Expanding into China often comes with practical questions around visas, company setup, and day to day operations. The rules can be detailed, and the right approach depends on your situation.
Here we answer some of the most common questions we receive, to help you understand what to expect and how to plan your next steps.
I am a foreign national currently employed by a tech company in Shenzhen, China. Can my wife and children come to live with me in Shenzhen?
Answer: Yes, they can. The prerequisite is that you must hold a valid Foreigner’s Work Permit and a work-type residence permit. Your spouse and children under 18 years old can apply for an S1 long-term family visit visa (for stays exceeding 180 days) to come to China for long-term family reunion and live here legally. Its validity period will match your work residence permit, with a maximum of 5 years.
I am a foreign national, and my girlfriend is Chinese. I want to go to Mainland China to live with her. Is that possible?
Answer: You can come to China to live with your girlfriend. However, in an unmarried status, you cannot apply for a long-term family reunion residence permit. The options are as follows: Apply for a Q2 short-term family visit visa, allowing a stay of no more than 180 days per entry; complete marriage registration and apply for a Q1 family reunion visa to achieve long-term legal residence in China; if not marrying immediately, find a compliant employer in Mainland China to apply for a work-type residence permit; or register a company or make compliant investments in Mainland China and apply for a private affairs-type residence permit based on the investment proof.
I am a foreign national. I really like Chinese culture and want to work in Mainland China and live there in the future. How can I apply for permanent residency?
Answer: To work, settle long-term in China, and apply for Chinese permanent residency, you first need to obtain a Foreigner’s Work Permit and a work-type residence permit. You can apply for permanent residency once you meet the relevant conditions later.
I am currently studying in Shenzhen, China, on a student visa. Can I work part-time while studying?
Answer: Part-time work is strictly prohibited on an X1/X2 study visa. This is a red line. If you are found working illegally (“working under the table”), your visa will be canceled, and you will be deported. If you need to do an internship, you must apply for an “annotation” for internship permission through your university to the Exit-Entry Administration.
I want to visit first to explore the market. Can I apply for a multiple-entry visa? Do I need an invitation letter?
Answer: We can assist in applying for a 1-year multiple-entry M (commercial/trade) visa. You need to provide an invitation letter from a Chinese company, which we can assist in issuing. Please note: Holding an M or F (non-commercial visit) visa strictly prohibits direct employment and receiving a salary in China, as this constitutes illegal employment.
I want to register a company in China. Can I hold 100% ownership? Does the registered capital need to be paid immediately? Can I complete the registration remotely without entering China?
Answer: Yes, 100% foreign ownership is allowed. The registered capital is now under a subscribed capital system, meaning immediate paid-in capital is not required. It is recommended to state an amount between 100,000 to 1,000,000 RMB; avoid stating an excessively high amount (as liability is limited). Registration can be done entirely remotely by mailing notarized and authenticated documents. However, for bank account opening, currently, most banks still require the legal representative to be physically present for a face-to-face signing.
I have registered a wholly foreign-owned company in China. My accounts are very simple. Do I need to hire an accountant?
Answer: You need professional bookkeeping/accounting agency services. China’s tax system (Golden Tax Phase IV) is very robust, with strict invoice (Fapiao) management. We can help you handle monthly tax filing, social security contributions, and invoice issuance.
I want to set up a company in Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Singapore. Which location is most suitable for me? What is the process?
Answer: The choice depends on your business nature, tax planning, market goals, and other factors.
- Mainland China Company: Suitable for foreign businesses whose primary market is Mainland China. Common forms include Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises (WFOEs) and Sino-Foreign Equity Joint Ventures.
- Hong Kong Company: Simple tax system (profits tax at 16.5%), no foreign exchange controls. Suitable for international trade, holding companies, finance, and service-based enterprises.
- Singapore Company: Sound legal system, enjoys tax incentives for regional headquarters. An ideal gateway to the Southeast Asian market.
- The process is generally: Company name approval → Document preparation → Government registration submission → Receive certificates → Seal engraving → Subsequent registrations (tax, social security, etc.). We can provide one-stop service and handle the entire process.
Contact us if you have any other questions about starting a business in China.
