(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
Registering a business in China has become faster and more digital in 2025, but overseas brands still face unique hurdles like approval requirements and capital rules. With over a decade guiding hundreds of international companies through the process, here is the exact sequence that delivers approval in 30–60 days with minimal rejections.
- Choosing the Right Business Entity Type
1.1 WFOE (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise) – Most Popular Choice Flexibility Advantage: WFOEs allow 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation in most sectors. Industry Restrictions: Still prohibited or restricted in education, telecoms, and certain media—check the 2025 Negative List first. Strategic Fit: Ideal for brands planning manufacturing, trading, or consulting operations in China.
1.2 Joint Venture vs. Representative Office JV Requirements: Mandatory in some restricted sectors and requires a Chinese partner. Rep Office Limitations: Can only conduct liaison activities—no direct invoicing or profit-making. Decision Framework: Most overseas brands choose WFOE for control and simplicity.
- Name Pre-Approval and Feasibility Checks 2.1 National Name Search System Online Reservation: Use the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) portal to reserve your Chinese name for 6 months. Naming Rules: Must include city + brand + industry + “Limited” and avoid prohibited terms. Pro Tip: Prepare 5–10 variations as popular English transliterations are often taken.
2.2 Industry and Location Pre-Checks Negative List Review: Confirm your business scope is in the encouraged or permitted category. Free Trade Zone Benefits: Registering in Shanghai, Hainan, or Beijing FTZ often skips MOFCOM approval. Time Saver: Complete these checks before leasing an address to avoid rework.
- Preparing and Submitting Registration Documents
3.1 Core Document Package Articles of Association: Detail share structure, business scope, and governance rules. Investor Documents: Passport copies, bank reference letters, and two years of audited financials. Local Requirements: Chinese legal representative (can be foreign) and supervisor appointment.
3.2 Fully Online Submission via Single Window Platform Usage: Submit everything through the national enterprise registration system. E-Signature Adoption: Most cities now accept electronic chops and foreign e-signatures. Processing Timeline: Name approval 1–3 days, full registration 5–15 days in major cities.
- Post-Registration Mandatory Steps
4.1 Chops, Bank Account, and Tax Registration Official Seals: Carve company, financial, and legal rep chops within one week. Basic Bank Account: Required for capital injection—ICBC and Bank of China remain most foreign-friendly. Tax and Social Insurance: Activate VAT/general taxpayer status and enroll employees immediately.
Case Study: A Scandinavian Furniture Giant
A leading Nordic home furnishings brand wanted to establish local sourcing and e-commerce operations. They selected a trading WFOE in Shanghai FTZ, prepared a precise Chinese name with multiple backups, and submitted via the online single window. The entire process—from name reservation to opening a RMB bank account—took just 38 days, enabling them to participate in the next China International Import Expo and secure Tmall Global partnership ahead of schedule.
Conclusion China company registration in 2025 is now predominantly online and faster than ever, provided you choose the right entity, prepare flawless documents, and leverage FTZ advantages. Overseas brands that follow this proven sequence launch operations smoothly and compliantly.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, TikTok, Tmall, Baidu, and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries’ exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us, and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search PLTFRM for a free consultation!
