Do you plan to open a company in China and need to find a company formation agent?
In this article, we list some of the most popular service providers, starting with a short introduction about each company. We also list the services they offer, in which countries and regions they operate, and the office addresses.
You’ll also find an FAQ at the end of the article with frequently asked questions among readers.
1. Path To China
Founded in 1999, Path To China (PtC) is one of the oldest and most reputable company formation agents in China. The company has offices in mainland China, India, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
One of their core services is the incorporation and they have helped locals and foreigners alike with company registrations. They have helped more than 2,000 customers over the years, including everything from small start-ups to multinational firms.
They claim themselves to be 40% to 60% cheaper than other incorporation companies, so it can be worthwhile contacting PTC if you plan to incorporate it in China.
Services
- WFOE incorporation
- Free Trade Zone Set up
- HK Company Formation
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Accounting Services
- Payroll Services
- Working Visa Services
- Trademark Registration
- De-Registration
- Others
Countries & Regions
- India (New Delhi, Mumbai)
- Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
- China (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Hong Kong S.A.R)
Office Address: 1038 West Nanjing Road, Suite 2508, 25 Floor, Westgate Tower, Shanghai 200040, China
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- Selling on Tmall & Lazada
- Logistics & fulfillment options
- Payment gateways
- Incorporation & trademarks
2. S.J. Grand Financial and Tax Advisory
S.J. Grand Financial and Tax Advisory was established in Hong Kong in 2002 and has expanded fast since. They have offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and also in Southeast Asian countries.
The President in Beijing, Stephane J. Grand, has almost two decades of experience in the financial and legal advisory. The Managing Director of their Shanghai office, Christophe Marquis, has more than ten years of experience in financial strategy, market-entry, tax, and capital optimization projects for international companies and foreign-invested enterprises in China.
The company has closed more than 100 employees across Asia, more than 1,300 clients, and 300 closed deals.
In addition to helping foreigners with incorporation services, they provide much valuable information and tools, including income calculators on their website.
Services
- Incorporation
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Debt & Equity Financing
- Financial Advisory
- Risk Management
- Due Diligence
- Forensic Accounting
- Optimization
- Restructuring
- Others
Countries & Regions
- China (Beijing, Shanghai)
- Southeast Asia
Office Address: F, Office Tower 1, Unit 603, 6, 18 Harcourt Rd, Admiralty, Hong Kong
3. Elite Stage
Elite Stage was founded in 2005 and has offices in Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. They provide high-quality services to foreigners who wish to incorporate it in Hong Kong or mainland China.
Since 2019, they started to offer a new SaaS platform where expats can navigate through courses, like business online courses, policy explanations, HR, and legal policies.
Elite Stage can help you to open a Wholly-Foreign Owned Enterprise (WFOE), Joint Ventures (JV), Representative Offices, Hong Kong Companies, and Offshore Companies.
Services
- Incorporation
- Financial Advisory
- Government Park
- Translation
- HR & Advisory Services
- Others
Countries & Regions
- China (Shenzhen, Hong Kong S.A.R, Shanghai)
The US (California)
Office Address: Room 2203, Dongchen Plaza, No.60 Mudan Road, Pudong, Lujiazui, Shanghai
4. Jilian Consultants
Jilian Consultants is a Shanghai-based law firm that has a long experience of serving local and foreign clients. They have a multilingual team that specializes in company formation, incorporation, financial advisory, and more.
In addition to China, they have offices in India, Central America, and South America.
The company structures they can help you open include:
- Wholly-Foreign Owned Enterprises (WFOE)
- Joint Ventures (JV)
- Liaison Offices
- Trading Companies
- Manufacturing Companies
- Hong Kong Companies
- Food & Wine Companies
Services
- Audit & Assurance
- Trademark Registration
- Financial Advisory
- Tax Registration
- Company Secretary
- Bank Account
- Working Visa
- Others
Countries & Regions
- China (Shanghai, Hong Kong S.A.R)
- India (New Delhi)
- Mexico (Mexico City)
- Japan (Tokyo)
- Brazil (Sao Paulo)
Office Address: Rm 2008, O.T.C Building, No.912, Shanghai, China
5. Corporation China
Since 2003, Corporation China is a subsidiary of YINGKE Global and the biggest company formation agent in China. With 52 offices in China and 30 offices around the world, they have 7,200 lawyers and legal professionals that cater to foreign clients in China.
The President of YINGKE Global, Marco Pearman-Parish, has an impressive track record. With more than 30 years of experience, he has undertaken the position of CEO at Eqibank (HK) and worked at McGraw-Hill London and UBS.
Services
- Incorporation
- Trademark Registrations
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Consultancy
- Food & Beverage
- Others
Countries & Regions
China (Shanghai, Beijing, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and more)
Office Address: 580 West Nanjing Road, office 3506, 35th Floor LL Land Building Jing’an, Shanghai
FAQ
Can a foreigner open a business in China?
Yes, foreigners can open company structures such as Wholly-Foreign Owned Enterprises (WFOE), Representative Offices (RO), and Joint Ventures (JV) in China.
How much does it cost to start a business in China?
It depends on the company structure and the industry you operate in. The cost to open a Representative Office (RO) and Joint Venture (JV) usually start from USD 2,000.
How long does it take to start a business in China?
It depends on the company structure. Setting up a Joint Venture (JV) usually takes 2 to 9 months.
Can foreigners buy China A-shares?
Yes, in 2014, China opened Stock-Connect which made it possible for foreign individuals to invest in China A-shares.
