Chinese Business Setup Guide

Educational manual 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 establish your company and operate legally.
Table of Contents
Buy Now
Why Use This Guide

Save time, avoid mistakes, and stay compliant

Everything you need to confidently establish your company in China, explained step by step in our comprehensive manual.
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 business setup down and how to stay compliant after establishment.
Made for non-Chinese founders. Clear educational content on choosing the right company type, selecting the best establishment location, and opening a suitable bank account with all necessary links.
Up-to-date with Chinese regulations. Our educational manual reflects the latest 2025 laws and local practices, helping you avoid outdated or incorrect information.
Business Setup Guide

Table of Contents

Download Preview
Strategic Planning
3
Purpose of Company Formation
3
Choosing a Business Location, Special Economic Zones
4
Preparation for Business Setup
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 Formation Process
9
Government Authorities
9
Choosing an Office Space
10
Initial Setup Steps
10
Choosing a Company Name and Business Scopes
11
Shareholders
12
Submitting Original Documents
12
Obtaining the Business License and Company Seals
12
Finalizing the Process
13
Banks and Accounts
13
Choosing a Bank and Types of Accounts
13
Opening a Basic Settlement Account
14
Taxes, Employees, and Reporting
15
Tax Setup
15
Social Insurance
15
Hiring Chinese and Foreign Employees
15
Accounting and Mandatory Reporting
16
Export, Import, and Customs
16
Customs Setup and Foreign Trade Participant Number
16
Working with Customs Brokers
17
Company Setup Completion Checklist
17
Useful Links
19
Pricing

Get your guide today

One-time purchase. Instant PDF download of our comprehensive manual with lifetime access to all future updates.

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 educational 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 business setup service to establish your business in Shenzhen, handled by experienced professionals familiar with local procedures.
Can I establish 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 educational manual provides everything you need to prepare for a business trip to China, including checklists, required documents, and the addresses of all relevant government 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