Starting a Business in China

For UK businesses looking to expand to China, the rewards are clear. They can grow fast and tap into a market that’s always changing. Starting a business in China might seem daunting at first. But, it’s a viable option for those who do their homework and tread carefully.

China is evolving beyond just manufacturing. It’s now focusing on tech, domestic spending, and services. This shift is crucial for setting up a business there. Your business type, location, and compliance must align with China’s new direction.

Recent figures highlight China’s economic strength. Its GDP has grown by about 5% annually. In H1 2025, it hit RMB 66.1 trillion (around USD 9.2 trillion), a 5.3% increase from the previous year. With over 500 million urban middle-class citizens, a well-planned entry into China can lead to significant revenue.

In this guide, we cover the essentials before and after setting up your business. This includes choosing the right entity, registering, obtaining licenses, ensuring labour compliance, and protecting intellectual property. We also discuss practical options like Foreign-Invested Enterprises (FIEs) and WFOE China to help you manage control, taxes, and risks.

We are Start Company Formations, dedicated to making cross-border setup easier. If you’re considering setting up in China, call our team on 0204 504 1544. We also offer support for business immigration, and can connect you with experts for Gaming Licences and FX & Crypto licensing.

Understanding the Chinese Market

Before we invest, we study the market closely. Good Chinese market research helps us see if ideas work in reality. We check supply chains and prices.

For UK founders looking to expand, we examine demand, rules, and how to sell. We ask if people find products online or through local stores. We also check if distributors help or increase costs.

Key Economic Factors

China is moving towards tech, services, and local spending. This change affects where growth happens, which cities attract talent, and how fast markets grow.

China’s GDP growth is steady, even as different sectors grow at different rates. In H1 2025, GDP hit RMB 66.1 trillion, a 5.3% increase from last year. This gives us a starting point for planning.

Policy is also key. There are incentives for foreign investors in certain areas, like advanced manufacturing and R&D.

• Match your sector with eligible incentives and local rules.
• Test your plans against external challenges and global tensions.
• Make three scenarios before making big decisions.

Consumer Behaviour Analysis

The Chinese middle class, over 500 million in cities, drives business. They value speed, convenience, and good value, not just brands.

We use research to check demand, competition, and what people are willing to pay. Then, we create a detailed business plan. This plan sets goals, a funding strategy, and a way to grow without losing control.

Consumer trends in China can change fast. We keep our products, prices, and messages in line with local shopping habits. We focus on online discovery and shopping.

Legal Framework for Businesses

China values speed and clarity in business. The legal setup is key to success. We consider risk, control, and what you can invoice, hire, and own.

A clear business structure helps banks, landlords, and regulators understand your business from the start.

Types of Business Structures

Foreign founders often choose between WFOE and JV. A Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) is like a UK limited company. It has full foreign ownership and control over staff and operations.

A Joint Venture (JV) adds a Chinese partner. This can help in restricted areas but may limit control due to board dynamics and the Legal Representative role.

For a light market presence, a Representative Office China is quick to set up. Yet, it cannot trade, issue fapiao, or hire local staff directly. It may still face tax based on its spending.

In restricted sectors, some consider a VIE structure. It uses contracts with a Chinese licence-holder and sits in a grey zone that demands careful handling.

• Foreign-Invested Partnership: flexible but not a separate legal entity and can create personal liability exposure.
• Foreign-Invested Commercial Enterprise: often used for trading, retail, and franchising as a distributor or commission agent.

Important Regulations to Consider

The Foreign Investment Law 2020 sets the baseline. Foreign investors usually get national treatment, unless a sector is restricted. This has supported wider access in areas like life insurance and automobile manufacturing, while keeping controls where policy aims are stronger.

The China Negative List 2024 decides what is open, restricted, or prohibited. We map your activities to an industry code and a clear scope of business. Small wording changes can affect approvals, licensing, and the best entity choice.

Capital planning is crucial. China uses a subscribed capital approach. The revised Company Law tightens timelines, with shareholders expected to pay subscribed capital within five years in many cases. Even if cash is not deposited on day one, a credible figure can reduce friction with banks and day-to-day compliance checks.

Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property protection in China is based on a first-to-file system. Early filing is key to market entry. If a brand is valuable in the UK, it can still be registered by another party in China if you wait.

CNIPA trademark registration, often handled through an authorised agent, helps lock in rights before marketing spend and distributor talks begin.

