China Joint Venture ( JV ) Registration
A joint venture (JV) in China is a company where at least one foreign party and one Chinese party are shareholders whom agree to work together and/or combine resources to achieve a common goal. There are generally 2 reasons to register a joint venture. The first reason is that wholly foreign owned-enterprises (WFOEs) are restricted from conducting business in certain specific industries and the only way for foreigners to get around these restrictions is by having a Chinese partner. The second reason is that both parties enable each other, for example one party with an existing distribution channel and the other with a viable product.
JV Formation Procedure
JV Registration
Registered Address Company Name Business License Company Chops
Corporate Accounts
Corporate Bank Account Social Insurance Account Housing Fund Account Tax Registration Number
Trading Certificates ( Optional )
Import / Export License
Food & Beverage License
Alcohol License
Medicine License
Ongoing Support
Monthly Tax & Accounting Invoice Issuance Financial Chop Payroll
Additional Services
Annual Tax Return Trademark Registration ICP Licence E-commerce
Employer of Record ( Optional )
Hire staff in China while your company is regsitered Contract Signing Payroll
JV Permitted Industries
Education
A school or university, even private school, may foreign owned. It must be a majority Chinese-owned joint venture (JV) and the school’s headmaster must be a Chinese national as well.
Construction
A consulting WFOE may provide architecture and design services, but may not directly provide any construction services in mainland China.
Ship Repair, Design & Construction
Due to the legal implications and risks involved with liabilities in case of design flaws in regards to safety, foreign companies may not design or repair ships.
Telecommunication
A school or university, even private school, may foreign owned. It must be a majority Chinese-owned joint venture (JV) and the school’s headmaster must be a Chinese national as well.
Medical Institutions
Hospitals and private clinics cannot be wholly foreign owned. Joint ventures are allowed.
Oil & Gas Exploration
WFOEs may not exploit oil and gas reserves within China’s territory. A joint venture is however allowed to carry out such operations.


Consulting JV
A consulting JV is the most simple foreign-owned legal entity to set up. No additional licenses or certificates are needed.


Trading JV
Trading JV are essentially consulting JV armed with an import/export license and other licenses for specialty products.


Manufacturing JV
A manufacturing joint venture is a highly specialized JV that has passed safety and environmental government examinations in order to manufacture products in China.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Joint Venture ( JV ) ?
A joint venture is an agreement by two or more people or companies to accomplish a specific business goal together.
What are the types of joint venture ( JV ) in China ?
There are two types of joint ventures. Cooperative Joint Ventures (CJVs) involve a cooperative relationship between foreign and Chinese partners, while Equity Joint Ventures (EJVs) establish a new legal entity with shared equity ownership between the partners.
WFOE vs JV in China?
A WFOE is a company fully owned by foreign investors, allowing them to have complete control over their operations and decision-making processes. On the other hand, JVs involve a partnership between foreign investors and Chinese entities.
Benefits of JV in China?
Joint ventures (JVs) provide a strategic solution for accessing the Chinese market. By partnering with a local company, you gain valuable insights into the market dynamics, consumer preferences, and business practices specific to China. This local expertise is crucial in navigating the unique challenges you may encounter, allowing you to avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your market entry.
Furthermore, joint ventures enable you to leverage your partner’s existing network, relationships, and resources in China. This can include established distribution channels, manufacturing facilities, supply chains, and local talent. By combining your strengths and resources, you can create a synergy that enhances your competitive advantage in the market.
Which industries in China restrict foreign WFOEs from establishing joint ventures?
Certain industries in China impose restrictions or prohibitions on foreign companies, particularly in the context of establishing joint ventures. These restrictions serve to safeguard national security, protect key industries, and foster domestic company development. Industries such as telecommunications, media and publishing, internet services, education and training, and banking and financial services often face such limitations. In telecommunications, concerns over critical infrastructure and national security prompt restrictions on foreign ownership and licensing. Similarly, the media and publishing sector restricts foreign involvement to preserve cultural interests and maintain ideological control. Internet services encounter limitations on ownership, content control, and data localization to regulate information flow and safeguard national security.
Government support for JV from China?
China’s government offers a host of tax breaks, ensuring that more of your hard-earned revenue remains in your pocket. Through partnerships with local Chinese companies, you can access preferential tax rates, exemptions, and deductions. These incentives alleviate your tax burden, allowing you to reinvest those savings back into your business for growth and expansion. Additionally, subsidies are available to supercharge your business’s development. Whether it’s funding for research and development, environmental protection, or energy efficiency, these subsidies provide financial assistance, propelling your growth and enabling you to innovate, upgrade your technology, and gain a competitive edge in the Chinese market.
Common Mistakes with Joint Ventures
- Joint Venture Scams: Imagine this scenario, you’ve identified a promising joint venture opportunity in China, only to fall victim to a sophisticated scam that leaves you financially devastated. Unfortunately, this is a harsh reality faced by many unsuspecting foreign investors. These scams can involve fraudulent companies posing as legitimate partners, misrepresenting their financial status, or even siphoning off funds. To safeguard your interests, it is crucial to conduct thorough background checks, verify the credentials of potential partners, and seek legal counsel to review contracts meticulously.
- Unequal Resource Contributions: In joint ventures, the equitable allocation of resources is vital for fostering a healthy and mutually beneficial partnership. However, unequal resource contributions can be a common challenge, particularly when collaborating with Chinese entities. Some local partners may promise significant resources or market access but fail to deliver as agreed. This can result in an imbalance of power, hampering the joint venture’s ability to achieve its objectives. It is essential to negotiate clear and detailed terms regarding resource allocation, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the partnership.
- Intellectual Property Theft in Joint Ventures: Joint ventures often involve sharing sensitive information, technology, or trade secrets, making it necessary to identify the vulnerable stages where IP theft is most likely to occur. By taking preventive measures at each of these stages, you can significantly reduce the risk of IP infringement.