How to Register a Company in China: Options and Timeline

Foreign founders often ask how to register a company in China. The short answer is that you choose a legal structure, register it with the official registry, and then complete your tax registration and any licences your activity needs. Below are the registration routes ORBIZLY lists for China, with their typical timeline.

How do you register a company in China?

Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) Registration. Typical time: About 3 to 6 months (as little as 2 months for consulting-type companies). Where this comes from: Adviser guides, because the office does not publish an official figure. Varies by city and industry. Official page: http://en.moc.gov.cn/

Social Organization / NGO Registration. Typical time: Varies. Confirm with the registry. Official page: http://www.mca.gov.cn/

Pick the route that matches what you plan to do. If you are unsure which structure suits a business that will hire staff, sell abroad or take investment, ask an expert before you file.

What do you need after the company is registered?

A registered company usually still has to complete tax registration and, in some industries, extra permits. In China these are handled by the following bodies.

Tax and goods and services registration: the State Taxation Administration. Official source: chinatax.gov.cn

Sector-specific permits: the sector regulators and the local market regulation bureau. Official source: samr.gov.cn

Importing goods: the General Administration of Customs of China. Official source: english.customs.gov.cn

Exporting controlled goods: the Ministry of Commerce and China Customs. Official source: english.mofcom.gov.cn

Should you protect your brand when you register?

Registering a company does not protect your brand name. A trademark does. Filing early stops someone else from taking your name in China.

Trademark Filing (CNIPA). Typical time: About 7 to 12 months in total, with examination taking 3 to 6 months. Where this comes from: Adviser guides, because the office does not publish an official figure. CNIPA offers faster examination for eligible cases. Official page: https://english.cnipa.gov.cn/

What is the next step?

Take the free ORBIZLY eligibility assessment to see which countries and programs fit your business, or book a consulting session to talk through company registration in China with an expert.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Timelines change and depend on your business. Ask for a quote for your case. Confirm the details with the official source linked above or with an expert before you apply.