We also review patents, Chinese-language brand versions, and basic contract controls. This protects your core assets while operations scale. It reduces the risk of disputes that can distract leadership and slow down hiring, sales, and local partnerships.

Setting Up Your Business

Setting up in China is smoother when legal steps match real operations. We make the rules clear, so you can start trading quickly. The key is to get licensing, seals, and banking in the right order.

Company Registration Process

Founders often start with China company registration AMR. Here, name checks and online pre-approval happen alongside the formal filing. Once approved, you get the 5-in-1 business licence, which simplifies many registrations.

This licence includes the Unified Social Credit Code, an 18-digit number for tax, payroll, and more. After licensing, we help clients get the company chop from the Public Security Bureau. This seal makes contracts and invoices enforceable.

Then, banking comes next. To open a bank account in China, firms often use a foreign capital account. This account receives funds in foreign currency, converts them, and transfers to a domestic RMB account for salaries and taxes. Banks ask for the licence, Articles of Association, company chops, and an office lease. The legal representative may need to attend in person.

Required Documentation

Paperwork moves faster when it’s complete and consistent. A Chinese company name is usually needed, unless the brand is globally recognised. For subsidiaries, the parent company documents are translated into Simplified Chinese and notarised.

• Company name approval, plus proposed business scope
• Shareholder list and ownership percentages
• Organisational structure: board or executive director, general manager, legal representative, and supervisors
• Passports or IDs for shareholders and key officers
• Articles of Association and registered capital or total investment
• Local business address evidence, such as a lease and a utility bill
• Business plan covering objectives, strategy, feasibility, and operating budget

For foreign shareholders, notarisation and legalisation are needed through home-country authorities and the Chinese embassy or consulate. This can take weeks, so we plan for it early.

Location Selection Tips

Location affects cost, approvals, hiring, and incentives. Free Trade Zones China can ease customs and cross-border flows. But, the fit depends on your sector and staffing plan.

Shanghai is a top choice for finance and international operations. The Shanghai Lingang FTZ is known for streamlined processes and support in priority industries. Beijing suits regulated sectors and research links, with many multinational headquarters and policy access.

Guangzhou offers deep logistics capacity and strong ASEAN links for trade-heavy businesses. Hangzhou benefits from Alibaba’s innovation ecosystem. Shenzhen draws firms that want a dense tech supply chain, with leaders like Tencent and BYD Auto nearby.

Funding Your Business

Funding is key to making your business look good on paper and in action. We plan the budget early to cover all costs, including registration, staff, and office space. We also add a buffer for unexpected expenses.

For many founders, the big decision is how to show the registered capital China to banks, suppliers, and investors.

Available Financing Options

China uses a subscribed capital model, so you don’t need to pay the full amount at the start. You can pay in stages, sometimes over 30 years. This helps with cash flow but the declared capital is still important.

The declared capital is in the Articles of Association and checked by authorities. It affects your taxes, borrowing, and how partners see your business. For example, RMB 30,000 is common for LLCs, RMB 100,000 for single-member LLCs, and RMB 500,000 for FICE entities to meet VAT. Regulated sectors might need more.

Shareholder loans China can also help with early costs and funding plans. Used right, they can ease the pressure on cash flow in the first year.

Government Grants and Support

Public support varies, so we match funding to policy before you start. Projects in areas like advanced manufacturing, R&D, and specialised services might get more help in certain districts. This can also reduce the cost of hiring, leasing, and growing.

Choosing the right location is as important as the sector. Free Trade Zones and Special Economic Zones offer benefits like streamlined procedures and targeted support. This can make your investment case stronger and speed up time to revenue.

Venture Capital in China

For venture capital in China, your story must match local growth goals and show a clear path to scale. Hubs like Shenzhen and Hangzhou favour strong products, fast development, and readiness for regulations. Fintech and startup funding focus on data handling, payments, and risk controls, so good governance is crucial.

When founders plan capital, policy, and investor expectations well, fundraising becomes easier. A solid capital structure, realistic goals, and compliant reporting help VCs move quickly and reduce hurdles during due diligence.

Navigating Cultural Differences

When we help UK founders enter China, we focus on both the paperwork and the people. China’s business culture values patience, consistency, and respect. Treating culture as a workstream helps decisions move faster and reduces issues later.

Business Etiquette in China

In meetings, small actions are crucial in China’s relationship-driven business environment. We aim for punctuality, careful seating, and a calm tone. This builds trust and protects your position during negotiations.

We also teach teams to follow China’s communication norms. This includes clear introductions, respectful turn-taking, and measured responses. It helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps negotiations open under pressure.

