Global expansion, via our partner network
Company Registration in China
Company registration in China is a natural extension for clients already working with us on India market entry who are also weighing a mainland China presence. AU Corporate's own team is licensed for India; for China, we coordinate registration through a network of trusted local partner firms, so you get one relationship managing the process rather than sourcing a separate mainland China advisor yourself.
Why register a company in China
China remains the world's second-largest economy, with deep manufacturing and supply-chain infrastructure and, for businesses selling locally, direct access to one of the largest consumer markets anywhere. For companies already running an India operation, a China entity is often the second Asian market considered, given the scale of both economies.
Choosing your entity type
Most foreign investors use a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE), which permits 100% foreign ownership and can generate revenue directly in China. A Representative Office is a lighter option limited to liaison and market research, since it cannot generate revenue itself, and a Joint Venture brings in a Chinese partner where that is required by the sector or preferred for local market access.
Choosing a city: registration is local, not national
China company registration is filed with the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) office in whichever city or province you choose, not with a single national authority — so where you register genuinely matters. Shanghai remains the leading choice for finance, trading and logistics; Shenzhen and Guangzhou suit technology and manufacturing businesses, with direct access to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; and Beijing suits businesses that need proximity to national regulators and headquarters functions. See our dedicated guide to company registration in Shanghai for a city-level deep dive, including its Lingang Free Trade Zone tax incentive.
Registered capital and commercial address requirements
China operates a subscribed capital system with no fixed statutory minimum, but the local SAMR office assesses whether your proposed registered capital is reasonable against your declared business scope and roughly three years of expected operating costs. Across most jurisdictions, SAMR now also requires a genuine, dedicated commercial address with a valid lease and Property Ownership Certificate — a virtual or "desk-only" registered office is increasingly treated as a red flag rather than sufficient, so this needs planning for before you file, not after.
National corporate tax, and zone-specific incentives
China's standard national corporate income tax rate is 25%, applying equally to domestic companies and foreign-invested enterprises. Certain Free Trade Zones and encouraged industries can access materially lower rates — Shanghai's Lingang Special Area, for instance, offers a reduced 15% rate for qualifying companies in their first five years — so it is worth checking whether your specific city, zone and industry combination qualifies for a preferential rate before you assume the standard one applies.
How AU Corporate helps you register in China
We are not a Chinese law firm, and we do not represent otherwise. What we provide is coordination: scoping your China entry alongside your India plans (where relevant), introducing you to a vetted local partner firm for the actual SAMR filing in your chosen city, and staying involved as your single point of contact so you are not managing two unconnected advisory relationships in two markets.
Company registration process in China, step by step
Once your entity type and city are decided, registration typically follows this sequence:
- Confirm your entity type, business scope and a compliant, four-part Chinese company name.
- Secure a genuine, dedicated commercial address with a valid lease and Property Ownership Certificate.
- Set a reasonable registered capital figure against your declared business scope.
- Submit your application through the local SAMR online registration system for your chosen city.
- Obtain your business license and complete post-registration tax, banking and foreign-exchange formalities.
FAQs: company registration in China
Does AU Corporate register companies in China directly? We coordinate company registration in China through a network of trusted local partner firms, rather than filing directly ourselves — our own team is India-licensed. This suits clients who are already registering a company in India and want one coordinated relationship covering both markets rather than sourcing a separate mainland China advisor themselves.
What entity type do foreign investors use in China? Most foreign investors use a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE), which permits 100% foreign ownership and can generate revenue directly in China. A Representative Office is a lighter alternative limited to liaison and market research, since it cannot generate revenue, and a Joint Venture brings in a Chinese partner where that is required for the sector or preferred for local market access.
Which city should I register my China company in? It depends on your business — Shanghai remains the leading choice for finance, trading and logistics; Shenzhen and Guangzhou suit technology and manufacturing, with direct access to the Greater Bay Area; and Beijing suits businesses that need proximity to national regulators and headquarters functions. Registration is handled at the local SAMR office for whichever city or province you choose, not nationally. See our dedicated guide to company registration in Shanghai for a city-level deep dive.
Is there a minimum registered capital in China? There is no fixed statutory minimum under China’s subscribed capital system, but the local State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) office assesses whether your proposed registered capital is reasonable against your declared business scope and roughly three years of expected operating costs — an unrealistically low figure can hold up approval.
Can I register a China WFOE with a virtual office? No, not any longer in most jurisdictions. SAMR generally requires a valid lease agreement and Property Ownership Certificate for a genuine, dedicated commercial address — virtual or “desk-only” registered offices are increasingly treated as a red flag rather than accepted as sufficient.
Explore other markets
AU Corporate coordinates company registration in several markets outside India through our partner network.
- Company registration in Japan
- Company registration in Hong Kong
- Company registration in Shanghai
- Company registration in Singapore
Next step
Talk to us about registering in China.
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