Company Registration in China
Capital: Beijing.
Official languages: Chinese.
Currency: Yuan.
Advantages of Company Registration:
- Simplified opportunity for localization to enter multiple Asian markets.
- Good transportation, logistics, and IT infrastructure in China.
- Investor rights protection in China.
China is a country in Asia, the world's most populous state, located in the eastern part of the Eurasian continent. China's territory covers 9.6 million square kilometers, making it the largest country in Asia. It ranks third in the world by land area, surpassed only by Russia and Canada.
Registering a mainland Chinese company gives foreign investors a unique opportunity to enter this promising market.
Taxation and Reporting Features
Corporate Income Tax:
- Standard rate: 25%
- Reduced rates for small enterprises and high-tech companies
- Incentives for certain industries and regions
VAT:
- Standard rate: 13%
- Reduced rates for specific goods and services
- Exemptions for certain exports
Dividends:
- Withholding tax for non-residents
- Exemptions may apply under tax treaties
Company registration in China is handled through the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The proposed company name must be approved by the relevant local authority.
To register a company, an application must be submitted that includes key company information. This is accompanied by documents such as the articles of association, shareholder agreements, identification documents, and proof of registered address.
Once the company is registered, it will be listed in the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System. Tax registration must also be completed with the local tax bureau.
At the time of registration, the company must have:
- A Tax Identification Number issued by the tax bureau, necessary for tax filing and bank transactions.
- Articles of Association notarized and filed with the relevant authorities.
- A bank certificate verifying the capital contribution by shareholders.
- Registration with the local labor and social security bureau.
Company Registration in China
- Limited liability
- Minimum 1 director / 1 shareholder
- Efficient business setup process

Company Registration in China
Additional information
- Financial reporting: Mandatory annually (Chinese GAAP/IFRS)
- Audit: Mandatory for all companies
- Annual Return: Within 30 days after the anniversary
- Tax return: Corporate Income Tax Return to the STA
- Employer's Return: If there are employees
- Registers: Shareholders and directors (mandatory)
- Directors' details Publicly available in the registry
- Shareholders' details Publicly available
- Financial reporting Confidential (not published)
Timeline and Stages
- 01
Preparation of documents and company name selection
1-2 days - 02
Company name verification with the Chinese Registry
1 day - 03
Submission of documents, online or offline
1 day - 04
Receiving Company Incorporation and Business Registration certificates
up to 2 weeks - 05
Setting up a corporate bank account
2-4 weeks
Conclusion
Registering a company in China is a legal process and a strategic step towards successful business operations. Understanding all aspects and consistently complying with requirements will allow entrepreneurs to enjoy the benefits of the Chinese business sector. We recommend consulting with lawyers at IT-OFFSHORE to avoid potential legal consequences and ensure compliance with the laws.
Our team offers comprehensive support for your company at all stages – from registration to full backing for its activities. We not only help legally
Cost calculation
Add the required options for your company:
FAQ
Can you register a company remotely?
Yes, in most cases — you can.
Remote company registration is available in the vast majority of popular jurisdictions today. Modern corporate services, electronic document management and professional registered agents make it possible to complete the entire registration process without being physically present in the country.
The process typically works as follows: you provide the required documents electronically, sign them remotely — via a notary, apostille or electronic signature — and a local registered agent handles all communication with government authorities and document submission on your behalf.
This has been made possible by several factors: most countries allow foreign founders and directors, corporate service providers operate remotely across the globe, and the digitisation of government registries has significantly streamlined and accelerated the procedures.
The one step that may still require in-person presence is opening a corporate bank account — however, even here many banks and fintech platforms now offer remote identity verification.
What documents are needed for registration?
Registering a company in most jurisdictions requires a standard set of documents. For individuals — founders and directors — the typical requirements include: a certified copy of a passport, proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement no older than 3 months), and in some cases a bank reference letter or CV.
For corporate shareholders, the required documents include: certificate of incorporation, articles of association, register of directors and shareholders, and confirmation of the ownership structure.
Do I need to keep accounting records and submit reports?
Accounting and reporting requirements vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction. In most countries, companies are required to maintain proper bookkeeping, file annual financial statements and submit tax returns.
At the same time, there are a number of jurisdictions where reporting requirements are minimal or effectively non-existent for non-resident companies. These include, for example, the Marshall Islands, the Cook Islands, Panama, Belize, Seychelles and Vanuatu — in these countries, companies that do not conduct business within the territory of the registration state are generally exempt from mandatory financial reporting and audit requirements.
We provide full company administration services, including preparation and submission of annual reports, liaison with local authorities and ensuring full compliance with all corporate requirements of the jurisdiction.
Is it possible to open a bank account for a company?
Yes, opening a corporate bank account is possible for virtually any jurisdiction, however this process deserves careful attention. Today businesses have two main options: traditional banks and fintech platforms.
Traditional banks offer a full range of financial services, but account opening requirements have become increasingly stringent — KYC procedures, source of funds confirmation, business plans and in some cases in-person presence may be required. Fintech platforms — such as Wise, Airwallex, Revolut Business and others — open accounts significantly faster and remotely, making them a popular solution for international companies at an early stage.
Is it possible to use nominee directors?
Yes, the use of nominee directors and shareholders is a common and legitimate practice in international corporate structuring. A nominee director is formally listed in the company registry but acts exclusively in accordance with the instructions of the beneficial owner, providing an additional layer of privacy.
This service is particularly in demand in jurisdictions where information about directors and shareholders is entered into a public register — for example, in Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Malta and a number of other EU countries. In offshore jurisdictions, nominee services are also widely used to simplify corporate governance and protect ownership structures.
We provide nominee director and shareholder services for any jurisdiction we work with.