Communication Styles

Many issues arise from speed and wording, not intent. In cross-cultural negotiations, we keep messages simple, written down, and confirmed. This prevents misunderstandings between what was said and what will be done.

We work in short, structured bursts for documentation. This includes scope, deliverables, timelines, and compliance checks. It helps bilingual teams and reduces risk when quick answers are needed for filings, invoices, and regulatory questions.

Building Relationships

Building strong guanxi takes time and effort. In China’s business culture, trusted partners are key to access, timelines, and local knowledge. We plan relationship-building alongside legal setup to avoid it being overlooked.

To keep decisions clear for UK directors, we include verification in our routine:

• Check licences and registered details against the documents provided
• Review trading history and service records where available
• Request samples or trial orders to test quality and lead times
• Confirm who will manage after-sales support and dispute handling

With Start Company Formations handling local steps, founders can move forward in China’s market. This approach combines guanxi and communication etiquette with practical control. It leads to better supplier reliability, fewer surprises, and steady progress.

Hiring and Managing Staff

In China, HR is key to avoiding legal issues from the start. We make sure policies are clear, payroll is correct, and all documents are filed on time. This helps your team settle quickly and smoothly.

Labour Laws and Regulations

China’s labour laws require detailed, written job agreements. We ensure your employment contracts in China are up-to-date and follow local rules. This keeps your team in line with your company’s standards.

• Legal names and contact details for employer and employee
• Employment duration, job title, duties, and work location
• Salary, bonus basis (if any), and payment timing
• Working hours, leave, rest days, and overtime approach
• Social security contributions and benefit entitlements

We often add extra protections like probation periods, termination rules, and IP rights. Training clauses can also help if you invest in your team’s skills.

Every employee, local or foreign, should get an Employee Handbook China. It should include your company’s rules, disciplinary actions, and safety guidelines. Make sure they sign it during their first day.

Finding the Right Talent

Finding the right talent can vary by location. We consider factors like salary, commute, and industry before choosing a site. This ensures you find the best fit for your team.

We also make sure job descriptions match the roles you offer. This helps keep your team happy and reduces turnover.

Employee Benefits in China

After setting up, you must register with the authorities. For Chinese staff, you’ll need to cover social security and housing funds. These include pension, medical, unemployment, and housing benefits, split between employer and employee.

Mistakes in payroll can lead to audits and disputes. We ensure payslips and filings match, and keep records accurate. Benefits must also be as promised in contracts and handbooks.

For international staff, the Z visa is the usual route. We plan carefully: get a Work Permit Notification, then the Z visa, and finally the Work Permit and Residence Permit. This process is usually quick, taking about four working days.

• Valid passport, visa form, photo, and passport bio page copy
• Work permit notification and clean criminal record
• At least two years of relevant work experience
• Average processing can be about four working days; the Z visa is usually valid for an initial three-month period for in-country formalities

Marketing Strategies for Success

In China, growth is shaped by platform ecosystems and fast-moving trends. A strong China marketing strategy starts with clear positioning, tight operations, and a plan to learn quickly from real buyers.

Many UK brands win early attention, then stall when the offer feels “imported”. We keep momentum by matching pricing, tone, and service expectations to how people shop, compare, and share.

Understanding the Local Audience

China consumer behaviour is driven by speed, social proof, and practical value. The urban middle class is vast, and shoppers often have strong local alternatives, so trust must be earned in days, not months.

We translate research into decisions you can act on: what to lead with, what to drop, and what to adapt. localised branding China works best when you adjust names, claims, and product education to local norms, not just language.

• Test demand with a tight product range and clear benefits
• Map direct competitors and their price ladders, reviews, and fulfilment promises
• Adapt packaging, sizing, and after-sales support to reduce doubt at checkout

Digital Marketing Trends

Execution matters as much as creative. Your launch plan should fit your entity scope, invoicing needs, and contract flow, because fapiao and compliant paperwork can affect B2B sales and repeat orders.

WeChat marketing is often where leads turn into conversations and bookings, while performance media drives bursts of demand. The best results come when paid traffic, customer service, and fulfilment work as one system.

Social Media Platforms in China

In a platform-led market, each channel has a distinct job. Douyin marketing can build reach fast with short video and live commerce, but it needs disciplined messaging and rapid customer response to hold attention.

For conversion and credibility, a well-planned Tmall store setup supports search, reviews, and official store signals. When we connect Tmall, WeChat, and Douyin into one journey, shoppers can move from discovery to purchase without friction.

