China (CN)
China is one of the world's largest economies and most important expat destinations, combining global business hubs such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou with deep history, fast infrastructure, and a highly digital daily-life ecosystem.
Capital: Beijing
Region: Asia
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Currency: CNY (RMB)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 50)
Emergency: 110
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Business Setup
Start a business or go freelance in China.
🧑💻 Freelancer / Self-Employed Guide
Steps to register:
- 1 Confirm whether the activity can legally be performed under your current visa and residence permit.
- 2 If serving Chinese clients regularly, discuss WFOE, employer-of-record, or employment sponsorship with a China lawyer/accountant.
- 3 Register the business scope carefully; activities outside scope can cause tax and licensing problems.
- 4 Open a company bank account and obtain company chops.
- 5 Register for tax, invoice issuance, social insurance, and annual reporting.
Tax registration
Company tax registration follows business licence issuance through local market supervision and tax bureau systems. Fapiao invoicing setup is central to operations.
VAT threshold
Small-scale VAT taxpayer thresholds and rates change by policy; confirm with a local accountant before invoicing.
Invoicing
Official VAT invoices are fapiao. Many customers will not pay or reimburse without a valid fapiao issued under the correct company name and tax number.
Social security
A company with staff must register and contribute to social insurance and, where applicable, housing fund under local rules.
💡 China is not freelancer-friendly for foreign individuals. The legal structure should be chosen before taking local clients.
🏢 Business Structures
WFOE · Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise
Limited liability company owned by foreign investor(s)
No universal statutory minimum, but realistic registered capital must support operations
Min. capital
2-4 months depending on city and sector
Setup time
Liability: Limited to subscribed capital
Setup cost: RMB 20,000-80,000+ including agent, translation, chops, bank setup, and registrations
Best for: Consulting, trading, technology services, manufacturing, and hiring local staff
JV · Joint Venture
Foreign-invested company with Chinese partner
Sector and agreement dependent
Min. capital
3-6+ months
Setup time
Liability: Usually limited liability
Setup cost: High legal and due diligence costs
Best for: Regulated sectors, local distribution, manufacturing partnerships, and market access requiring a local partner
RO · Representative Office
Non-revenue local office
No capital contribution, but parent company must fund expenses
Min. capital
1-3 months
Setup time
Liability: Parent company responsible
Setup cost: RMB 15,000-50,000 setup plus annual compliance
Best for: Market research and liaison only; cannot invoice customers or sign revenue contracts
FICE · Foreign-Invested Commercial Enterprise
Trading/distribution company
No fixed universal minimum, but customs/import activity needs adequate capital
Min. capital
2-5 months
Setup time
Liability: Limited liability
Setup cost: RMB 30,000-100,000+
Best for: Import/export, wholesale, retail, e-commerce, and distribution
Gètihu · Gètǐ Gōngshanghù (Individual Industrial and Commercial Household)
Sole trader-style registration
No minimum capital required; registration fee RMB 300–800 at local AMR
Min. capital
1–3 weeks (local Administration for Market Regulation; highly variable by city)
Setup time
Liability: Unlimited personal liability
Setup cost: RMB 300–800 (registration fee at Administration for Market Regulation)
Best for: Generally not available to foreign nationals — reserved for Chinese citizens and permanent residents. Included for context only. Expats must use WFOE, RO, or an employer-of-record.
Business Setup
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