China Company Registration & WFOE Setup

Kerui helps foreign investors set up the right China entity with practical support for ownership structure, filing, banking preparation, and post-registration compliance.

  • Starting from $800 (Case-by-Case)
  • Standard Registration Period 5–7 working days
  • WFOE, JV, RO, Trading & Consulting Options
  • Banking, Tax, Invoicing & Compliance Planning
Foreign investors discussing China company registration and WFOE setup with a business consultant

Who This Service Is For

Overseas business owner in a suit at a desk reviewing a China WFOE registration proposal document

Foreign Business Owners

Planning to establish a China entity for local trading, operations, or market expansion.

Multinational executive in a boardroom holding a printed China subsidiary incorporation plan

Foreign-Owned Companies

Overseas companies establishing a China subsidiary or local presence for long-term operations.

E-commerce seller photographing products in a China-based studio warehouse for an online platform listing

Cross-Border E-commerce Sellers

Sellers needing a China entity for sourcing, branding, local payments, or platform operations.

Foreign founder at a Guangzhou coworking desk with a China company registration checklist and a phone open to a banking app

Foreign Founders in China

Individuals starting a company, store, or service business while living in China.

Choose the Right Company Setup

Upward view of modern commercial towers in a China business district

WFOE

For investors seeking full foreign ownership and direct operational control in China.

Upward view of modern commercial towers in a China business district

Joint Venture

For businesses entering sectors or situations where a China-side partner is required or strategically useful.

Upward view of modern commercial towers in a China business district

Trading Company

For import, export, sourcing, sales, and invoicing activities in China.

Upward view of modern commercial towers in a China business district

Consulting Company

For consulting, IT, outsourcing, and other service-based operations.

Upward view of modern commercial towers in a China business district

Representative Office

For market research and liaison activities. It cannot sign commercial contracts, issue invoices, or receive direct revenue.

What to Confirm Before Filing

Request a Quote
Registered capital planning with currency and a bank model

Registered Capital

Set a practical capital level based on how the company will actually operate and be funded.

  • Initial funding needs
  • Capital contribution plan
  • Future operating requirements
Consultant explaining China business address requirements

Business Address

Confirm a compliant registration address that fits your planned business activities.

  • Address eligibility
  • Required address documents
  • Fit with actual operations
Business scope planning for a China company registration

Business Scope

Define the business scope carefully so the registered activities match how the company plans to operate.

  • Core business activities
  • Licensing requirements
  • Room for future expansion

How the Registration Process Works

1

Initial Consultation and Structure Review

Review the business model, ownership plan, target city, and entity type before documents are prepared.

2

Name Pre-Approval

Confirm the proposed company name and filing readiness according to the selected registration structure.

3

Document Preparation

Prepare shareholder, director, and company documents, including notarization, authentication, and translation where required.

4

Company Filing

Submit the registration package and move through the standard company formation process.

5

Company Chops and Bank Preparation

Arrange company chops and prepare for bank account opening, which is handled separately from the standard registration timeline.

6

Tax Registration and Invoice Setup

Complete tax registration and prepare the invoicing framework needed for normal business operations.

7

Post-Registration Compliance Launch

Connect the new company to bookkeeping, tax filing, invoice management, banking maintenance, and visa planning where needed.

Documents Required for Company Registration

Shareholder and Director Documents

  • Passport
  • Notarization or authentication documents where required

Parent Company Documents

  • Certificate of incorporation
  • Board resolution or articles of association
  • Company chop

China Local Documents

  • Address proof
  • Lease agreement
  • China liaison

Authentication Requirement

Clients need to complete Hague Apostille or embassy legalization in their own country where the filing route requires it.

What Happens After Registration

Registration is only the starting point. A workable China entity also needs structured follow-up support to stay compliant and operational.

Request a Compliance Review

Work Visa Support

Foreign founders and key staff may need work permit and residence permit planning after the company is established.

Bank Account Opening

Banking readiness and account maintenance affect daily operations, payments, and future compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Browse More FAQs
Can I own 100% of a company in China?

Yes. A WFOE allows full foreign ownership and is the most common route for foreign investors that want independent control.

Do I need to travel, and how long does it take?

Travel is not strictly required, but coming in person is still recommended if you can. Documents can be prepared abroad and completed through the required notarization or authentication route. Standard China company registration and WFOE setup take 5–7 working days once documents are ready. Bank account opening is handled separately.

Which city is the best choice for registration?

Guangzhou is often a practical starting point, but the final city depends on the business plan, industry, address needs, and later operating requirements. Kerui supports registration in Guangzhou, Foshan, Shenzhen, Yiwu, and Zhongshan.

How much does it cost, and is capital paid in?

Standard registration cases start from $800. Final pricing is assessed case by case, especially when special licenses are involved. That service fee is separate from registered capital. Subscribed capital generally needs to be paid in within five years under current regulations.

What if there is no China address yet?

A temporary address may be arranged at the early stage, but it should be updated in time according to the actual business operation later.

Plan the Right China Entity Before Filing

Not sure whether you need a WFOE, a trading company, a consulting company, or a representative office? Start with a structure review before filing.

  • 18+ Years of Local Expertise
  • 5,000+ Clients Served Worldwide
  • One-on-One Consultant Support
  • Full Compliance Coverage — Registration, Tax, Visa

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