China JV Registration

Register joint venture in China with our expertise

China Joint Venture ( JV ) Registration

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 WFOE

Consulting JV

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

Trading WFOE

Trading JV

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

Manufacturing WFOE

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

A joint venture is an agreement by two or more people or companies to accomplish a specific business goal together.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.