How to Open a Company in China and Get a Work Permit & Residence Permit in Shanghai
Tired of constant China visa runs? Build an official legal status through your own business — a registered company becomes your legal foundation for living and working in China.
China attracts thousands of foreign entrepreneurs, specialists and international business owners. Some come to source suppliers. Some build import/export operations. Some work directly with Chinese manufacturers, clients and partners. But after a while, many run into the same problem: how do you legally live in China long-term when you’re actually doing business here?
One common solution: register your own company in China → obtain a Work Permit → apply for a work-based Residence Permit. The company becomes your official legal foundation for operating in China.
Quick answer: can a foreigner open a company in China and get a Residence Permit?
Yes, a foreign entrepreneur can register a company in China and use it as the basis for applying for a work status. It’s important to understand: company registration alone does not automatically grant a Residence Permit. The company is the legal foundation — the Work Permit and Residence Permit are separate applications, and the relevant government authorities decide each case individually.
From an unstable status to an official structure
Many foreigners come to China for short stays and repeatedly leave and re-enter to renew their permitted stay. If you’re actually doing business in China, a more stable option is to build an official business structure.
The problem
- Constant visa runs and short trips abroad
- Unstable immigration status
- Can’t work officially
- Hard to sign long-term business contracts
- Questions at the border every time
The solution
- Register your own company in China
- Business License and legal operations
- Work Permit through your own company
- Work-based Residence Permit
- Official long-term presence in China
From company registration to Residence Permit
A company doesn’t grant a Residence Permit by itself — it’s the legal foundation for a work status application, which government authorities decide on.
Company Registration
Register the company
Business License
The company’s core document
Bank Account
Tax registration and bank account
Work Permit
Applying for a work permit
Residence Permit
Work-based residence permit
Foreign ownership is available across many industries
Legal status in China: service pricing
Company registration in China
- Company name selection
- Company registration
- Obtaining the Business License
- Tax bureau registration
- Customs registration
- Corporate bank account
- Registered legal address (5 years)
A physical office, if needed, is leased separately.
Order this serviceWork Permit + Residence Permit
- Assessment of your situation
- Checking the applicable pathway
- Document preparation
- Application support
- Process communication
For Master’s/PhD candidates — 8,000–10,000 RMB. Medical exam, translations, notarization, apostille and government fees are billed separately.
Order this serviceAccounting support
- Monthly tax filing
- Annual company report
- Standard tax support
- Document preparation
- Up to 2 VAT refunds per month
Reporting requirements apply even if the company is temporarily inactive.
Order this servicePricing shown is approximate. Get an exact quote and consultation for your situation from a Myron Trade manager.
What factors are considered in the application
Standard categories for foreign specialists often include education and professional experience requirements. That said, every case is reviewed individually.
| Education | May be considered |
| Work experience | May be considered |
| Job title | Important factor |
| Company’s business activity | Important factor |
| Region of registration | Matters |
| Candidate’s documents | Required |
The outcome can also be affected by your role in the company, entrepreneurial track record, business profile, applicant qualifications and regional rules. We recommend a preliminary assessment before applying.
How long the whole process takes
Timing depends on the city, documents and your specific situation. The full process usually takes several months from the start of preparation.
Who should open a company in China
One of China’s largest business hubs
Shanghai is one of China’s largest international business hubs, with mature infrastructure for foreign business.
Business hub
International business environment
Financial center
Mature financial infrastructure
International environment
Large foreign community
Access to the China market
Access to Chinese manufacturers and transport links
Commentary from the Myron Trade expert
Marad Abdullaev
Managing Director, Myron TradeMarad Abdullaev focuses on building international business between China and overseas markets.
- Company setup in China
- International trade
- Export of Chinese products
- Working with Chinese manufacturers
- Supporting foreign entrepreneurs
From idea to a working company in China
Myron Trade guides foreign entrepreneurs through the whole path. Our services include:
Company registration in China
Setting up the legal entity, obtaining the Business License and launching the business.
Learn more →Business with China: import and export
Full support for international trade and logistics.
Learn more →Supplier search in China
Finding manufacturers, negotiations, company verification.
Learn more →Quality control of goods
Production inspections and pre-shipment checks.
Learn more →Business consulting in China
Business support, procurement and legal services.
Learn more →Full guide to legal status in China
In-depth article: the process, cost and common mistakes foreigners make.
Read →Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner open a company in China?
Yes, in many industries foreigners can register a company with full foreign ownership.
Do I need a Chinese partner?
In many cases — no. A foreign entrepreneur can be the owner, director or legal representative of the company. Exact conditions depend on the business activity.
Does the company automatically grant a Residence Permit?
No. The company is the foundation for a later work-status application, but the Work Permit and Residence Permit require a separate process and are decided by the relevant government authorities.
How much does it cost to open a company in Shanghai?
Myron Trade’s full registration package is 35,000 RMB. It includes the Business License, tax registration, customs registration, a bank account and a registered legal address for 5 years. The exact cost of additional services depends on your situation.
How long does the process take?
Company registration typically takes 1–3 weeks, opening a bank account and additional registrations take another 1–3 weeks, and Work Permit preparation takes several weeks. The full process usually takes several months from the start of preparation — the exact timeline depends on the city, documents and your situation.
Can the company be used for import/export?
Yes. For that, the company needs the relevant customs registration and must meet regulatory requirements.
Get a consultation about your situation
Tell us where you are now, what you do, what kind of business you’re planning, and whether you need only a business or also a work status — we’ll prepare an individual assessment of your case. Consultations are available in person in Shanghai, online by phone, or via WeChat / WhatsApp.
Myron Trade — your partner for business and life in China. Legal requirements, timelines and conditions can change and depend on your individual situation — please confirm current details during a consultation.
