Company Registration in Shanghai
ChinaPact helps foreign founders and SMEs set up and run a company in Shanghai. From entity selection and business scope to the business licence, bank account, tax registration and ongoing compliance, we manage the local process in Chinese and report to you in English.
What we handle in Shanghai
One team for the whole setup, so you do not have to coordinate a lawyer, accountant, translator and bank relationship manager separately.
Entity selection
WFOE, joint venture or representative office — we explain control, tax, staffing and exit trade-offs before you file.
Business scope
A scope that matches what you will actually invoice, without triggering unnecessary licences or approvals.
Registration
Name approval, business licence, company seals, tax registration and foreign exchange registration.
Bank account
Document pack, bank onboarding questions and coordination with relationship managers in Shanghai.
Tax & accounting
Monthly bookkeeping, VAT and corporate income tax filings, payroll support and annual reporting.
Visas
Work permits and residence permits for foreign founders and employees based in Shanghai.
How the Company Registration process works
Consultation
We clarify your business model, ownership, city and whether a WFOE, JV or RO fits.
Documents
Passports, address, name options, business scope and capital plan are prepared for filing.
Registration
Licence, seals, tax registration and the bank account application are completed in sequence.
Go live
Invoicing, bookkeeping and a compliance calendar so the company stays in good standing.
Why foreign founders work with ChinaPact
On the ground
A local team that deals with the market regulator, tax bureau and banks in Chinese — and explains every step in English.
End-to-end
Registration, banking, accounting and visas under one roof, with one point of contact and clear timelines.
Transparent scope
A written scope, government fee estimate and service quote before work starts.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Company Registration take in Shanghai?
Most registrations take three to six weeks after documents are ready, depending on the city, industry and special licences. Bank account opening can add two to four weeks.
Do I need to travel to Shanghai?
Registration can generally be handled remotely with legalised documents. Some banks still require the legal representative or authorised signatory to visit in person; we confirm before you book travel.
Can a foreigner own 100% of the company?
In most industries, yes. A small number of sectors remain restricted under the negative list, so we check your specific business scope first.
This page provides general information about company formation in China and is not legal, tax or investment advice. Requirements change by city and industry; please confirm your case with our team or a licensed professional.
Talk to us about Shanghai
Send a short message about your business, ownership structure and timeline. We will reply with the right entity type and a realistic plan.