Starting a business in China involves legal, tax, and regulatory choices. Use this tool to answer five quick questions and receive a recommended entity structure, estimated setup timeline, and key compliance obligations tailored to your situation.
China legal toolkit
Business setup wizard
Answer 5 questions. Get a recommended entity structure, setup timeline, and key compliance obligations โ tailored to your situation.
1
Industry
2
Control
3
Activity
4
Scale
5
Goal
Question 1 of 5
What industry are you operating in?
This determines whether foreign investment restrictions apply to your sector.
Question 2 of 5
How much control do you want over the business?
Ownership structure directly determines which entity types are available to you.
Question 3 of 5
What will the entity primarily do in China?
Your main business activity determines licensing, tax, and regulatory obligations.
Question 4 of 5
What is your planned scale of operations?
Scale affects registered capital requirements, compliance burden, and the right entity type.
Question 5 of 5
What is your primary goal for the next 3 years?
Your strategic objective shapes which structure gives the most flexibility and protection.
Why Use a Business Setup Wizard?
Choosing the wrong structure can create delays, higher costs, or unnecessary restrictions. A guided setup tool helps you understand common options before making major decisions.
This can help you:
Compare available entity structures
Understand likely setup timelines
Identify early compliance needs
Plan market entry more efficiently
Reduce avoidable mistakes
Prepare for professional advice
What Does This Tool Recommend?
Based on your answers, the tool may suggest a suitable setup path depending on ownership model, activity type, and operational goals.
Possible recommendations may include:
Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE)
Often used by foreign investors who want full ownership and operational control in China.
Joint Venture
Sometimes suitable where local partnership, market access, or sector rules make collaboration beneficial.
Representative Office
May fit limited non-commercial activities such as liaison, market research, or coordination.
Hong Kong or Offshore Structure with China Operations
Can be relevant for holding, regional planning, or investment structuring depending on goals.
Domestic Chinese Entity Considerations
Useful where local ownership, staffing, or licensing needs require a China-based domestic model.
What Timeline Insights Will You Get?
Business formation timing can vary by city, industry, approvals, and documentation. The tool may provide a general timeline covering:
Name reservation
Corporate registration
Banking setup
Tax registration
Licensing approvals
Operational readiness steps
What Compliance Areas Are Covered?
The wizard can also highlight early legal obligations such as:
Corporate Governance
Shareholder records, registered scope, resolutions, and annual filings.
Employment Rules
Hiring contracts, handbook policies, benefits, and onboarding compliance.
Tax and Accounting
Invoice systems, bookkeeping, tax registration, and reporting basics.
Data and Privacy
PIPL considerations for handling customer or employee information.
Industry Licensing
Special permits or approvals based on your sector.
Who Should Use This Tool?
This tool is useful for:
Foreign founders entering China
Startups testing expansion plans
SMEs comparing market entry routes
Investors reviewing setup options
In-house legal or operations teams
Consultants preparing early assessments
How Does It Work?
Answer five simple questions about your ownership, business activity, hiring plans, revenue model, and goals. The tool then generates a tailored setup recommendation with next-step guidance.
Important Note
This tool provides general informational guidance only and does not replace legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Final structure decisions depend on detailed facts, sector restrictions, location, and current Chinese law.
