How to Register a Company in China as a Foreigner

Choose the right structure

Most foreign founders register a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE): a limited liability company with 100% foreign ownership that can sign contracts, issue invoices and hire staff. A representative office suits pure liaison and market research, while a joint venture is reserved for activities where a Chinese partner or licence is required.

Documents you will need

• Passport (individual) or incorporation documents of the parent company, notarized and legalized
• Proposed Chinese company name and business scope
• Registered business address in China
• Legal representative, supervisor and contact details
• Registered capital commitment (subscribed, not paid up front in most cases)

The registration process

We reserve your company name, prepare and file the incorporation documents, and obtain the business license — typically 4 to 8 weeks from complete documents. Company chops, tax registration and the corporate bank account follow, adding roughly two to four weeks.

What it costs

Formation packages start from $1,499 (Starter), $2,499 (Pro, with address and banking support) and $4,999 (Plus, with first-year accounting). Government and third-party fees are quoted separately and always up front. Use the cost calculator for an indicative first-year figure.