China Company Registration Cost Calculator
Planning a company in China? Use this free estimator to see the typical cost breakdown and timeline for foreign-invested company registration. Select your city, entity type, and registered capital, and the tool will show the government fees, professional service fees, and expected setup timeline.
Your estimate
Note: this estimate covers setup only, excluding the registered address and ongoing monthly bookkeeping and tax filing after incorporation. Actual fees are confirmed in an itemized written quote before any work starts.
How China Company Registration Costs Break Down
Registration costs in China fall into three categories, and only one of them involves the government:
- Government registration fee — RMB 0. The business license issued by the local Administration for Market Regulation is free of charge. Anyone who quotes a "government fee" for standard company registration should be asked to explain it.
- Professional service fees. For a standard foreign-invested company setup, total professional fees are typically within RMB 10,000. This covers pre-communication and planning, document preparation and translation, the business license application, company chops, bank account opening, tax registration, import/export rights, and SAFE (foreign exchange) filing.
- Registered business address. The address is the main variable. A serviced address in a central district costs more than an option in a free trade zone, which may also come with local incentives. Our business address service sources and compares compliant options for you.
What Affects Your Registration Timeline?
The standard timeline is 4 to 6 weeks from document preparation to a fully operational company. The main factors that move the needle:
- Document readiness: apostilled parent company files or notarized passports are the most common cause of delay. Start these in your home country as early as possible.
- Industry approvals: restricted or licensed industries need pre-approvals before the license stage.
- Bank account opening: corporate KYC procedures and the legal representative's availability to visit the bank affect the final weeks.
Recommended Registered Capital
Most industries in China no longer require a minimum registered capital, and the amount is subscribed — you commit to contribute it over time rather than paying it all upfront. We generally recommend around USD 10,000 for a trading or consulting company: enough to be credible to banks and business partners, without tying up unnecessary funds. Some industries (such as certain financial or logistics activities) do have specific minimums, which we confirm in your company registration consultation.
What Comes After Registration?
Setup is only the first step. Once your company is licensed, it must file monthly bookkeeping, VAT and corporate income tax returns, and — once you hire — payroll and social insurance declarations. Our bookkeeping, audit and tax services and HR and payroll services keep your new entity compliant from day one. Planning to hire foreign staff? See our work visa and permit services.
For city-specific details, see our Guangzhou company registration guide, or contact us for a free consultation and itemized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is company registration in China really free?
The government registration itself is free — the business license carries no official charge. You pay only for professional services (document preparation, translation, application handling, chops, bank and tax setup), which for a standard setup are typically within RMB 10,000, plus the registered business address.
What exactly is included in the professional service fee?
Pre-communication and planning, document preparation and translation, the business license application, company chops engraving, bank account opening assistance, tax registration, import/export rights, and SAFE filing. Each item is listed in your written quote, so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
Why is the registered address quoted separately?
Address costs vary by city and district. A serviced office address in a central business district costs more than an option in a free trade zone. Because the right choice depends on your budget, industry, and local incentive policies, we source and compare options and quote the address separately.
Do I need to pay the registered capital upfront?
No. Registered capital in China is subscribed: you commit to contributing the amount over a timeline set in your Articles of Association, typically within 5 to 30 years. Most foreign-invested companies start with around USD 10,000 subscribed and contribute it as operations grow.
Are there ongoing costs after registration?
Yes. Every Chinese company must file monthly bookkeeping, VAT and corporate income tax returns, and annual audits for foreign-invested enterprises. Budget for monthly accounting and tax filing from the first month — we provide these services on a fixed monthly fee so you can forecast your compliance costs.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides general estimates for planning purposes only. Actual fees, timelines, and requirements vary by city, industry, and shareholder structure, and are confirmed in a written quote. This tool does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice.
