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🇨🇳 Turnkey Company Formation in China

Form a Company in China — 100% Foreign-Owned WFOE

From name pre-approval to SAMR registration, from the business license and company chops to RMB banking and e-Fapiao tax setup — we run the whole process. Your WFOE in Shanghai, Shenzhen or Hangzhou, license in hand within 4-8 weeks.

Free ConsultationSee the Process
✓ Business license in 4-8 weeks✓ Subscribed capital — no upfront paid-in requirement✓ RMB basic account + e-Fapiao invoicing
营业执照 / BUSINESS LICENSE
Unified Social Credit Code91310000MA1K35XQ2T
Company TypeLimited Liability Company (Wholly Foreign-Owned)
Registration AuthorityShanghai / SAMR
Date of Establishment22 April 2025
✓ STATE ADMINISTRATION FOR MARKET REGULATION

Official process & partners

SAMRState Taxation AdministrationSAFEBank of ChinaICBCPSB Chop Filing

Entity Types

Which China Entity Suits You?

The WFOE (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise, 外商独资企业) is the default vehicle for foreign investors — 100% foreign ownership, full invoicing and hiring rights. A JV suits license-restricted sectors; a Representative Office cannot trade at all.

WFOE (外商独资企业 — Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise)

✅ The default choice — 100% foreign ownership

💰 Registered capital: subscribed system, no statutory minimum for most sectors (2024 Company Law: pay in within 5 years)
📋 1+ foreign shareholder · 1 legal representative (may be a foreigner) · registered address in China · SAMR registration

E-commerce, trading, consulting, tech services and manufacturing. Fully foreign-controlled, profits repatriable through proper channels, issues its own fapiao (e-Fapiao), hires Chinese staff and opens Alipay/WeChat Pay merchant accounts. It is the legal basis for official flagship stores on Tmall, JD.com and Douyin.

Joint Venture (JV, 合资企业)

🤝 Shared with a Chinese partner — restricted sectors

💰 Registered capital: subscribed per shareholding (paid within 5 years)
📋 1+ foreign + 1+ Chinese shareholder · shareholders' agreement · SAMR registration

Sectors still restricted for foreign investment (parts of value-added telecom, media, publishing) or businesses that genuinely need a local partner's licenses, channels and government relationships. Governance and exit mechanics must be engineered upfront in the articles and shareholders' agreement — we draft both.

Representative Office (RO, 代表处)

🏢 Market research & liaison only — cannot trade

💰 No registered capital
📋 Parent company incorporated 2+ years · chief representative · registration filing

Market research, liaison and brand presence only: an RO cannot sign sales contracts, cannot issue invoices and cannot collect trading revenue — and it is taxed on a deemed basis from its expenses. If your goal is actual sales, a WFOE or the CBEC route is almost always the better answer.

Domestic LLC (有限责任公司 with Chinese shareholder)

🇨🇳 Local structure — requires a Chinese shareholder

💰 Registered capital: subscribed (paid within 5 years)
📋 At least 1 Chinese shareholder · legal representative · SAMR registration

Foreign investors cannot hold shares directly — only via a trusted Chinese nominee or minority partner, which carries real legal risk (nominee agreements offer limited protection). Generally a last resort for the few sectors fully closed to foreign capital; we recommend evaluating WFOE or JV first.

Formation Process

From Name Approval to First Fapiao — 4-8 Weeks

Name check 1-3 days, SAMR registration and license 1-2 weeks, chops 2-3 days, bank account 1-3 weeks (legal representative usually attends in person), tax registration 1 week. Realistic pacing below.

  1. 1
    Day 0

    Consultation & City Selection

    We define the entity (WFOE vs JV) and location — Shanghai FTZ, Shenzhen Qianhai and Hangzhou's cross-border e-commerce zone each carry different incentives. The business scope (经营范围) is drafted carefully: it determines whether you may run e-commerce, import/export or value-added telecom activities. Registered capital is sized — subscribed, not paid upfront, but publicly visible and reputation-relevant.

  2. 2
    Day 1-3

    Name Approval & Document Legalization

    Company name filed in the SAMR system in the mandatory format "region + trade name + industry + Co., Ltd." (行政区划+字号+行业+有限公司). Foreign shareholder documents (certificate of incorporation or passport) are legalized — China joined the Hague Apostille Convention in November 2023, so a single apostille now replaces consular legalization for most countries.

