Open a Representative Office in China

If you want to explore the Chinese market and start a business here, you can choose to open a representative office in China first. This is often the choice of international investors interested in discovering the investment opportunities. We invite you to read the following lines and then reach out to Chinese attorneys for support.

What is a representative office known as in China?

• RO,
• Representative department,
• Liaison office.

Do you assist in opening a liaison office in China? What types of services do you offer?

Our lawyers in China can:

• prepare the documentation for registering a liaison office in China,
• represent clients via power of attorney at the local and/or regional authorities,
• deal with the immigration matters for foreigners setting up a liaison office in China,
• manage various legal administrative tasks & formalities linked to business formation in China,
• act as a representative agent for a liaison office in China, if the client requests so.

What are the key requirements for opening a RO in China?

• the foreign enterprise must have been on the market for at least 2 years in its home country before setting up a liaison office in China,
• a representative office in China cannot develop commercial operations,
• a Chinese liaison office must have a representative agent appointed. In the case the representative is from overseas, he or she will have to get a residence and work visa first, to oversee the RO.

What are the main operations of a liaison office in China?

• marketing & advertising,
• promoting the operations & products of a foreign company on the Chinese market,
• creating new business connections & collaborations,
• exploring investment opportunities in China, etc.

What are the general conditions to set up a representative office in China?

• ensure the business name also includes “Representative Office”,
• present the documents of the foreign company, including a resolution/declaration stating a liaison office is set up in China,
• appoint the representative of the liaison office,
• present the IDs/passport & CVs of shareholders,
• get local approvals if applicable.

NOTES:

• a bank reference letter is normally required to confirm the financial credibility of the foreign firm,
• preparing & presenting a document stating that the office address can be used is also required.

Where do I apply for opening a liaison office in China?

At the Administration for Market Regulation – AMR.

Do I need to register the liaison office for taxation in China?

Yes, it is mandatory.

Are there any recommendations for opening a representative office in China?

• working with accounting specialists for a liaison office in China is mandatory,
• all foreign documents must be translated and notarized. Authentication is done by the Chinese Consulate or Embassy in the country of origin.

Ready to explore your business options in China? Do you want information about how to open a liaison office here? Send your inquiries to our local team or, better yet, contact our law firm in China for in-depth legal assistance.

Please watch the video below which contains details about how to set up a representative office in China and the purposes of such establishment: