Last Updated: June 30, 2025
China is the world’s largest manufacturing and trading nation. Its economy is the second largest in terms of GDP, and it is a prominent economic and technological dominion in eastern Asia. Additionally, the country has the world’s most significant hydroelectric power potential and numerous mineral resources. China continues to attract significant foreign investment, particularly in advanced manufacturing sectors, technology, and renewable energy.
Capital City
Beijing
Language
Mandarin
Currency
Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Business Hubs
Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chengdu
Unlock growth opportunities in China with Cerity Global as your trusted partner. We offer end-to-end support for establishing your legal entity, navigating China’s often complex regulatory landscape with clarity and efficiency.
From company registration to ongoing back-office support, including HR, payroll, benefits, accounting, tax and compliance, Cerity Global simplifies the process so you can focus on growing your business.
Need to hire quickly before your entity is set up? We offer interim EOR services in China, enabling you to onboard talent fast. Once your entity is established, we ensure a smooth transition of your employees from the EOR structure to your own legal entity, without disrupting payroll or compliance.
Our experts stay ahead of regulatory changes to keep your operations aligned with China’s employment and tax laws, helping you scale confidently and compliantly.
Also known as a Limited Liability Company, this is an entity setup where one or more foreign companies or investors hold the entire ownership and control. In principle, it is an independent entity separate from its foreign parent company.
In this type of entity setup, one or more foreign investors, along with one or more Chinese parties come together to create a new enterprise. Joint ventures are a prevalent way for foreign investors to enter the market and for local companies to access foreign capital, technology, and expertise.
As an extension of the foreign company, an RO is the easiest route for foreign businesses to operate in China. With an RO, a foreign company can engage in market research or business operations but cannot make a profit. They can still incur tax liabilities (e.g. deemed profit tax) depending on operating costs and business scope.
A FICE can be set up as a JV or an LLC and can used for retail, distribution, or franchising operations by foreign investors.
Legal representatives are appointed, however there is no requirement local resident director.
Legal representatives are appointed; there is also a requirement for local resident director.
A chief representative must be appointed.
Legal representatives are required; they can either be foreign or local resident.
In China, a corporate bank account can only be opened after legal entity incorporation and business license issuance. Businesses must register their accounts with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE).
Cerity Global supports companies in their global expansion plans and helps in legal entity setup, registration and ongoing support services. With us, you can quickly set up a legal entity, operate compliantly, and expand globally. The process typically takes a few days to a week, depending on the bank.
Reasons you should setup legal entity in China:
Cerity Global ensures your business expansion in China is fast, compliant, and future-ready, so you can focus on growth while we manage the back-office tasks.
Economic figures are subject to change based on quarterly reports and market conditions.
Cerity Global combines deep local knowledge with proven expertise to make your China business establishment effortless and compliant. Whether you’re looking for legal entity setup and registration or ongoing support, we’re your trusted partner for sustainable global expansion in China.
Disclaimer – The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Entity setup requirements, tax rates, and economic data are subject to change and may vary by location.
To discuss your needs and how we can help you achieve a compliant and efficient expansion.