China Company Setup: How to Start a Real Business in China? (Full Intro Guide)
- Roman Verzin
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Opening a company in China is not like opening one in Hong Kong or Singapore.
Yes, China is a huge market.
Yes, it offers big opportunities.
But it also comes with more rules, more paperwork — and more ways to get stuck.
In this series, we’ll help you understand how to set up a company in China the right way. Step by step. Without confusion.
Why China is different
We’ve talked before about where to incorporate your international business. But China is a special case.
It’s not just about filling a form and getting a certificate. Running a Chinese company means operating a real business — with real presence.
That means:
Renting a real office
Hiring local staff on payroll
Preparing and filing reports
Staying compliant with licenses and local tax rules
And — most importantly — having a business model that actually works in China
If you don’t have this substance, your structure will break sooner or later. Not on paper — but in practice.
Why do some companies fail?
We’ve seen founders from Russia, MENA, Central Asia, Africa — even Europe — set up Chinese companies… Only to shut them down a year or two later. Not because China is impossible. But because their setup didn’t match reality.
They tried to run “on paper.” Or they didn’t realize what was required to stay compliant. Or they chose the wrong structure — and banks blocked them later.
That’s what this guide is here to help with.
What this series will cover
We’ll go through every key part of the setup — and explain what really matters:
Types of legal entities — and how to choose between them
Business Scope — what your company is legally allowed to do
Registered and paid-up capital — how much you need, and when to inject funds
Office requirements and location rules — what’s accepted, and what’s not
Key roles and responsibilities — legal rep, supervisor, director
Licenses, inspections, and reporting — what to prepare after registration
Bank accounts — how Chinese banks actually work, and what they check
Taxes in China — VAT, corporate tax, personal income tax, and more
VAT refunds for exporters — who qualifies, and how to apply
Dividends — how to repatriate profits legally
Work visas for foreigners — and common issues with relocation
Who really needs a Chinese company — and who might be better off without one
Step-by-step registration process — with all stages and documents
Bonus: Strategic industries in China — and how government support works
Who this guide is for
If you’re planning a trading company, a local sales office, a manufacturing setup — or just want to understand if China is right for your business — this series is for you.
Especially if you’re from a complex or underbanked country, and want to avoid expensive mistakes.
How we can help
At United Suppliers Group, we’ve helped founders from over 20 countries build real operations in China — or choose smarter alternatives.
We don’t just help register a company. We help you build a working structure.
Want to talk about your case? Book a private consultation — or follow the guide to explore the options first.
Let’s get started.