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Foreign-invested company formation

China Company Formation for Non-Residents

Establish a China foreign-invested limited liability company (often called a WFOE) for trading, manufacturing or services. BRIS GROUP assists with business-scope planning, company registration, documentation, tax setup and ongoing administration.

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China — foreign-invested limited liability company formation
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At a glance

Establishing a China Foreign-Invested LLC

A foreign investor can establish a limited liability company under the PRC Company Law and Foreign Investment Law. Ownership, licences and permitted activities depend on the Foreign Investment Negative List and sector-specific restrictions.

01 / OWNERSHIP

100% foreign ownership where permitted

A single foreign shareholder can establish an LLC in sectors outside applicable investment restrictions. A joint venture may be required for certain regulated activities.

02 / CAPITAL & ADDRESS

Registered capital and local office

There is no universal minimum capital for an ordinary LLC. Subscribed capital generally must be paid within five years; a genuine registered address and defined business scope are required.

03 / TAX & COMPLIANCE

25% standard enterprise income tax

China-resident companies generally pay tax on worldwide income. VAT, beneficial-owner filings, accounting and annual reporting requirements also apply; targeted tax incentives may be available.

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Before incorporation

Documents and information

We review foreign ownership eligibility, proposed activities, capital commitments and identification documents before preparing the registration package.

Shareholders & beneficial owners

  • Passports and proof of residential address
  • Corporate documents and ownership chain, where applicable
  • Source-of-funds information and KYC documents
  • Proposed shareholding and capital contributions

Company & operating details

  • Proposed Chinese company name and registration city
  • Business scope and intended activities
  • Registered-office address and supporting premises documents
  • Directors, legal representative and governance details
Foreign documents may need notarisation, apostille or authentication and Chinese translation. Requirements vary by registration authority, investor type and business activity.
How it works

A clear incorporation process

Four coordinated stages from foreign-investment eligibility review to registration and operational setup.

01

Structure & scope

Check the Negative List, select the business scope, shareholders, legal representative and registered capital.

02

Documents & address

Prepare identification, articles, company name and compliant registered-office documentation.

03

Registration

Coordinate market-regulation registration, business licence and foreign-investment information reporting.

04

Post-registration

Arrange seals, tax and invoicing setup, banking preparation and sector licences where applicable.

Corporate services

Services & Fees

China foreign-invested LLC incorporation and ongoing company administration. The final scope depends on city, business activity and required licences.

Company FormationFrom US$2,950

Company setup coordination and registration documentation; third-party costs may be additional.

Annual MaintenanceFrom US$2,500

Ongoing corporate administration; bookkeeping, tax filings, registered address, audit and licences depend on scope.

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BRIS GROUP resources

China — Video & Client Guide

Learn about BRIS GROUP international company formation services and read our China-specific Client Guide 2026.

About BRIS GROUP — International Company Formation

Our general introduction to international company formation and corporate support services. This is not a China-specific video.

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Client Guide 2026

China Foreign-Invested LLC — Client Guide 2026

Practical guidance on foreign ownership, registered capital, company registration, tax and annual compliance.

  • Foreign Investment Negative List and permitted ownership
  • Five-year capital contribution framework
  • 25% standard enterprise income tax and VAT
  • Beneficial ownership, accounting and annual filings
Download Client Guide 2026 (PDF) →
Frequently asked questions

Questions before you begin

Can a non-resident own 100% of a China company?

Yes, in sectors outside the Foreign Investment Negative List and other sector-specific restrictions, a foreign investor can own 100% of a limited liability company.

Does a China company pay tax on overseas income?

China-resident enterprises generally pay enterprise income tax on worldwide income at the standard 25% rate. Qualifying statutory incentives and foreign-tax credits may apply.

Is there a minimum registered capital?

There is no universal minimum for an ordinary LLC, but special sectors may have capital requirements. Subscribed contributions generally must be fully paid within five years of incorporation.

What must be maintained each year?

Companies generally need accounting records, applicable tax filings, annual market-regulation reporting and up-to-date beneficial-owner information. Licence and audit obligations depend on the business.

View All China FAQs →
BRIS GROUP knowledge centre

China — Insights & Services

Existing BRIS GROUP resources on China company formation, foreign-owned enterprises and registration planning.

China · Article

How to Register a Company in China

Understand foreign-invested structures, company documents and the main registration steps for non-resident founders.

Read article →
China · Guide

China Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises

Explore WFOE setup, business planning, registered office requirements and practical compliance considerations.

Read guide →
China · FAQ

China Company Formation FAQ

Answers to common questions about ownership, registration, banking, taxation and annual compliance.

Read FAQs →
Start your enquiry

Planning a China Foreign-Invested Company?

Tell us about your proposed activities, investors, registered city, capital plan and banking needs. We will review the formation route and prepare a tailored quotation.

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General information only, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Foreign investment eligibility, tax treatment and registration obligations depend on the company's activities and circumstances.