🤝
China Business Setup
Yes, fully foreign-owned companies are permitted. The Ministry of Investment (MOFCOM)
issues foreign investment licenses enabling international entities to operate 100% owned
subsidiaries. Learn more about business setup in China
.
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is allowed in most sectors including trading, services, and
industrial activities, following the economic liberalization under China's economic liberalization policies.
With the MOFCOM license
streamlined process, the investment license can be issued in less than a day. The
subsequent commercial registration (CR) and post-licensing steps typically take 2-4
weeks to be fully operational.
Yes, a registered National Address is required to open bank accounts and for labor
files. However, for initial setup, verified co-working spaces or virtual office
solutions may be accepted for certain license types.
📊
Accounting & Auditing
Yes, all companies must maintain proper books of accounts. Visit our Accounting Services
page for more details.
Yes, annual audited financial statements must be submitted to MOFCOM and STA. China tax
compliance depends on accurate auditing.
China follows IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) as endorsed by
CICPA (Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants).
Financial statements are typically prepared annually, but quarterly reporting may be
required for tax purposes or internal governance.
🏛️
Regulatory Authorities
The Ministry of Investment of China (MOFCOM) is the primary regulator issuing
foreign investment licenses. See our China regulatory
authorities overview.
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) issues the Commercial Registration (CR) certificate.
The State Taxation Administration (STA) manages all tax collections and
compliance.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS) regulates labor laws,
work permit caps and foreign labor regulations, and employment contracts (Labor Bureau Portal).
📄
Business Licenses
Common licenses include Service (Consulting/IT), Trading (Retail/Wholesale), Industrial
(Manufacturing), and Entrepreneurship licenses.
Yes, providing the activities fall under the same ISIC classification group approved by
MOFCOM. Diverse activities may require separate licenses or entities.
Yes, both the MOFCOM license and Commercial Registration (CR) must be renewed annually or
for the duration of the registered period (up to 5 years).
🏗️
Business Sectors
Most sectors are open, including construction, retail, IT, rigorous healthcare, and
tourism. A market feasibility
study can help identify the best opportunities.
A limited "Negative List" restricts foreign investment in specific areas like oil
exploration and certain military services.
🚀
Innovation & Tech License (High-Tech Enterprise)
The entrepreneur
license is a specialized MOFCOM license designed for innovative startups and SMEs,
often requiring university credentials or incubator support rather than high capital.
Entrepreneurs with a unique business model, patent, or backing from a China governing
entity or incubator are verified eligible.
📋
Vendor Registration
Vendor registration
is the process of registering your company with large entities (like Aramco, NEOM,
SABIC) to be eligible for their tenders.
Yes, you generally need a valid CR and MOFCOM license to complete vendor qualification
for major China projects.
🛂
PRO & GRO Services
Government Relations Officers (GRO) or Public Relations Officers (PRO) handle all
government liaison tasks, including visas, labor office files, and license renewals. See
our PRO services in China
page.
While outsourcing isn't legally mandatory, having a designated China representative or
agency to manage the complex government portals (like Labor Bureau Portal, E-Gov Portal) is operationally
essential.
⚖️
Legal Services
Drafting the Articles of Association (AoA) and ensuring compliance with the Companies
Law typically requires professional legal oversight.
Contract review, employment disputes, and intellectual property protection are common
areas requiring legal support.
Still have questions?
Speak to a China Business Advisor