1. Use WeChat for community, service, and repeat purchase flows
2. Use Douyin for discovery, creator content, and real-time selling
3. Use Tmall for structured commerce, trust cues, and scalable operations

Challenges of Doing Business

We take a risk-led view because small errors in China can become costly. The main doing business in China risks are in structure, cashflow planning, and day-to-day controls. Spotting these early helps protect time, capital, and momentum.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Choosing the wrong setup is a common mistake. RO limitations can stop founders from invoicing clients or hiring staff directly, which stalls sales plans.

Licensing and IP issues are often handled too late. In a first-to-file environment, trade marks and core brand assets should be filed early. Product and sector approvals need realistic lead times.

Market access can be narrower than expected in Negative List sectors China. Governance can tighten in joint ventures. Board votes and the authority of the Chinese partner’s Legal Representative may reduce control, even with balanced share splits.

Economic Fluctuations

China’s growth looks steady on paper (around 5% annually; 5.3% year-on-year in H1 2025). Yet, entry results vary by region and sector. Price pressure, shifting demand, and export headwinds can change forecasts quickly.

We prefer a robust operating budget with scenario planning. This includes FX swings and slower receivables. It also supports registered capital credibility when banks, landlords, and counterparties test funding plans.

Legal Compliance Issues

Most China compliance challenges are not dramatic; they are recurring tasks that slip. Tax registrations are typically required within 30 days of incorporation. This is followed by VAT processes and fapiao setup, plus social security and housing fund obligations for staff.

Licensing is another pressure point, especially in regulated areas like food and beverage, medical devices, education, and cross-border trade. A missed permit can interrupt trading, trigger penalties, or block platform onboarding.

Operational control matters as much as filings. Company chop risks are real because the chop is needed for enforceable agreements. It must be registered with the Public Security Bureau; access, logging, and dual-approval rules help reduce misuse.

Utilising Technology

Technology choices in China affect our daily work and future rules. By matching tools with our processes, teams work faster. This makes reporting better and customer service easier to grow in China’s e-commerce.

E-commerce Opportunities

China is focusing on spending online, making it easier for new businesses to start. Many use platforms for everything from product pages to customer care.

For building a brand, Tmall cross-border is great for testing the market. WeChat commerce helps with direct messages and after-sales support. Douyin boosts reach with short videos and live shopping.

• Use clear product claims and consistent pricing to protect margin
• Plan fulfilment early to avoid delivery delays and refund spikes
• Track channel performance so spend follows real demand signals

Fintech Developments

Daily finance in China is fast but also follows strict rules. Fintech in China offers payment tools and neobanks for international transactions. Yet, a domestic bank account is still needed for local settlements and filings.

Most businesses need a foreign capital account for investments and proper currency conversion. They also need RMB accounts for supplier payments, payroll, and taxes. Proper setup makes reconciliations easier and audit trails stronger.

1. Map payment routes from customer to settlement to ledger
2. Separate duties for approvals and releases to reduce error risk
3. Keep tax and payroll calendars aligned with banking cut-off times

Importance of Data Security

After paperwork, how we handle information is key. As we grow online and work remotely, data security in China is essential. It’s not just for experts anymore.

We suggest simple but effective steps: role-based access, secure devices, and careful data handling. This way, data security in China reduces problems, supports checks, and keeps trust in e-commerce and WeChat commerce.

Expanding Your Business in Asia

When we plan to grow beyond one market, we see China as a key hub for sales, sourcing, and operations. A solid Asia expansion strategy ties together setting up your business, banking, and logistics. This way, you can quickly expand across ASEAN, Japan, and South Korea without starting from scratch each time.

Regional Market Opportunities

Demand often focuses on supply chains, not just borders. With China as our hub, we can test products, reduce lead times, and establish a reliable supplier network. This network supports wider Asian distribution.

Many UK founders also consider Hong Kong or mainland China for their first base. Hong Kong is quicker to set up, with English used in contracts and filings. This is crucial for speed and clarity.

Strategic Partnerships

Scaling in Asia relies on trusted partners, especially in restricted sectors where a joint venture might be needed. We focus on practical, evidence-based decisions. This ensures choices are grounded in facts, not just promises.

• Find potential suppliers on Alibaba or 1688 and compare specifications.
• Check business licences, trading history, and customer reviews before big orders.
• Order samples, check quality, agree on tolerances and rework terms.

