How much does it cost to register a company in China?

Do you want to know exactly how much it costs to register a company in China? It's not just a one-off fee and then you're done. Registering in China involves government levies, third-party service fees, and sometimes some unexpected costs. If you're exploring how much it costs to register a company in China, then you're already on the right track – because asking the right questions is half the battle.

Basic cost components for registering a company in China (as of 2025)

Business registration fee

• Minimum 50 yuan: After the government streamlined the process in 2025, the basic business registration fee was further reduced. For example, in cities such as Guangzhou and Shanghai, the basic fee is only 50 yuan for online submission of materials.
• Registered capital impact: China implements a registered capital subscription system and does not require capital verification. However, the registered capital should be filled in carefully – too high may bear a greater debt risk, while too low will affect the company's credit. It is recommended to refer to industry standards. Small and medium-sized enterprises usually choose 1 million yuan as a balance point.
  

Seal engraving fee

• Companies need to engrave official seals, financial seals, legal person seals, etc., which costs about 300-800 RMB, depending on the material and region.

Bank account opening fee

• The cost of opening a corporate account is about 200-1500 RMB, and the fees charged by different banks vary greatly. For example, state-owned banks charge lower fees but have strict audits, while foreign banks charge higher fees but provide more international services.

Tax registration and invoice system

• Starting in 2025, the “all-electronic invoice” will be fully implemented, and the cost of tax control equipment will be abolished. Tax registration is free, but stamp duty (0.05% of registered capital) must be paid.

Fees vary by city and industry

City differences

• First-tier cities (e.g., Shanghai, Guangzhou): The registered address must be a commercial or industrial property, and rental costs are high (annual rent of about 30,000-100,000 RMB). If you choose a virtual address hosting service, the fee is about 5,000-20,000 RMB/year.
  
• Free trade zones and development zones: Some areas offer free registered addresses or rental subsidies, which are suitable for start-ups.

Special industry license fees

• If it involves industries such as food, medical, and education, additional licenses are required, and the fees range from thousands to tens of thousands of RMB. For example, the approval fee for a food business license is about 2,000 RMB and takes 1-2 months.

 

Additional costs for foreign-funded enterprise registration

Foreign investment record and notarization

• Notarized copies and translations of foreign shareholders' passports are required, costing around 500-2,000 RMB (depending on the notary public).
• Some industries require the submission of approval documents outside the negative list for foreign investment access, and the process takes about 1-3 months.

Translation and legal consultation

• Official translations and certifications are required for non-Chinese documents, costing around 300-500 RMB per document. It is recommended to hire a professional legal advisor (costing 10,000-30,000 RMB) to avoid compliance risks.
  

 

How can I reduce costs through agency services?

Agency service fees

• Basic agency package: 1,000-5,000 RMB (including business registration, seal engraving, tax registration).
• High-end value-added services: including foreign investment record filing, license application, financial and tax planning, etc., costing 10,000-50,000 RMB.

Advantages of choosing an agency

• Save time: professional agencies are familiar with policies and can shorten the registration cycle from 1 month to 7 days.
• Avoid risks: avoid rejections or legal disputes caused by incorrect materials.
  

 

Optimization strategies for registration costs in 2025

Take advantage of policy dividends

Pay attention to local government tax breaks for small and micro enterprises (e.g. VAT exemption for quarterly sales of less than 300,000 yuan) and business start-up subsidies (some development zones provide start-up funds of up to 100,000 yuan).

Choose the place of registration flexibly

Give priority to free trade zones or cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones to enjoy lower tax rates (e.g. corporate income tax is levied at a reduced rate of 15%) and simplified foreign exchange management.

Digital tools reduce costs

Use the “Enterprise Registration System” to complete online registration to reduce transportation and time costs. The all-electric invoice system can also reduce post-operation expenses.

Is this investment worth it?

Registering a company in China is not a simple matter. There are indeed costs to pay, some of which are foreseeable and some of which are not. But if your product or service resonates with Chinese consumers, or if you can integrate into China's supply chain, the potential rewards will be huge.

So how much does it cost to register a company in China as a foreigner? The answer usually ranges from 2,000 to 10,000 RMB, not including consultancy fees. It depends on your strategy, location choice and level of support. By understanding the upfront costs and ongoing obligations, you are more likely to establish a foothold in this dynamic market.