China Law Key Words · Practice Area
Company Formation
Establishing and governing China entities—registration pathways, foreign investment interfaces, chops and authority, M&A, and PE/VC structuring themes.
- Setup WFOE · JV · RO
- Gov boards & chops
- Deals M&A · PE/VC
- Counsel verified directory
What company formation covers
From name approval to ongoing corporate control
Registration pathways
WFOE, JV, RO, and related FIE setup steps and document packages.
Foreign investment interface
Negative List, sector access, and investment information reporting themes.
Governance & chops
Legal representative, seals, board mechanics, and internal authority risks.
M&A and PE/VC
Acquisitions, joint ventures, and investment documentation clusters.
Start with these guides
Flagship explainers and practical orientation
China company formation law
Guide for foreign businesses establishing a China presence.
Open guide →CompareWFOE, RO, JV, or VIE
Entity-choice orientation for market entry.
Compare →ControlCompany chops legal effect
Seal authority and control risks every foreign investor should understand.
Read →FDIForeign investment market entry
2026 legal roadmap for inbound investment.
Open →KeywordForeign Investment hub
Negative List, outbound screens, and investment structuring.
Open →KeywordCompany Registration
Registration-focused articles and checklists.
Open →Formation sequence that saves rework
Structure, then filings, then operations
- Confirm sector access first Negative List outcomes change vehicle and partner needs.
- Pick the entity for control and tax WFOE vs JV is a governance decision, not only a form.
- Design chop and bank-authority rules Seal misuse is a classic post-setup failure mode.
- Align key-person visas with setup Legal rep and expats need immigration timelines.
- Budget licences beyond the business licence Industry permits can gate actual operations.
- Plan exit and deadlock clauses early JV and shareholder documents should anticipate disputes.
Related topics & directories
Continue into neighbouring practice areas
Frequently asked questions
Orientation only—not legal advice
How long does WFOE setup take?
Timelines vary by city, sector, and document readiness. Licensed activities and special zones add steps. Use the company formation guide for sequencing.
Is a representative office enough to hire staff?
ROs are limited vehicles; operating and hiring plans often require a company form. Compare entity types carefully.
Who controls the company chops?
Whoever holds the seals can bind the company in practice. Internal policies and dual control are essential.
When do we need M&A counsel?
Share purchases, asset deals, or JV restructurings. See M&A and foreign-investment keyword hubs.
Forming or restructuring a China entity?
Talk to verified company-formation counsel or start with the national guide.
Directory and legal information only—not legal advice. No attorney–client relationship is formed by using this site. Rules and thresholds change; verify current requirements for your facts and jurisdiction.
Guides & articles
Practical writing from counsel and the portal editorial team on this topic