Export and Import Regulations

Trade can stall if paperwork doesn’t keep up with shipments. China’s import and export rules start with clear incoterms, realistic timelines, and the right registrations with Chinese Customs. Sometimes, SAFE is also needed.

We plan cash flow and transport from the start: deposits are 30–50%, air freight is for speed, and sea freight for bulk. To avoid port delays, customs documents should be ready before goods leave the factory. This includes commercial invoices, packing lists, and accurate HS codes.

The Role of Trade Agreements

Trade policy might seem far away, but it affects our daily decisions. When we plan to enter new markets, we consider UK China trade rules alongside other tasks. A small change in trade rules can impact costs, delivery times, and where we store goods.

Trade terms also affect the paperwork we need. If we plan for compliance early, we avoid delays at the border. This keeps our teams on the same page for international trade.

Bilateral Agreements Impact

Trade agreements and policies can change prices and profits. Customs duties in China vary by product, origin, and value. So, we need to regularly review our cost models.

These agreements also shape our supply chain. For example, choosing the right importer, warehouse, and Incoterms affects who bears risk and how fast goods are cleared.

• Include duty and tax in your cost calculations, not just shipping and handling.
• Assign tasks for paperwork, classification, and valuation within your team.
• Make sure finance and operations are in sync on payment processes, especially for SAFE registration.

Trade Barriers to Watch For

China has barriers beyond tariffs, like licences, testing, and labelling rules. The Negative List, updated in August 2024, affects ownership and activities in certain sectors.

Delays often come from missing permits or unclear product descriptions. Early checks help us avoid issues with Chinese Customs or slow payments due to foreign exchange and SAFE registration.

1. Check if your goods or services are allowed under the latest Negative List.
2. Make sure you have the right registrations, labels, or testing before shipping.
3. Test your timeline for paperwork, especially for accurate customs duties in China.

Networking in China

In China, introductions can open doors quicker than emails. We see business networking as a practical system. It’s about who can vouch for you, solve delays, and speed up decisions when time is critical.

Good networking reduces risks and shortens wait times. It also helps set clear expectations on pricing, quality, and after-sales support. This protects your brand in the UK market.

Importance of Business Networks

Relationship-led commerce values consistency over quick wins. We focus on building steady relationships, making clear promises, and following through quickly. This way, partners know what to expect.

Strong networks are crucial when operations face challenges, like customs queries or supplier changes. A trusted introduction can also boost your credibility for distributor access or local compliance advice.

Trade Shows and Expos

China trade shows are great for turning research into real-world checks. In one day, you can compare finishes, inspect packaging, test product fit, and see how a factory handles questions under pressure.

These events also help with supplier sourcing by showing who is prepared, can quote clearly, and understands export requirements. When samples and quality control are key, in-person checks are unbeatable.

Online Networking Platforms

Online tools can expand your reach, but they need a structured approach. We use Alibaba suppliers and 1688 sourcing to map out options. Then, we narrow down based on capability, responsiveness, and trading history.

• Verify business licences and trading scope before sharing sensitive specs.
• Read reviews with care, looking for repeat buyers and realistic timelines.
• Order samples and run basic checks before any larger commitment.

This method makes online discovery useful without being a gamble. It keeps negotiations based on facts, not promises.

Adapting to Change

Change is a constant in China’s business world. We prepare for it from the start. We track rules, update systems, and stay in touch with customers.

This way, we make decisions that are practical and proactive. It helps us grow steadily in China’s tech-driven economy.

Regulatory Changes

Regulatory updates in China can affect how quickly you can start, hire, or sell. The Foreign Investment Law China, in effect since 1 January 2020, aims for wider market access and fair treatment. Yet, entry to certain sectors still depends on licensing and how regulators view your business.

The Negative List updates 2024, released in August, are seen as a positive trend. They are shorter. Founders should keep a close eye on these updates, especially in restricted sectors. We also consider permits outside of company formation, like product approvals and data rules.

• Map your activities to your registered business scope before you sign a lease or hire staff.
• Check whether your sector triggers extra permits at national or local level.
• Set a review rhythm so China regulatory updates do not arrive as a surprise.

Technological Advancements

China is moving towards services and innovation, changing daily operations. Even traditional firms may need stronger digital workflows. We plan for upgrades early to avoid bottlenecks when volume increases.

Data security is a core control, not an add-on. It affects supplier contracts, customer support, and system hosting. This discipline helps us keep up with regulatory updates while maintaining smooth digital operations.

