James Zhao
Shaanxi Fazhi Law Firm · Yanan
Practice area · China
Company Formation Lawyers in China
WFOE, JV, and foreign investment setup — listed counsel for market entry.
77+listed lawyers
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Overview
Practice orientation
Browse company formation lawyers for WFOE setup, joint ventures, M&A support, foreign investment review, and corporate governance. Entity choice, business scope, and negative-list restrictions still drive structure.
See our company formation guide and WFOE explainer.
Legal context
Process, issues, and further reading
Typical market-entry path
- Confirm sector access under the foreign-investment negative list and any licensing regimes.
- Choose entity form (WFOE, JV, partnership, or RO) and draft scope of business carefully.
- Name pre-approval, registered capital plan, and legal representative / director appointments.
- SAMR registration, bank account, tax registration, and social-insurance onboarding.
- Post-setup: chops control, contracts, employment files, and ongoing compliance calendar.
Key PRC sources (illustrative)
- Foreign Investment Law of the PRC (2019) — foreign investment treatment and negative-list framework.
- Company Law of the PRC (rev. 2023, effective 2024) — capital contribution, governance, and director duties.
- Regulations on the Registration and Administration of Market Entities — SAMR registration practice.
Deep dives: company formation guide · WFOE explainer · Doing Business in China.
Directory
Lawyers
Brian Liu
Shaanxi Yongjiaxin Law Firm · Weinan
Minghui Chen
Shaanxi Hyperion Law Firm · Xi'an
Hongcheng Chen
Taiyuan Zhongze Law Firm · Taiyuan
Hongcheng Chen is a Taiyuan-based lawyer specializing in foreign investment law, assisting multinational corporations...
Sophia Chen
Haikou
Sophia Chen is a foreign investment lawyer based in Haikou, Hainan, serving foreign businesses and individuals.
Jianhua Chen
Shenyang
Jianhua Chen is a seasoned corporate lawyer with 15 years of experience advising multinational enterprises on foreign...
Wei Wang
Jilin Zhongheng Law Firm · Changchun
Wei Wang is a Changchun-based foreign investment lawyer with 18 years of experience advising multinational companies ...
FAQ
Common questions
WFOE or joint venture?
WFOEs suit full control where the sector is open; JVs fit restricted sectors or strategic local partners. Map the negative list first.
Do these lawyers work with foreign clients?
Many listed counsel assist foreign businesses and individuals. Check languages on each profile and request an English consultation when available.
What does a consultation cover?
Usually a short case assessment, whether China is the right jurisdiction, and practical next steps. It is not full representation; terms vary by lawyer.
Common setup cities?
Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou are frequent; secondary cities fit manufacturing and logistics.
Can't find the right lawyer?
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