
Registering in mainland China is more involved than in the US or UK. We guide you from checking your business scope to opening your bank account, with English and Chinese support and one point of contact.
- 3–6 mo typical start to finish
- WFOE JV, rep office, HK
- EN · 中文 support
- 1 team from licence to bank
Every step of a China company set-up
Structure and scope advice
WFOE, joint venture, representative office or a Hong Kong company, and a check of your business scope against the national negative lists.
Address and name
A compliant commercial registered address (residential addresses are not accepted) and name reservation.
Registration and licences
Application to the market regulator (SAMR), any industry licences, and your business licence.
Chops, bank and capital
Official company chops, RMB basic account and foreign-currency capital account, with FX registration through the bank.
Tax, social insurance and filings
Tax registration and VAT status, fapiao set-up, social insurance, and the foreign investment information report.
Ongoing accounting and compliance
Monthly bookkeeping, tax returns, annual reports and audit coordination through a licensed local accountant.
A mainland company makes sense when you operate in China, not only buy from it
Many overseas sellers only need a sourcing partner or a Hong Kong company. We tell you honestly if a mainland entity is overkill.
China is a good fit if you…
- sell to customers in mainland China or employ staff there
- run sourcing, quality control or fulfilment operations in China
- need to invoice in RMB and issue Chinese tax invoices (fapiao)
- plan to export from your own Chinese entity
Consider something else if you…
- only buy from Chinese factories (a sourcing agent or Hong Kong company may be enough)
- want a quick, light company (a UK or US company is far simpler)
- cannot commit to local accounting, tax and annual compliance
Key facts (checked October 2026)
From scope check to a trading company
Registration can be quick; the time goes into the address, documents and the bank and tax steps after the licence.
WFOE, joint venture, representative office or Hong Kong?
The right structure depends on what you sell, where your customers are and how long you plan to stay.
| Structure | Can it earn revenue? | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| WFOE (wholly foreign-owned enterprise) | Yes | Trading, services, sourcing, e-commerce operations, manufacturing | 100% foreign ownership where the sector allows. Needs a real commercial address and local compliance. |
| Joint venture | Yes | Restricted sectors or when a local partner is required | Shared ownership and control; more negotiation. |
| Representative office | No | Liaison, quality control and market research only | Cannot invoice or earn revenue; taxed on expenses. |
| Hong Kong company (alternative) | Yes (outside the mainland) | International trading, holding and invoicing in HKD or USD | A separate legal system from the mainland. It does not by itself allow you to operate in the mainland. |
Your China company in five steps
You will need a legal representative and, at some stage, someone available in China to sign and open the bank account.
- 01
Consultation
Business plan, sector and the right structure. We say if you do not need a mainland entity.
- 02
Preparation
Name, address, registered capital plan and authenticated shareholder documents.
- 03
Registration
Filing and business licence.
- 04
Chops, bank and tax
Company chops, bank accounts, capital, tax and FX registration.
- 05
Operate and comply
Accounting, tax returns, annual reports and the foreign investment information report.
Planning a China company?
Tell us what you will sell, where your customers are and your timeline. We reply with a recommended structure and a clear quote.
China company formation questions
What is a WFOE?
A wholly foreign-owned enterprise: a Chinese limited company that is 100% owned by foreign investors, where the sector allows it.
Is there a minimum registered capital?
There is no statutory minimum in most sectors, but under the 2024 Company Law the subscribed capital must be paid within five years of establishment, and the schedule is set out in your Articles. Regulated sectors such as finance have their own rules.
How long does it take?
Registration itself can take days once documents are complete, but the whole process, including bank, tax and other registrations, typically takes three to six months.
Can I use a virtual office as my address?
The registered address must be a commercial property approved for business use. Residential addresses are not allowed; virtual offices are accepted only in some zones. We check what works for your city.
Do I need to be in China?
The legal representative usually has to be present to open the bank account. Many other steps can be done remotely with authenticated documents and powers of attorney.
Do I need a mainland company to sell to China from outside?
Not always. Cross-border e-commerce, sourcing agents and Hong Kong structures can be alternatives. We help you compare.
What taxes apply?
Corporate income tax is 25% at the standard rate, plus VAT (general taxpayer or small-scale status), and employee social insurance. Free-trade-zone incentives may apply.
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Important: Kashif eVentures coordinates company formation with registered agents, accountants and local licensed providers. We are not a law firm or an accountancy firm, and this page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Fees, deadlines and rules change; we confirm the current position for your case before you pay for anything. Facts on this page were checked in October 2026.