Trends in Consumer Preferences

China’s consumer trends change quickly, driven by platforms like WeChat and Tmall. We watch what people save, share, and buy to guide our products and messages.

Domestic consumption growth means faster service is expected. We regularly update our channel strategy, from store design to after-sales care. Aligning with the Negative List updates 2024 and the Foreign Investment Law China helps us stay adaptable without losing momentum.

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

Sustainability is key when starting in China. It’s not just good to do; it’s essential for your business. It helps protect your licence, operations, and reputation. It also shows your commitment to CSR in China.

For UK founders, the goal is simple. It’s to reduce risk and build trust. Start planning for China’s environmental rules early. Don’t wait until you’ve signed a lease or placed orders.

Environmental Regulations

Environmental rules can impact your business in many ways. They affect approvals, inspections, and daily operations. This is especially true for manufacturing, warehousing, and transport.

Start by reviewing your activities early. This helps you spot any gaps in licensing and plan for them. It also sets clear expectations for your site, equipment, and processes.

• Map your activities by impact: production, packaging, storage, and logistics.
• Check local requirements alongside sector approvals, not as a separate task.
• Build an audit trail: records, monitoring data, and supplier documentation.

Sustainable Business Practices

Good practices make compliance a part of your system. A sustainable supply chain in China starts with choosing the right suppliers. Then, you need to check and verify them regularly.

We also suggest making contracts stronger. Ensure agreements are signed by the right people. This includes the company chop process to enforce quality and waste handling standards.

Insurance might not be mandatory, but it’s wise in high-risk sectors. It can also help during due diligence and tender reviews. It shows your commitment to responsible manufacturing in China.

1. Screen and verify suppliers, then re-check them on a set schedule.
2. Write clear clauses on materials, waste, and reporting, with workable remedies.
3. Use insurance to support continuity planning and reduce exposure to shocks.

Resources for Entrepreneurs

Setting up in China needs speed, but structure is more important. We create a practical support stack for your business. This way, you can go from planning to trading quickly, without wasting time on unnecessary work.

Business Support Institutions

You will face several public bodies, often in a specific order. Getting the basics right early, like AMR registration, makes later steps easier. It also reduces back-and-forth with local offices.

• Administration for Market Regulation (AMR): company setup, licensing scope, and ongoing filings linked to AMR registration.
• Public Security Bureau: company seal records and the Public Security Bureau company chop process for compliant execution of contracts and banking tasks.
• Tax bureau: VAT setup, corporate income tax profiles, invoice controls, and routine reporting.
• Human Resources and Social Security Bureau: employment registration, social insurance setup, and work permit-linked processing.
• Chinese Customs and SAFE: import-export formalities and foreign exchange registrations where cross-border payments apply.
• CNIPA: brand and invention protection, with CNIPA trademarks and patent filings aligned to your classes and market route.

Online Tools and Websites

For business travel, we plan the paperwork before flights are booked. A CVASC China visa application for an M Visa is submitted online first. Then, you schedule the consulate appointment, and you will usually need an invitation letter from a registered Chinese entity.

Mid-2023 visa-on-arrival options helped with urgent trips in some locations. Yet, document readiness still matters. We keep travel, entity details, and supporting evidence consistent. This way, border checks and meeting schedules are less likely to slip.

Advisory Services Available

We support UK founders through Start Company Formations with a clear formation plan. We map compliance and coordinate across setup steps. For business immigration, we work with experienced Immigration advisers to discuss your case and align timelines with hiring and travel needs.

For regulated sectors, we help connect you with specialist Gaming Licences and FX & Crypto Licensing Companies. This is part of a compliance-led launch plan. To speak with us, contact Start Company Formations on 0204 504 1544.

Conclusion: Making Your Mark in China

Entering China can be surprisingly straightforward if we follow the right steps. It’s all about having a solid China compliance strategy and clear HR processes. For many UK founders, this is key for long-term growth in China.

We also need to plan for the day-to-day running of the business. This includes credible capitalisation, defined governance roles, and controls like company chops. When these basics are in place, scaling a business in China becomes easier.

Long-term Business Outlook

The outlook for China is positive, driven by a shift towards technology and services. GDP growth has stayed near 5% a year, with 5.3% YoY in H1 2025. Policy support continues through sector incentives.

However, we must watch out for the Negative List, as market access can be restricted in some areas. If you’re looking for a UK-friendly route, we offer support for expanding into China. At Start Company Formations, we help you map risks and plan for durable growth. Call 0204 504 1544 for guidance.