Company formation in China
Follow every step of setting up your company in China in Turkish, never on your own
Yeni İpekyolu coordinates structure selection, document preparation and the registration process run by licensed local agents for Turkish companies setting up in China; we translate all correspondence and report on the process in Turkish.
Company formation in China: a guide to structure, address and licences for Turkish investors
Choosing the right structure: a foreign-owned company or a representative office?
For Turkish companies wanting to operate in China, the most commonly chosen structure is typically a wholly foreign-owned limited company (also known as a WFOE). This structure makes it possible to issue invoices in China, buy and sell locally, employ staff and repatriate profits. For those who only want to carry out market research and liaison activities, a representative office may be more suitable, although its commercial scope is generally limited. In some projects, a joint venture with a Chinese partner may also be considered.
The choice of structure depends on your business scope, target city, expected sales volume and long-term plan. Some sectors may be subject to additional conditions or approvals for foreign investment. At Yeni İpekyolu, we listen to your business model in a preliminary meeting, compare the options in plain Turkish and then confirm feasibility with licensed Chinese formation agents. Because rules can vary between cities and change over time, we confirm the current rules together at every step.
Registered address, capital and business scope: details that vary by city
Setting up a company in China typically requires a genuine registered address suitable for commercial use. In cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou or Beijing, address requirements, free trade zone or incentive zone options and office leasing practices can differ. The amount of registered capital and its payment schedule are also set according to the company's activity and local practice. A common mistake by Turkish investors is to leave the address and capital decision entirely to the agent and then run into problems later with tax, banking or visa procedures.
The business scope is a critical element that defines what the company may do in China, and it is written on the business licence. A narrow scope may require an amendment application for a new activity later, while food, import-export or certain services may need additional licences and registrations. At Yeni İpekyolu, we review the business scope wording with you in Chinese and Turkish and compare the agent's proposal against your business plan. That way your company is set up to fit the business you actually want to do.
After formation: bank account, tax registration and follow-up in Turkish
Obtaining the business licence is not the end of the process. It is usually followed by steps such as making the company seals, tax registration, opening a bank account, a foreign currency capital account, social insurance registration and, where needed, customs registration. The legal representative may be required to be present in person to open the bank account, which calls for travel planning. After formation, monthly and annual filings also require working with a local accounting firm. These steps are carried out by licensed Chinese agents, accountants and lawyers.
Throughout this process, Yeni İpekyolu acts as your Turkish-speaking coordinator. We translate Chinese requests from the agent and accountant, prepare the apostille and sworn Chinese translation of your parent company documents, organise signatures and appointments, and support the legal representative's trip to China with invitation and accommodation. At every stage we summarise in Turkish what has been completed and what comes next. You thus complete the formation of your company in China while staying in control, without getting lost in a system whose language you do not speak.
For those who want their own company in China
Companies that buy regularly from China
Importers who want a local entity to manage sourcing, quality control and exports on the ground. A company in China can strengthen supplier relationships.
Brands that want to sell in China
Turkish brands that want to issue local invoices, manage a distributor network or open stores. We include any additional licences in the plan from the start.
Service and consulting firms
Engineering, software or consulting companies that want to serve clients in China locally. We take care to define the business scope correctly.
Entrepreneurs moving to China
People who want to start their own business in China and link steps such as residence and work permits to it. We plan the company and permit processes together.
What our company formation coordination includes
Preliminary assessment and structure comparison
We listen to your business model and compare options such as a company or a representative office in Turkish. We identify any additional conditions specific to your sector.
Selecting and coordinating a licensed agent
We hold quote and scope discussions with licensed formation agents in the target city. We present the quotes to you in a comparative Turkish summary.
Document pack preparation
We plan the apostille and sworn Chinese translation of parent company documents, powers of attorney and ID documents. We match the agent's list exactly.
Address, capital and business scope review
We review registered address options, the capital plan and the business scope wording with you. We align these decisions with your business plan.
Follow-up on post-formation steps
We follow up steps such as seals, tax registration, bank account and choosing an accounting firm. We organise the legal representative's visit to China.
Reporting and translation in Turkish
We translate all correspondence with agents and authorities. We report on the process regularly in Turkish.
Service summary and requirements
| Formation cities | Shanghai · Hangzhou · Guangzhou · Shenzhen · Beijing · Yiwu |
|---|---|
| Legal filings | Licensed Chinese agents, accountants and lawyers; coordination by us |
| Pricing | Separate coordination fee; agent and official costs shared transparently |
| Service languages | Turkish · Chinese · English |
| Cities served | Guangzhou · Shenzhen · Yiwu · Shanghai · Hangzhou · Beijing (coordinated from our Istanbul office) |
The final price and timeline depend on the scope; we send you a clear quote promptly.
What you need to provide
- The parent company's up-to-date registry record and certificate of activity
- Passport details of the legal representative and directors
- Description of the planned business scope and business model
- Target city and registered address preference
- Capital plan and activities expected in the first year
- Chinese name options you have in mind for the company (if any)
Company formation in China, step by step
- 1
Preliminary meeting and plan
We discuss your activity, target city and timeline. We agree on the suitable structure and roadmap.
- 2
Agent selection and name pre-check
We choose the licensed agent together. We prepare alternatives for the company's Chinese name and have the agent check their availability.
- 3
Documents and application
We deliver the apostilled and translated documents to the agent. The agent files the application, and we pass every request on to you in Turkish.
- 4
Business licence and registrations
Once the business licence is issued, we follow the seal, tax and other registration steps. We plan any additional licences needed.
- 5
Banking and starting operations
We organise your visit to open the bank account and coordinate the start of work with the accounting firm. Your company is then ready to operate.
Frequently asked questions
As a Turkish citizen, can I set up a 100% owned company in China?
In many sectors, foreign investors can set up a wholly foreign-owned company. However, some business areas may be subject to restrictions or additional approvals. We confirm eligibility for your sector together with a licensed agent, based on the current rules.
How long does company formation take?
It varies with the city, business scope, how fast documents are prepared and whether additional licences are needed. Preparing documents on the Turkish side is usually the most time-consuming step. Together with the agent, we give you a realistic timeline that also accounts for Chinese holidays.
Is a real office address in China required?
A registered address suitable for commercial use is typically required. Some cities and zones may offer shared office or zone-provided address options. We evaluate the options with the agent and confirm the current rules.
How much registered capital should there be?
There is no fixed figure; capital is set according to the nature of the business, early-stage expenses and local practice. The capital contribution schedule is also planned in line with regulations. Together with the agent and accountant, we work out a capital proposal that fits your business plan.
Do I need to travel to China for the formation?
Most of the registration can be handled remotely with a power of attorney and apostilled documents. However, for some steps such as opening the bank account, the legal representative may need to be present in person. We provide invitation, hotel and interpreting support for that visit.
Is accounting mandatory after the company is formed?
Yes. Companies in China are typically subject to monthly and annual tax filings and annual reporting obligations; filings may be required even without activity. You therefore need to work with a licensed local accounting firm. We support you in Turkish with the selection and communication.
Does setting up a company give me a work permit in China?
The company can act as the employer and form the basis of a work permit application for foreign staff, but the permit is a separate process with its own conditions. We plan the company formation and permit application together and confirm the current rules.
Is a representative office or a company more suitable?
If you will only do liaison, market research and supplier follow-up, a representative office may be enough. If you want to issue invoices, sell locally or generate revenue, you typically need a company. We compare both options in Turkish based on your business model.
Tell us what you need in China
Our consultant reviews your needs for free and gives you a clear price and timeline.
