Expanding your business into China presents immense opportunities — from access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets to strategic partnerships and manufacturing advantages. However, navigating the process of business setup and compliance in China can be complex, especially for foreign entrepreneurs unfamiliar with local regulations.
At Wevisa China , operated by Jinhua Tongji Talent Service Co., Ltd. , we specialize in guiding international investors through every step of establishing and running a compliant business in China. In this guide, we break down the key steps, requirements, and best practices for successful market entry.
1. Choosing the Right Business Structure
Before registering your company, you must decide on the most suitable legal structure. The main options for foreign investors include:
Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE):
Ideal for full control over operations. No Chinese partner required. Commonly used for trading, consulting, and tech companies.Joint Venture (JV):
A partnership between a foreign investor and a Chinese entity. Useful when local expertise or licenses are needed.Representative Office (RO):
Limited to market research and liaison activities. Cannot generate revenue directly.
Each structure has different registration requirements, capital needs, and compliance obligations.
2. Company Registration Process
Setting up a company in China typically involves these steps:
- Name Approval: Submit 3–5 preferred company names for approval.
- Business Scope Definition: Clearly define what your company will do (this affects licensing).
- Lease a Registered Office: A physical address is required for official registration.
- Submit Documents to AMR (Administration for Market Regulation).
- Obtain Business License.
- Register for Taxes & Open a Corporate Bank Account.
The entire process usually takes 3 to 6 weeks , depending on completeness and industry-specific approvals.
Wevisa China provides full support throughout registration, ensuring all documents meet local standards and speeding up the timeline.
3. Post-Registration Compliance Requirements
Registering your company is just the beginning. To operate legally, ongoing compliance is essential:
✅ Monthly & Quarterly Obligations
- Accounting & Bookkeeping: All transactions must be recorded according to Chinese GAAP.
- Tax Filings: Includes VAT, Corporate Income Tax (CIT), and payroll taxes — filed monthly or quarterly.
- Social Insurance & Housing Fund: Mandatory contributions for employees.
✅ Annual Requirements
- Annual Report Submission to the AMR
- Corporate Income Tax Reconciliation
- Financial Statement Audit (required for certain industries)
Failure to comply can result in fines, penalties, or even license revocation.
4. Banking and Financial Management
Opening a corporate bank account is a critical step. You’ll need:
- Business license
- Legal representative ID
- Company chop (seal)
- Lease agreement
Due to strict anti-money laundering policies, banks may conduct due diligence. We assist clients with preparation and scheduling appointments to ensure smooth account opening.
We also offer tax and financial services , including bookkeeping, tax filing, and advisory support to keep your business audit-ready.
5. Closing a Company in China
If you decide to exit the market, proper closure is crucial. Improper shutdowns can lead to blacklisting or future entry restrictions.
The company closure process includes:
- Internal liquidation
- Tax deregistration
- Social insurance cancellation
- Bank account closure
- Business license cancellation
This process can take 3 to 6 months and requires meticulous documentation. We provide full assistance to ensure a clean and compliant exit.
Why Choose Wevisa China?
Navigating China’s regulatory landscape doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Wevisa China , you gain a trusted partner that offers:
- End-to-end company registration and closure support
- Expert tax and financial compliance services
- Multilingual assistance in Chinese, English, Arabic, and French
- Proven experience helping hundreds of foreign clients succeed
Whether you’re launching a WFOE, expanding operations, or ensuring compliance, we make the journey simple, transparent, and stress-free.
Get Started Today
Thinking about setting up a business in China?
📞 Book a free consultation with our experts today and take the first step toward success in the Chinese market.
Let Wevisa China be your gateway to growth, compliance, and long-term success.
Wevisa China – Your Trusted Partner for Business & Visa Solutions in Mainland China.
Operated by Jinhua Tongji Talent Service Co., Ltd. | Jinhua, Zhejiang Province
