Consult an Expert

Shanghai Company Registration

Open a company in Shanghai, the economic heart of China, in as little as 15 working days.

Get a Quote
China company registration

Open a Company in Shanghai

Shanghai is the richest (by GDP output) and most populated city in China with a population of 25 million. The city is a global center for finance, manufacturing, trade, technology, science and education. The port of Shanghai is the world’s busiest container port and the Shanghai metro is the longest metro network in the world.

We can register WFOEs, representative offices and joint ventures in Shanghai. We also provide registered addresses and assist with corporate bank account openings. WFOE is an acronym for Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise. It is a 100% foreign owned (individual or corporate) limited liability company able to generate profit, invoice clients and hire local and foreign employees in China.

WFOEs are the most popular business structure for foreign businesses entering China. Setting up a WFOE takes 2 to 3 months. We’ll need to prepare all incorporation documents, open your Chinese corporate bank accounts, and assign a legal representative.

Generate profits

Send funds overseas

Hire staff

Invoice clients

Why Shanghai is Ideal for Foreign Investors

Shanghai is a global financial hub and one of the most dynamic cities in the world, offering unmatched opportunities for foreign investors. Here’s why it stands out:

Strategic Location and Market Access

Shanghai’s position as China’s largest city and a gateway to the Yangtze River Delta provides access to a vast consumer base and seamless international trade through its world-class ports and logistics infrastructure.

Robust Infrastructure and Business Ecosystem

The city boasts advanced transportation networks, industrial parks, and Free Trade Zones (FTZs) that offer streamlined procedures and preferential policies for foreign businesses.

Access to a Skilled Workforce

Shanghai attracts top talent from across China and the globe, supported by leading universities and research institutions that produce professionals in fields like technology, finance, and engineering.

International Business Environment

Home to a thriving international business community, Shanghai provides endless opportunities for networking, partnerships, and capital raising through its financial markets, including the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Registering a company in Shanghai positions your business at the heart of one of the world’s most competitive and innovative cities, making it an ideal choice for growth and success.

FDI China Resources

Shanghai at a Glance

Population

24.87 million

GDP

¥4.7 Trillion ($670 Billion)

Per capita income

¥190,270 ($27,000)

Minimum wage

¥2500 / month

Metro network

896 km (556.7 mi)

Tax Refund with Registered Addresses in Jing'an

Jing’an is one of the prime districts of Shanghai that make up downtown Shanghai. The districts is located west of Huangpu district, where the iconic bund is located. It is a popular residential area for young local and expat city workers. Over the past decade, the area has become one of Shanghai’s premiere commerce blocks, hosting a large number of 5 star hotels, embassies, high-profile office real estate and entertainment.

FDI China’s premium registered addresses are located in Jing’an. With these, our clients are able to apply for tax rebates that increase the higher the taxable income is. Contact us for more details.

WFOE registration in China

Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Opportunities

The Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ) is a hub for foreign investment, offering streamlined registration processes, reduced bureaucracy, and improved market access. Businesses in the FTZ benefit from duty-free imports of goods and equipment, modern infrastructure, and efficient logistics. Financial liberalization policies also enable easier cross-border transactions and foreign currency management. These advantages make the FTZ a prime location for companies looking to establish a presence in China with fewer operational hurdles.

shanghai free trade zone

Shanghai Company Registration Procedure

1. Preparation

Deciding your company's structure and details.

2. Document submission

Collection and organizing your company registration application.

15 working days

3. Company registration

Application with the administration for Market Regulation (AMR). Your wholly owned foreign enterprise is registered and company chops issued.

15 working days

4. Corporate Accounts

Opening of your corporate bank account & tax accounts.

5. License applications

Application and issuance of additional licenses if applicable.

6. Post-registration support

Monthly tax & accounting reports for compliance.

Types of Companies you can Register in Shanghai

Consulting WFOE

For companies providing services in or from China.

A consulting WFOE is the most simple foreign-owned legal entity to set up. No additional licenses or certificates are needed. 

Trading WFOE

For companies importing into or exporting out of China.

Trading WFOEs are essentially consulting WFOEs armed with an import/export license and other licenses for specialty products. Trading companies can take advantage of Free Trade zones in Shanghai & Guangdong.

Manufacturing WFOE

For companies conducting manufacturing operations in China.

