Foreign-invested enterprise
For long-term operations, local contracts, employees, invoicing and an operating presence.
Invest in China
Build and operate your business in China
From market-entry assessment and company formation to finance, industry coordination and local operations, we help international businesses establish a practical and compliant presence in China.
A market-entry decision, not just a registration task
China's nationwide foreign-investment negative list has applied since 1 November 2024. Outside listed restricted sectors, foreign investment is generally managed under the principle of equal treatment, while sector licences and local implementation still require case-specific review.
Choose an entry model around the real business
Joint venture
Where local industrial resources, market access or a strategic operating partner adds genuine value.
Representative office
For liaison and market research where direct revenue-generating activity is not required.
M&A or equity investment
For acquiring an existing business, technology, production capability or distribution channel.
Distributor or partner model
For testing demand before committing to a fully operational local entity.
Primary location choices
Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Hangzhou
These are our main starting points. The final location should follow customers, talent, supply chain, cost, licences and operating needs rather than city reputation alone.
Shanghai
Regional management, trade and commercial operations
A strong starting point for international headquarters functions, professional services, consumer markets and cross-border commercial activity.
Beijing
Policy-facing, research and enterprise markets
Suitable where regulatory engagement, national institutions, research talent or large enterprise clients are central to the business.
Shenzhen
Technology, hardware and supply-chain execution
Particularly relevant for technology products, advanced manufacturing, hardware ecosystems and Greater Bay Area operations.
Hangzhou
Digital commerce and technology operations
A practical base for e-commerce, digital platforms, consumer technology and data-driven operating teams.
Special industries require a separate location study
Manufacturing, healthcare, education, telecommunications, finance, data-intensive services, chemicals, food and other regulated or site-dependent activities may need a different city, industrial park or free-trade-zone assessment. We compare the operating requirement first, then the location.
The first 100 days
A controlled route from initial intent to an operating business.
Entry and sector review
Business model, negative-list screening, licences, ownership, city and investment route.
Structure and establishment
Entity documents, registration, capital plan, governance and adviser coordination.
Operating infrastructure
Banking, tax, invoicing, accounting, payroll, employment and internal controls.
Launch and management
Supplier onboarding, reporting, cash flow, compliance calendar and management dashboard.
Support that continues after incorporation
China accounting, tax and management reporting
Local team setup, payroll and finance operations
Supply-chain, procurement and industrial coordination
Distributor, supplier and partner due diligence
Budgeting, cash-flow control and payment approvals
Group reporting and overseas-parent-company coordination
Questions investors ask first
Can a foreign investor own 100% of a Chinese company?
In many sectors, yes. The exact answer depends on the current foreign-investment negative list, market-access rules and sector-specific licensing.
Which of the four cities should we choose?
We assess customers, talent, suppliers, logistics, cost, regulation and management access. Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Hangzhou are primary options, not automatic answers.
Is a Hong Kong holding company required?
No. It can be useful in some structures, but ownership, tax, financing, treaty access, substance and exit plans must be reviewed before deciding.
Does company registration mean the business can operate immediately?
Not necessarily. Banking, tax, invoicing, licences, employees, premises and sector approvals may determine the true launch date.
Start with the operating plan
Tell us what you will sell, build, source or manage in China. We will map the entity, city, licences, people and financial controls needed to make it operational.