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China Law Key Words · Company Formation

Company Registration

Practical pathways to register a China company—entity choice, name and business scope, capital, chops, and post-licence compliance for foreign investors.

  • Entity WFOE · JV · more
  • Licence business licence
  • Scope business scope
  • Counsel directory

What company registration covers

From entity design to a usable business licence

Choose

Entity type

WFOE, JV, partnership forms, and when an RO is too limited for your plan.

File

Registration package

Name, scope, registered address, capital, and investor documents.

Activate

Chops, bank, tax

Seals, bank account opening, and tax registrations that unlock operations.

Change

Amendments

Scope changes, address moves, legal rep swaps, and equity updates.

Start with these guides

Flagship explainers and practical orientation

Core

Company registration for foreign investors

Step orientation for foreign investors registering in China.

Read guide →Compare

WFOE vs joint venture

Structures, registration themes, and governance trade-offs.

Compare →Choice

WFOE, RO, JV, or VIE

Entity-choice roadmap before you file.

Open →Governance

Registration & governance

How setup choices lock later control.

Read →Parent

Company formation law guide

National company formation orientation.

Open →PDF

WFOE setup checklist

Free checklist for WFOE preparation.

Get checklist →

Registration sequence that avoids rework

Design first, then submit

  • Confirm Negative List access Restricted sectors change vehicle and partner needs before name approval.
  • Draft a realistic business scope Too narrow blocks operations; too broad can delay approval.
  • Secure a compliant registered address Virtual/address provider rules vary by district.
  • Prepare investor KYC early Notarisation and apostille timelines often dominate the calendar.
  • Define legal rep and chop custodians Authority design prevents post-setup capture risk.
  • Budget bank and tax onboarding Licence day is not go-live day.

Related: Foreign Investment · Corporate Governance · Company Formation.

Frequently asked questions

Orientation only—not legal advice

How long does company registration take?

City, sector, and document readiness drive timelines. Licensed industries and special zones add steps.

Is a WFOE always available?

Not in every sector. Check market-access rules first via the Foreign Investment / Negative List materials.

Can we change business scope later?

Usually yes via amendment filings, but some changes re-open review. Plan scope carefully at setup.

When do we need counsel?

Foreign investors, JV negotiations, or regulated sectors. Use the company registration lawyer directory.

Registering a China company?

Match with verified company-formation counsel or start with the registration guides.

Find Company Registration lawyers →Ask a LawyerRegistration 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