  3. 3
    Week 1-2

    SAMR Registration Filing

    Articles of association, legal representative and supervisor appointments, registered address lease and shareholder documents are filed with the local Administration for Market Regulation. Foreign investment information is reported to MOFCOM in parallel under the FIE information reporting system.

  4. 4
    Week 2-3

    Business License Issued

    Upon approval, the business license (营业执照) is issued with the 18-digit Unified Social Credit Code — the company's single legal identity in China, in electronic and paper form simultaneously. The company legally exists from this moment.

  5. 5
    Week 3-4

    Company Chops & PSB Filing

    The company chop (公章), finance chop, legal representative chop and fapiao chop are carved and filed with the Public Security Bureau. In China the chop — not a signature — is what binds the company; we hand over a chop-control protocol together with the seals.

  6. 6
    Week 4-8

    RMB Bank Account + Tax & e-Fapiao

    The RMB basic account (基本户) is opened — the legal representative usually attends the bank interview in person — plus a foreign-currency capital account with SAFE registration. Tax registration is completed on the e-tax bureau, tax categories assessed, e-Fapiao (数电发票) and social insurance/housing fund accounts activated. The company can now invoice, collect and hire.

Why Incorporate in China?

The world's second-largest economy, 1.4 billion consumers and the most advanced e-commerce and mobile-payment ecosystem on earth — a local entity is the key that unlocks all of it.

🛒

Direct Access to Domestic Marketplaces

Domestic flagship stores on Tmall, JD.com, Douyin and Pinduoduo require a Chinese legal entity and local invoicing capability. A WFOE lets you operate as the official brand store instead of depending on distributors — you keep pricing power, customer data and the brand asset.

💰

Competitive Tax Incentives

Standard corporate income tax is 25%, but qualifying small low-profit enterprises pay an effective rate as low as 5% (on profit up to RMB 3M), and certified High-and-New Technology Enterprises pay 15%. R&D super-deduction reaches 100%. Free trade zones and pilot zones add regional incentives on top.

📱

Alipay + WeChat Pay Merchant Accounts

Over 90% of Chinese online transactions run through Alipay and WeChat Pay — and merchant onboarding requires a Chinese entity with a corporate bank account. Once your WFOE is live, RMB revenue settles directly into your own basic account.

🏭

Supply Chain & Manufacturing Hinterland

Buying as a local entity in Shenzhen, Dongguan or Yiwu gets you special VAT fapiao for input credit and export VAT refunds — a structural cost advantage no offshore company can access. Import/export rights (foreign trade operator filing) are obtained alongside formation.

📜

Subscribed Capital — Low Cash Pressure

No upfront capital verification: under the subscription system you declare the amount and schedule yourself, and the 2024 Company Law only requires full payment within 5 years. Compared with the old paid-in verification era, the entry barrier is dramatically lower and capital follows your business rhythm.

🌏

Two Routes: Domestic + CBEC

With a WFOE you can run domestic e-commerce and bonded cross-border models side by side; without one you can still test the market via Tmall Global or JD Worldwide using your overseas company. We support both routes and the switch between them.

What We Need From You

Just these documents — SAMR filing, chop registration, banking and tax setup are all handled by us.

  • ✓Foreign shareholder documents: certificate of incorporation (corporate) or passport (individual), with apostille
  • ✓Passport copies of the legal representative and supervisor
  • ✓3 Chinese company name candidates (format: region + trade name + industry + Co., Ltd.)
  • ✓Description of business activities (we draft the official business scope wording)
  • ✓Registered capital amount and shareholding structure (subscribed — we advise a sensible figure)
  • ✓Preferred city (Shanghai / Shenzhen / Hangzhou etc. — compliant address solutions available)

China Company Formation — Inquiry

Send your details — within 24 hours you receive a tailored proposal and a city/zone incentive comparison. Free, no obligation.