A manufacturing Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise is a highly specialized WFOE that has passed safety and environmental government examinations in order to manufacture products in China. Ideal for assembling final or intermediate goods.

Representative Office

For companies conducting nonprofit activities.

A representative office is ideal for a nonprofit operation such as on-site customer support for existing clients, field research and/or marketing.

Joint Venture

For companies with foreign and Chinese shareholders.

A joint venture (JV) is a company with both foreign shareholders and Chinese shareholders. As of 2021, there is no % ownership limitation of any party in the JV. JVs are able to operate in more restrictive and higher liability business sectors within China.

Our Working Process

Consultation & Proposal

We (can) advise you on the best solution for your business model and send you our comprehensive proposal.

Signing & Payment

After reviewing the proposal, we sign the service contract and receive your payment.

Preparing Documents

We send you an application form as well as the list of documents we need from your side.

Incorporation FAQs

Foreigners can register several types of companies in China, including:

Key requirements include:

  • A unique company name (approved by the local Administration for Market Regulation).
  • Stated registered capital (varies by business type).
  • A physical office address in China.
  • Legal representatives and shareholders’ information.
  • A business scope aligned with Chinese regulations.

The entire process typically takes 1-3 months, depending on:

  • The business structure.
  • Completeness of documents.
  • Specific location and administrative efficiency.

A Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) is a legal entity fully owned by foreign investors. It’s popular because:

  • It allows full control over operations.
  • It can issue invoices (fapiao) and engage in profit-making activities.
  • It protects intellectual property.
  • It permits hiring staff directly.

China does not mandate a minimum for many industries, but having sufficient capital demonstrates financial strength.

The registered capital amount varies based on industry and business location.

  • For general consulting WFOEs, RMB 100,000 to RMB 500,000 is common.
  • For manufacturing, logistics, or trading, it can exceed RMB 1 million.

Yes, in many cases, you can delegate the process to a local firm like FDI China. However, for opening a bank account, personal presence is required.

No, you don’t need a Chinese partner to register a WFOE. However, if you opt for a Joint Venture (JV), you must collaborate with a Chinese entity.

The legal representative is the person who has the authority to act on behalf of the company. They:

  • Sign key documents.
  • Represent the company in legal and financial matters.
  • Are responsible for the company’s compliance.
    This person can be a foreigner or a Chinese citizen.

The business scope defines the activities your company is legally allowed to perform in China. For example, “import/export trade” or “IT consulting services.”


A well-defined business scope ensures compliance and prevents issues during tax filing or licensing.

Yes, a foreign company can own property in China if it is registered locally as a WFOE or JV. Representative Offices (ROs), however, cannot directly own property.

Yes, if you plan to run an e-commerce website or any profit-generating online platform, you must obtain a commercial ICP license. Non-profit websites only require a standard ICP filing.

Yes, foreign companies can hire both local and foreign employees. To hire foreign staff, the company must provide a work permit and assist with the visa process.

Once registered, a company must:

  • File taxes monthly & quarterly.
  • Maintain proper accounting and auditing.
  • Follow labor laws for employee contracts and social insurance.

Yes, a company in China can send funds overseas.

The process depends on the nature of the transaction.

Payment for Goods or Services

  • Requirements:
    • A valid contract or invoice.
    • Proof of goods received or services rendered (e.g., customs declaration, shipping documents).
    • Proper documentation for foreign exchange approval.

Dividends Repatriation

  • Requirements:
    • The company must complete annual financial audits and profit distributions.
    • Corporate income tax must be settled.
    • Submission of supporting documents, including the audited financial report, board resolution, and tax payment certificates.

Royalties and Licensing Fees

  • Requirements:
    • A licensing or technical service agreement.
    • Tax clearance or proof of withholding tax payment.
    • SAFE approval, depending on the amount.

Employee Salaries and Benefits

  • Requirements:
    • Work permits and contracts for foreign employees.
    • Tax clearance certificates.

China uses a Negative List for Foreign Investment to outline restricted and prohibited industries.

  • Restricted industries: Foreign ownership may be limited to a joint venture with Chinese partners or capped at a certain percentage.
  • Prohibited industries: Foreign investment is outright banned.

Examples include specific areas of telecommunications, education, and cultural industries. Always review the latest Negative List as it is periodically updated.