Register a Company in China as a Foreigner

Foreign entrepreneurs can legally own and run a business in China — in most sectors, without a Chinese partner. The standard route is the wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE), which keeps 100% of the ownership with you. This guide covers which entity fits your plan, the documents you need, and how the registration actually runs.

Which entity type fits you?

Three structures matter for foreign founders. For almost everyone who wants to sell, hire, and operate day to day, the WFOE is the right answer.

Why register before the work permit

A foreign founder’s work permit has to be applied for by an employer — and your employer can be your own company. Registering the WFOE first puts the company in place to apply for your Notification of Work Permit, your Z visa, and later your residence permit. In short: company first, then the visa paperwork. See how to get the China work visa and work permit once the company is live.

Documents for company registration

Prepare these for the registration:

• Company name — 2–3 Chinese name options for approval (or your English name with a Chinese translation)
• Business scope — pick a general category (Trading, Services, Technology, Consulting, Manufacturing); we prepare the detailed scope
• Registered capital — usually RMB 30,000–80,000, paid within five years; provincial naming rights need RMB 1,000,000 minimum
• Shareholders and equity structure — each shareholder and their percentage
• Registered address — full address with room/unit; we can supply one if pre-arranged
• Mobile numbers, bank accounts, and passport photos — real-name verified Chinese mobile numbers, Chinese bank account details (account name must match the passport), passport photos, and certified translations for all shareholders, legal representatives, and financial officers
• Document translation — translation company stamp, stamped business-license copy, “translation accurate” statement, translator name and contact; shareholder names as English Name (Chinese Name)
• Entry and exit records — for all legal representatives and shareholders; if unavailable, a notarized passport copy plus Chinese embassy authentication with translations

Registration process, step by step

1. Name pre-approval — submitted with the local Market Regulation Administration.
2. Business license — incorporation documents filed and the license issued, usually 3–5 working days once your documents are ready.
3. Company seals — official chops are carved and filed with the police.
4. Corporate bank account — the legal representative must appear at the bank in person.
5. Tax and social-insurance registration — completed in person by the legal representative.
6. Work permit and Z visa — the company now acts as your employer; continue to the work visa guide.

Why founders base in Hainan Free Trade Port

Hainan keeps a shorter negative list than the mainland, which opens more industries to 100% foreign ownership, and the province’s streamlined approvals often move faster. Businesses in encouraged industries can also qualify for reduced corporate income tax. Combined with the visa-free entry policy, it is an easy place for a foreign founder to land, look around, and start.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Treating the registered address as a formality — it must be a real, compliant address; we can arrange one in advance.
• Locking in a business scope that is too narrow — amending it later means another filing round.
• Forgetting that the legal representative must appear in person for the bank account and tax registration.
• Assuming you can work or employ staff on a tourist (L) or business (M) visa — you need the work permit and residence permit first.
• Underestimating translation and authentication time for foreign documents — start them in your home country early.