COUNTRY-SPECIFIC

Built for the China Market

Local marketplaces, carriers, payment methods and compliance frameworks — from a single panel

Local Marketplaces

  • Tmall Global
  • JD.com
  • Pinduoduo
  • Douyin Mağaza
  • Taobao
  • Xiaohongshu

Carrier Integrations

  • SF Express
  • JD Logistics
  • Cainiao
  • YTO Express
  • ZTO Express
  • China Post

Payment Methods

  • Alipay
  • WeChat Pay
  • UnionPay
  • HuabeiBNPL
  • JD BaitiaoBNPL

Compliance & Legal

  • PIPL (个人信息保护法)
  • Siber Güvenlik Kanunu (网络安全法)
  • ICP Lisansı / 备案
  • CCC Sertifikasyonu
  • 增值税 (VAT) %13
  • e-Fapiao (数电发票)
SUCCESS STORY

A elektronik aksesuar üreticisi in Shenzhen

"WFOE kuruluşundan sonra Tmall Global'de ilk yıl ¥2M+ ciroya ulaştı"

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an ICP license to run an e-commerce website?

Any website hosted on servers inside China needs an ICP filing (备案, non-commercial, tied to the domain and hosting). Operating a for-profit internet information service — such as a platform hosting third-party sellers — requires a commercial ICP license; notably, e-commerce value-added telecom services may be 100% foreign-owned. If you simply open stores on existing platforms (Tmall, JD, Douyin), you do not need your own ICP license — the business license and category qualifications suffice. We map the exact compliance list to your model.

Must the legal representative be Chinese or live in China?

No. The legal representative (法定代表人) can be a foreigner, and the law does not require a Chinese visa or residence. Two practical caveats: banks usually require the legal representative to attend the account-opening interview in person (some accept video verification — case by case), and the legal representative bears personal legal responsibility for company acts, so choose carefully. A supervisor (监事) must also be appointed — a different person, foreigner permitted.

How much registered capital do I need? Must it be paid in?

Most industries have no statutory minimum and China uses a subscribed capital system — you declare an amount and schedule, with no payment or capital verification at formation. The revised Company Law effective 1 July 2024 requires subscribed capital to be fully paid within 5 years of establishment. Practically: too low (e.g. RMB 10,000) hurts bank onboarding, platform admission and customer trust; too high creates a future payment obligation. For cross-border trade and e-commerce WFOEs, RMB 500K-2M is a common range — we size it to your plan.

How long does the whole process take?

Realistically 4-8 weeks: name approval 1-3 days, SAMR registration and business license 1-2 weeks, chops and PSB filing 2-3 days, RMB basic account 1-3 weeks (bank review pace varies most), tax registration and e-Fapiao activation about 1 week. Start the apostille of foreign documents early — it is the most common bottleneck for the overall timeline.

What taxes will my company pay in China?

Corporate income tax is 25% standard; qualifying small low-profit enterprises pay an effective rate as low as 5% (annual taxable profit up to RMB 3M and related conditions); certified hi-tech enterprises pay 15%. VAT is 13% standard on goods, with 9% and 6% reduced bands; small-scale taxpayers use a simplified low rate. Invoicing is fully digital via e-Fapiao (数电发票). Our formation package includes first-year bookkeeping and filing setup.

Can I sell in China without a company? (CBEC)

Yes. Under the cross-border e-commerce retail import regime (CBEC), an overseas company can join Tmall Global, JD Worldwide or Kaola directly: goods enter via bonded warehouses or direct mail, taxed under the favorable CBEC composite tax, with no Chinese entity required. It is the standard low-cost way to test the market. Limits: only "positive list" products, per-order and annual purchase quotas, and no access to domestic general trade or offline channels. The common strategy is CBEC first, then form a WFOE once volume justifies it — we handle both phases.

🇹🇷 TR🇬🇧 EN🇩🇪 DE🇫🇷 FR🇪🇸 ES🇮🇹 IT🇵🇹 PT🇳🇱 NL🇵🇱 PL🇭🇺 HU🇬🇷 EL🇸🇦 AR🇨🇳 ZH🇯🇵 JA

Company Formation in Germany: A 2026 Step-by-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs

As the economic powerhouse of Europe, Germany offers unparalleled stability and purchasing power for entrepreneurs looking to build a global brand. Yet forming a company in Germany is far more than a paperwork exercise — it demands the right strategy, mastery of local regulations and meticulous planning. In this guide, backed by Zunapro expertise, you will find every detail, cost and critical insight you need to succeed.

Why Incorporate in Germany?

