China Business FAQ

Yes. Through a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE), a foreign individual or company can hold 100% of the equity in most industries. A small number of sectors remain restricted and require a Chinese partner or a joint venture.

A WFOE (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise) is a limited liability company in China that is 100% owned by foreign investors. It can sign contracts, issue invoices, hire employees, import and export, and repatriate profits after tax.

A WFOE can conduct business, invoice customers, hire staff and make a profit. A representative office is limited to liaison and market research and cannot earn revenue in China.

Our formation packages start from $1,499 (Starter), $2,499 (Pro, with address and banking) and $4,999 (Plus, with accounting). Government and third-party fees are separate and always quoted up front. Final cost depends on city, industry and company type.

A WFOE typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from document submission to business license, depending on the city and industry. Bank account opening and import/export registration can add a few more weeks.

No, not for most activities. A WFOE allows 100% foreign ownership. A Chinese partner is only needed for a joint venture in restricted industries or where a specific licence requires local participation.

In most cases, yes. Registration can usually be completed with notarized and legalized documents without travelling to China. Some banks may require the legal representative to appear in person to open the corporate account.

If your company will invoice, pay taxes, run payroll or receive payments in China, then yes — a corporate RMB account (and usually a foreign-currency account) is required to operate and stay compliant.

Yes. Once the company is licensed, the legal representative can open a corporate account. Banks have their own due-diligence requirements; some ask the legal representative to attend in person, while others are more flexible. We help you choose the right bank.

Yes. Even a company with no activity must file tax returns (nil filings) and maintain proper books. Ongoing accounting and annual compliance keep the company in good standing and avoid penalties.

Our monthly packages start from $99 (Basic), $199 (Business) and $399 (Full Service). The price scales with your invoice volume, bank transactions, number of employees, taxpayer type and city.

For general taxpayers, common VAT rates are 13% on most goods, 9% on certain sectors (such as transport and construction) and 6% on services. Small-scale taxpayers use a lower levy rate. The rate that applies depends on your business scope and taxpayer status.

If you sell, manufacture or plan to grow in China, yes. China is first-to-file, so registering your trademark early protects your brand and is often required by marketplaces, customs and distributors.

Yes. Foreign companies and individuals can register trademarks in China, normally through a licensed Chinese trademark agent. You can also extend a home registration via the Madrid Protocol designating China.

If no opposition is filed, registration typically takes around 9 to 12 months, including a publication period. A search beforehand reduces the risk of refusal.