Company Formation Services in Shanghai
Foreign investors can set up companies in Shanghai with complete support offered by our team of company formation agents in China.
The formalities related to opening a company in Shanghai can seem quite complex for international investors, that’s why specialist help is recommended in this regard.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Available companies for incorporation in Shanghai | Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE), partnerships, joint ventures, private enterprises, etc. (sole proprietorships are not available to foreign investors) |
The most appreciated business structure in Shanghai | WFOE |
Authority | Shanghai Municipal Administration for Market Regulation (under the State Administration for Market Regulation) |
| Shelf company available in Shanghai (YES/NO) | YES |
| Required number of shareholders to open a business in Shanghai | 1 is sufficient. |
| Legal representative for a business in Shanghai | The manager can also be the legal representative, according to the recent law changes. |
| Minimum share capital for a WFOE | Not required, however, it might be imposed in specific industries. |
| Local bank account required (YES/NO) | YES |
| Assistance in tax registration for a company in Shanghai (YES/NO) | YES |
| Business license in Shanghai | Depending on the type of the business sector (financial, oil and gas, trade, etc.) |
| Is the liaison office an option in Shanghai? | Yes, a representative office can be easily registered in China |
| Virtual office in Shanghai | Available option for foreign investors |
| Other services we offer in Shanghai | – accounting, – business consulting, – HR services, – immigration/relocation, etc. |
| Business precautions | It is recommended to hire the services of a Chinese agent to avoid possible issues, mostly linked to language barriers, procedures, etc. |
| Advantages of doing business in Shanghai | – great business – environment, – highly-skilled workforce, – logistics, – infrastructure, – strategic location, etc. |
Assistance in company incorporation in Shanghai
Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) is the most popular type of structure available in China and is recommended to foreign investors who want to do business in Shanghai, for instance.
Our consultants can present all the steps that must be considered when registering a WOFE in China. Please mind that you can also address us if you want to know what the WFOE registration cost in Shanghai is at the moment, so that you can prepare the necessary registered capital for your investment or to compare the cost of investment in Shanghai to another Chinese region.
In the list below, our consultants, specialized in company formation in China, present some of the costs associated with the registration of this entity:
- company formation services in Shanghai that includes the registration of a legal entity and the expat entrepreneur in Shanghai company setup formalities can cost more than US $3,000;
- a WOFE registered in cities such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou can cost US $2,300 (the standard registration procedure);
- the WOFE in Shanghai costs US $2,700 (also, the standard registration formalities).
Company formation services in Shanghai for a WOFE
As mentioned above, our team can provide basic legal services, related to the standard procedures imposed to those who want to open a company in China, as well as dedicated services – immigration formalities for the investors and his/her family, employment assistance, etc. In the case of a WOFE, our basic incorporation services include:
- prepare the company registration file and submitting with the relevant authorities;
- apply for a trade name;
- apply for a business license;
- submit the foreign investment information report (via the market regulation registration system);
- obtaining company seal (known as company chop);
- opening a corporate bank account, etc.,
A WOFE in China must have a legal representative and please know that our team can assist in the formalities for visa application for a WFOE legal representative.
In Shanghai, this company type can be registered by only 1 investor, who can be a legal entity or a natural person. The company must also have a legal representative, as mentioned above, who can only be a natural person.
However, there aren’t any restrictions when it comes to the person’s nationality, therefore investors can appoint foreigners for this administrative function within the company, (a work permit and visa are needed only if the person will work in China). It is also required to appoint 1 director (the legal representative can act as the director of the company). You may explore the following infographic with details about the company formation services we offer in Shanghai:
There are many other aspects to be taken into consideration, and they can be completed by booking our company formation services in Shanghai. With the help of our company formation agents in China based in Shanghai, you can be sure that all aspects related to registration are managed correctly so that you can focus on your investments.
Regarding foreign investments, we mention that Shanghai is the home of more than 75,000 foreign-owned companies, attracting around 6,000 new foreign companies each year. The most important foreign investors are from the United States, Japan and Germany.
Feel free to explore this video presentation and find out more about the services we offer in Shanghai:
We invite entrepreneurs to learn more about company formation services in Shanghai and request specialized assistance. Please contact us online or by phone and ask for the services that interest you for opening a company in Shanghai, China.
Susie Hu, Consultant, Tannet Group Limited · 2 October 2026Susie Hu is a consultant with Tannet Group Limited, specialized in foreign investment in China.