Germany's strategic location and world-class logistics network make it a gateway not only to the German market but to the entire European Union. Key advantages include:

  • Prestige & Credibility: A German GmbH or UG status commands the highest level of trust among global suppliers, banks and investors.
  • Tariff-Free EU Trade: Sell goods and services to all EU member states without customs duties through your German entity.
  • Grants & Incentives: The German government offers grants, low-interest loans and tax incentives — especially for start-ups in tech, software and sustainability.
  • Digital Administration: By 2026, a significant portion of German public administration is digitised, making registration processes faster than ever before.

Most Popular Legal Structures in Germany

Choosing the right legal structure for your business model and capital situation is critical for managing future liabilities.

1. GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung)

Germany's most prestigious and widely used company form — equivalent to a Limited Liability Company.

  • Minimum Capital: €25,000. At least half (€12,500) must be deposited in cash into a business bank account upon incorporation.
  • Liability: Shareholders are only liable up to their contributed capital; personal assets are fully protected.

2. UG (Unternehmensgesellschaft – Haftungsbeschränkt)

Often called "Mini GmbH," this structure is ideal for early-stage entrepreneurs with limited capital.

  • Minimum Capital: As little as €1 in symbolic share capital.
  • Conversion Path: The company must retain 25% of annual profits as reserves. Once total capital reaches €25,000, it automatically converts to a GmbH.

Step-by-Step Company Registration Process

German bureaucracy rewards discipline. Zunapro manages the entire journey for you across these 6 key steps:

  1. IHK Name Check: The company name must be unique and relevant to the business activity. Prior approval is obtained from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).
  2. Notarial Deed & Articles of Association: The articles of association (Satzung) are signed before a German notary. Valid identification for all shareholders and the managing director is mandatory.
  3. Business Bank Account Opening: After notarisation, a business bank account is opened in the company's name and the share capital is deposited and blocked. This is the most expertise-intensive stage for foreign investors.
  4. Commercial Register (Handelsregister) Filing: The bank deposit slip is presented to the notary, who files the registration with the Commercial Court. Upon registration, the company receives an "HRB" number and attains legal personality.
  5. Tax Office (Finanzamt) Notification: Applications are submitted for the company's tax number (Steuernummer) and VAT identification number (USt-IdNr) for EU-wide trading.
  6. Business Registration (Gewerbeanmeldung): A trade notification is filed with the local municipality (Ordnungsamt) where the company will operate.
Important: German citizenship or residence is not required to form a company in Germany. However, you must have a legally recognised business address (virtual or physical) where official correspondence can be delivered.

German Tax System & Financial Obligations

Germany's tax framework is transparent but strict. With Zunapro guidance, you can optimise the following core tax items:

  • Corporate Tax (Körperschaftsteuer): Flat rate of 15%.
  • Solidarity Surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag): 5.5% levied on top of corporate tax.
  • Trade Tax (Gewerbesteuer): Varies by municipality; typically between 14% and 17%.
  • VAT (MwSt): Standard rate 19%; reduced rate 7% for selected goods and services.

Can You Obtain German Residency Through Your Company?

Yes — once your company is established, you may apply for a German residence permit under Section 21 of the German Residence Act. Eligibility criteria include the project's economic contribution, regional demand and financial viability. Zunapro strengthens your application with professionally prepared business plans.

Why Choose Zunapro?

Germany's market is full of opportunity, but errors in the setup process can lead to heavy fines and costly delays. Zunapro offers end-to-end support from incorporation to full operation:

  • Local Expertise: A specialist team well-versed in German law and accounting.
  • Smooth Banking: Solution-focused approach to opening accounts for foreign-owned structures.
  • Full Bureaucracy Management: All communication with notaries, municipalities and tax authorities handled professionally.
  • Ongoing Support: Post-formation accounting, tax advisory and trademark registration services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to travel to Germany to form a company?

Some steps can be handled via power of attorney, but physical presence of the founding partner or director at the notary and bank greatly increases efficiency and success rates.

2. Is a virtual office address legally acceptable?

Yes. A registered business address that meets tax office standards is fully legal and significantly reduces overheads.

3. How long does the entire process take?

With complete documentation, all registration procedures are typically completed within 4 to 8 weeks.

Push beyond borders with Zunapro! Contact us today to incorporate in Germany and grow your business on the global stage with expert support.

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