Everything you need to know about setting up in China.

Setting up in China begins with an analysis of your sector, the applicable regulations and the right legal structure (WFOE, joint-venture, representative office). You then need to file an application with MOFCOM, obtain a business licence through SAMR, and open a foreign-currency bank account. Double-Link automates and structures every step.

A WFOE (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise) is a Chinese-law company owned 100% by foreign investors. It is the most common structure for French companies: it offers full control, better protection of intellectual property and complete management autonomy. Creation usually takes 2 to 4 months and requires a minimum registered capital that varies by sector and city.

A WFOE gives you full control without a Chinese partner, ideal for protecting your know-how. A joint-venture involves a local partner who brings their network, licences or market access — useful in regulated sectors (telecoms, education, healthcare). The choice depends on your sector, your objectives and your risk tolerance.

The cost varies depending on the chosen structure, the city and the sector. Creating a WFOE costs between €5,000 and €15,000 in administrative fees, excluding registered capital. A joint-venture can cost more in legal fees. You also need to budget for running costs: rent, accounting, HR. Our diagnostic assesses your budget based on your project.

China applies the "first to file" principle: register your trademarks and patents with CNIPA before entering the market. Use the Madrid Protocol for international protection. Plan for NDAs adapted to Chinese law and specific non-compete clauses. Our Franco-Chinese team identifies the IP risks specific to your sector.

MOFCOM (the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China) oversees foreign investment, import-export authorisations and trade policy. It issues the approvals needed to create a foreign-invested company and maintains the catalogue of sectors that are open, restricted or prohibited to foreign investors (the negative list).