Registered capital is the amount of capital that a company’s shareholders commit to contribute to the company, as declared on the business license. Under China’s subscription system, there is no statutory minimum for most industries — and registered capital is not a government fee. It is the company’s own capital, injected into the corporate bank account and used as working capital.
How Much Should You Declare?
Most foreign-invested companies with no special industry requirements declare USD 10,000 — enough to appear credible to landlords, banks and suppliers without tying up unnecessary funds. Under the current Company Law, shareholders must complete their capital contribution within the subscription period set in the articles of association (generally up to five years). For a deeper look at the mechanics, see our guide on how much registered capital a WFOE needs.
Registered Capital vs Setup Cost
Investors often confuse registered capital with registration cost. The setup cost — government filing plus professional services — is typically RMB 10,000 or less, while registered capital stays inside your company. Both figures are explained in our China company registration cost breakdown. Planning to incorporate? Start with our company incorporation service or browse the full China business glossary.
Disclaimer: This glossary entry is for general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
