How does a foreign company open a business in China?
The short answer, with the official forms and the agencies' own links.
The short answer
Register with the local Administration for Market Regulation on the city's one-stop portal, which also sets up tax, social insurance and the company seal. The foreign investment information report goes through the same registration, and the foreign shareholder's documents need notarization and legalization or an apostille.
The forms involved
Company registration and business license
Local Administration for Market Regulation (under SAMR)China, national
Filed online on the city's one-stop business portal, which also registers tax, social insurance and the company seal in the same application.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Usually 1 to 3 business days once the documents are complete.
Tax setup and invoicing (new taxpayer)
State Taxation AdministrationChina, national
After the license, confirm the tax details, choose the taxpayer type and apply for digital invoices on the province's electronic tax bureau.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Usually the same day online.
Full guides
General information, not legal or tax advice. Agency requirements change; check the agency's page before you file.
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