What are the main types of business entities for foreigners in China?

The most common structures are: 1) WFOE (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise) — full control, suitable for most businesses; 2) Joint Venture (JV) — partnership with a Chinese entity, required in some industries; 3) Representative Office (RO) — liaison only, no direct business activities; 4) Hong Kong Company — easier setup, can be used as a holding entity for mainland operations. We help you choose the right structure based on your business goals.

How long does it take to set up a company in China?

Timeline varies by entity type and location: Hong Kong company registration typically takes 5-7 business days; WFOE setup in mainland China usually takes 2-4 months depending on the city, industry, and scope of business. We provide a detailed timeline after understanding your specific requirements.

Do I need to be in China to set up a company?

For Hong Kong company registration, you do not need to be physically present. For mainland China WFOE setup, some documents may require notarization and authentication at a Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. We guide you through every document requirement so you know exactly what's needed.

Market Entry & Company Setup

Set Up a Company in China

Entering the Chinese market is a major strategic decision. The right company structure, the right location, and the right local partners make the difference between smooth expansion and costly mistakes. We guide you through every step.

Choose the Right Business Structure

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WFOE (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise)

Full control, no Chinese partner required

100% foreign ownership — no local partner needed
Can hire staff, issue invoices, and generate revenue directly
Suitable for manufacturing, consulting, trading, and tech
Registered capital requirements vary by industry
Setup time: typically 2-4 months

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Joint Venture (JV)

Partner with a Chinese entity

Required in certain restricted industries
Leverages local partner's network, licenses, and market knowledge
Equity split negotiable (minimum 25% foreign investment)
We help verify and vet potential JV partners
Setup time: 3-6 months

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Hong Kong Company

Gateway to mainland China

Fast registration (5-7 business days)
Low tax rate (16.5% corporate tax)
No foreign exchange controls — free capital movement
Can be used as holding company for mainland WFOE
International banking and legal system

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Representative Office (RO)

Liaison presence only

Quickest and cheapest to establish
Cannot generate revenue or sign business contracts
Suitable for market research and quality control
Limited to 4 foreign expatriate work permits
Setup time: 1-2 months

How We Help

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Structure Advisory

We assess your business model and recommend the optimal entity type, registration location, and business scope.

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Document Preparation

We guide you through every document requirement — notarization, authentication, translations — so nothing gets rejected.

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Partner Verification

Considering a JV? We conduct full due diligence on your potential Chinese partner before you commit.

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Regulatory Coordination

We coordinate with local authorities and licensed agents to handle the SAMR registration and tax bureau setup.

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Bank Account Opening

Assistance with corporate bank account setup at major Chinese or international banks operating in China.

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Ongoing Compliance

Annual compliance filing reminders, tax advisory referrals, and operational support after registration.

Why Start from Hong Kong?

As a Hong Kong-based firm, we bring unique advantages to your China market entry:

⚖️ Legal Bridge

Common law system with English-language contracts — familiar to international businesses

💰 Tax Efficiency

Low corporate tax, no VAT on most services, and favorable tax treaties with mainland China

🌐 Free Capital Flow

No foreign exchange controls — move money in and out freely

🔗 CEPA Agreement

Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement provides preferential access to mainland markets

Ready to Enter the Chinese Market?

Let's discuss your business goals and find the right market entry strategy for you.

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