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The world's largest market, structured for your entry.
China offers unparalleled market scale and a rapidly evolving regulatory framework for foreign businesses. Establishing a compliant presence â through a WFOE or joint venture â requires careful structuring and local professional coordination. Silicon Mappers manages the full SAMR registration process, tax compliance, and work permit support for your China operations.
Best for
Choose the right business structure based on your ownership goals, activities, and budget.
A fully foreign-owned entity â the most common structure for foreign businesses seeking full operational control in China.
A partnership between a foreign company and a Chinese entity â required in certain restricted industries.
For market research and liaison activities only â cannot conduct commercial transactions or generate revenue.
A flexible structure for professional services firms and investment partnerships in China.
Follow these steps to successfully register and launch your business.
Define your approved business scope â this determines your licenses, tax obligations, and operational permissions.
Reserve your company name in Chinese characters with the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).
Determine registered capital amount and contribution timeline per your business plan.
Submit incorporation documents to SAMR for WFOE or JV approval and business licence issuance.
Secure a registered office address â a requirement for all business structures in China.
Register with the State Tax Bureau for VAT, corporate income tax, and the Golden Tax System.
Open a basic account (for capital contributions) and a general account (for operations) with a Chinese bank.
Transfer registered capital into the company bank account and obtain a capital verification report.
Register with local social insurance and housing fund authorities before hiring employees.
Obtain any additional licences required for your industry (e.g., food, pharma, finance, internet).
Explore the immigration and residency pathways available for business owners and investors.
For skilled foreign professionals employed by a registered Chinese entity â classified into A, B, C categories.
For executives conducting business activities â short-term, renewable.
Long-term residence authorization for foreign employees and investors working in China.
Estimated timelines for each phase of your business setup.
Phase 1
4â8 weeks
From name reservation to SAMR business licence issuance.
Phase 2
1â2 weeks
State tax and local tax bureau registration.
Phase 3
2â6 weeks
Basic and general account opening with Chinese bank.
Phase 4
4â8 weeks
Foreign expert work permit and residence permit.
Information on this website is provided for general guidance only and may change based on government rules, jurisdiction, business activity, and individual circumstances. Silicon Mappers provides consultancy support but does not guarantee visa, bank account, licensing, or government approval outcomes. Final costs depend on jurisdiction, activity, authority approval, and individual circumstances.
Silicon Mappers manages the complexity of global expansion so your leadership team can focus on what matters â growing the business.