Company registration services in mainland China
Professional guidance for foreign investors setting up companies, partnerships, representative offices and eligible branches in China. We help you choose a suitable structure, prepare compliant documents and coordinate registration.
Do you want to start a business in China?
End-to-end support for foreign investors establishing a presence in mainland China. We guide you through structure selection, business scope, registered capital, company documents, market registration and the practical steps that follow incorporation.
Company registration services in China
Our Chinese business entity registration services
We help foreign investors compare business structures, prepare registration documents and complete the filings needed to establish compliant operations in China.
Wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE)
Set up a fully foreign-owned limited liability company in China, with support for registration, business licensing and post-registration requirements.
Representative office (RO)
Establish a non-profit liaison office for market research and business communication, with support for registration, tax setup and ongoing compliance.
Sino-foreign joint venture (JV)
Set up a foreign-invested company with Chinese and foreign shareholders, including structure planning, corporate documents, registration and banking support.
Foreign-invested partnership enterprise (FIPE)
Establish a general or limited partnership with support for registration, tax, banking, foreign exchange and ongoing compliance.
Foreign enterprise branch office
Assess whether a branch is available for your sector and receive support with registration, licensing, tax, banking and ongoing compliance.
Not sure which structure you need?
We assess your ownership, business activities and long-term plans to recommend suitable options and explain the implications of each structure.
FAQ about company registration in China
Got a question about setting up a business entity in mainland China? Review the answers below and let us know if you need advice based on your ownership, sector or planned activities.
Can a foreign investor own 100% of a company in China?
In many sectors, yes. Foreign investors may establish a wholly foreign-owned foreign-invested enterprise. However, activities on the applicable foreign investment negative list may be restricted or prohibited, and some sectors require additional licenses or approvals.
How long does business registration in China take?
The timeline depends on the entity, location, business scope, investor documents and whether sector approvals are required. Registration may take several weeks after complete documents are accepted, while regulated activities, bank onboarding and post-registration steps can extend the overall setup period.
How much registered capital does a company in China need?
There is no single amount that suits every company. The registered capital should be credible for the planned business scope, operating costs and any sector-specific licensing requirements. For a limited liability company, subscribed capital is generally payable within five years of establishment under the current Company Law framework.
Can a newly registered company open a bank account and hire foreign employees?
A registered company can apply to open corporate bank accounts, subject to the bank’s due diligence and document requirements. It may sponsor eligible foreign employees only after meeting the applicable employer, position and work permit requirements.
Still have questions?
Get specific advice based on your business needs.
Need accounting and compliance support after registration?
Once your entity is registered in China, we can assist with accounting, tax filings, payroll coordination and ongoing corporate compliance.
We help you prepare for the obligations that begin after the business license is issued.
What is China’s foreign investment negative list?
China applies a system of pre-establishment national treatment plus a negative list for foreign investment. The list identifies sectors where foreign investment is prohibited or subject to restrictions such as ownership limits or management requirements.
We review your proposed activities and business scope against the applicable access rules before registration, then identify any sector licenses or additional approvals that may be required.
Insights and
guides
Whether you are comparing entity types, planning capital or preparing registration documents, these guides will provide practical information for setting up and operating a business in China.
WFOE, joint venture or partnership: Which China entity is right for you?
Compare ownership, liability, governance and operational differences before choosing a structure for your China market entry. Read the guide »
China’s five-year registered capital rule: What foreign investors need to plan
Learn how the capital contribution timeline affects incorporation documents, funding plans and the amount your shareholders subscribe. Read the guide »
Representative office vs WFOE: When a liaison office is no longer enough
Understand the activity limits of a representative office and when a revenue-generating company may be the more suitable option. Read the guide »
China company registration checklist: What to prepare before filing
Review the investor documents, business scope decisions, capital planning and office information commonly needed before registration begins. Read the guide »
Whether you are entering China for the first time or expanding an established group, we provide end-to-end company registration support. We assess your plans, prepare compliant documents and coordinate each stage of the setup.
Do you need visas for China?
Visa and immigration services
If you, your executives or employees need to work, travel, study or join family in China, we can help with visa applications, work permits and residence permits.
Why work with Prism in China?
Responsive and proactive communication: We keep you informed throughout the company registration and post-registration process.
A dedicated team: Your Prism consultant serves as a central point of contact for registration documents, local coordination and practical next steps.
Integrated setup support: We connect company registration with banking, accounting, tax, payroll, immigration and ongoing compliance services where required.
Starting or expanding a business in China?
Our local team in China will guide you through each stage
From choosing an entity and defining the business scope to registration, bank coordination and ongoing compliance, we provide straightforward advice, thorough document reviews and practical local support.
