How much permits cost to open in Shenzhen
In Shenzhen, the filings with a fixed government fee add up to about CN¥0. 0 more are set by the space or the business, and 7 are free. Build-out, insurance and adviser costs are on top.
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.
Open the business on Shenzhen's one-stop portal
Shenzhen Administration for Market RegulationShenzhen
Shenzhen's portal takes the company registration, seal, tax, social insurance and invoices in one online application, and is where the food business license is applied for.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
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.
Employer social insurance and housing fund
Human Resources and Social Security Bureau; Housing Provident Fund CenterChina, national
Employer registration comes with the business license. Enroll each employee within 30 days of hiring and open the housing fund account.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
Customs registration for importers and exporters
General Administration of CustomsChina, national
Filed online through the China International Trade Single Window. The separate foreign trade operator filing was abolished in 2022.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
Food business license
Local Administration for Market RegulationChina, national
Applied for online after the business license, with the floor plan, equipment list and food safety manager. Selling only prepackaged food needs a filing instead of a license.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Renews
- Valid for 5 years.
Fire safety check before opening
Fire and Rescue DepartmentChina, national
Shops and restaurants open to the public apply before opening, usually by signing a commitment online; the fire department may inspect afterwards.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
Guides for each business in Shenzhen
Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.
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Get the plan for your business in Shenzhen
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders