Chinese Company Registration Guide

Essential guidance for foreigners starting a business in China
Whether you're exporting Chinese products, importing goods into China, manufacturing locally, or offering services within the country, our guide provides clear, practical steps to help you register your company and operate legally.
Table of Contents
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Why Use This Guide

Save time, avoid mistakes, and stay compliant

Everything you need to confidently register your company in China, explained step by step.
Clear, actionable steps. No legal jargon or confusing instructions - just a straightforward process explained in plain language.
Avoid common pitfalls. Learn from real-world experience: know what slows registrations down and how to stay compliant after setup.
Made for non-Chinese founders. Clear guidance on choosing the right company type, selecting the best registration location, and opening a suitable bank account with all necessary links.
Up-to-date with Chinese regulations. The guide reflects the latest 2025 laws and local practices, helping you avoid outdated or incorrect information.
Company Registration Guide

Full Table of Contents

Strategic Planning
3
Purpose of Company Registration
3
Choosing a Registration Location, Special Economic Zones
4
Preparation for Registration
6
Company Types and Registered Capital
6
Founder and Legal Representative
7
Real-ID Policy and Foreigners
8
Chinese Phone Number and WeChat
8
Visas and Invitations to Enter China
8
Company Registration
9
Registration Authorities
9
Choosing an Office Space
9
Preliminary Registration
10
Choosing a Company Name
11
Shareholders
11
Submitting Original Documents
12
Obtaining the Business License and Company Seals
12
Finalizing the Process
12
Banks and Accounts
13
Choosing a Bank and Types of Accounts
13
Opening a Basic Settlement Account
14
Taxes, Employees, and Reporting
14
Tax Registration
14
Social Insurance
15
Hiring Chinese and Foreign Employees
15
Accounting and Mandatory Reporting
15
Export, Import, and Customs
16
Customs Registration and Foreign Trade Participant Number
16
Working with Customs Brokers
16
Company Setup Completion Checklist
16
Useful Links
19
Pricing

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Frequently asked questions

Have a different question and can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Do I need to speak Chinese to use this guide?
The guide itself is written entirely in English and explains everything in clear, simple terms. However, many official Chinese websites, forms, and service portals do not offer English versions. You may need to use translation apps when navigating those parts of the process.
Do I still need a lawyer or agency?
While many founders use agencies, this guide is designed to help you understand the full process so you can manage it yourself or work more effectively with a service provider. You can also use our company registration service to set up your business in Shenzhen, handled by experienced professionals familiar with local procedures.
Can I register a business fully online?
While some steps can be started remotely, being in China in person is much more reliable and often necessary for document verification, bank account setup, and other procedures. This guide provides everything you need to prepare for a business trip to China, including checklists, required documents, and the addresses of all relevant registration offices.
What payment method can I use?
We accept Credit Card payments. If you have any problems with payment, please contact us at support@cntoolbox.com