01 · ChinaMNC
Why Heshan?
Heshan sits in the western Pearl River Delta, administered by Jiangmen. It is connected by expressways and intercity rail links that put Guangzhou, Foshan and Zhuhai within reach for meetings, suppliers and logistics. The area is known for industrial parks and manufacturing clusters, including footwear and light-industry supply chains, alongside growing commercial and residential development.
For foreign founders, Heshan offers a lower-cost operating base than core Guangzhou or Shenzhen while keeping access to Greater Bay Area customers and ports. Local government service centers handle company registration, tax and social insurance registration, and many procedures can be coordinated through the Heshan administrative service hall. If your business serves manufacturing clients, trades goods, or needs a regional office, Heshan is worth evaluating against nearby Jiangmen districts and Foshan.
Do not assume incentives or approvals are automatic. Policies vary by park and industry, and eligibility should be confirmed directly with the relevant Heshan or Jiangmen authority before committing to a lease.
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Entity options: WFOE, JV or RO
WFOE (wholly foreign-owned enterprise) is the most common structure for foreign founders who want full control and the ability to invoice, hire and remit profits. It requires a registered address, articles of association, and a business scope that matches the intended activities. A WFOE can be a limited liability company and is generally suitable for trading, consulting, manufacturing-related services and other permitted activities.
Joint venture (JV) can make sense where a Chinese partner brings licenses, land, distribution or local relationships. JVs require careful negotiation of governance, capital contributions and exit mechanisms. They are more complex to establish and operate than a WFOE.
Representative office (RO) is a non-profit liaison setup. An RO cannot engage in direct business activities or invoicing and is subject to its own registration and reporting rules. It suits market research or coordination, not revenue-generating operations.
Before choosing, confirm whether your planned activities fall on the negative list for foreign investment and what specific licenses apply in Heshan.
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The five-step registration process
1. Name and scope check. Reserve a company name and draft a business scope that reflects permitted activities. Names are checked against existing registrations; prepare alternatives.
2. Prepare incorporation documents. This typically includes the articles of association, shareholder and director information, legal representative appointment, and proof of registered address. Foreign documents often need notarization and, where required, legalization or apostille.
3. Submit to the market regulation authority. File the establishment application with the Heshan market regulation bureau or via the local administrative service center. Once approved, you receive the business license.
4. Complete post-license registrations. Arrange company seals, tax registration and invoicing setup, bank account opening, and social insurance and housing fund registration where you hire staff.
5. Start compliance routines. Set up bookkeeping, monthly or quarterly tax filing, annual reporting, and foreign exchange procedures for capital contributions and payments.
Each step depends on document readiness and authority review; avoid relying on fixed timelines.
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Documents you will likely need
Requirements can vary by entity type and activity, but foreign founders should prepare:
- Passport copies of shareholders, directors and the legal representative.
- Proof of address for the company, such as a lease and property certificate, or a serviced office agreement acceptable to the authority.
- Articles of association and shareholder resolutions.
- Notarized and legalized/apostilled incorporation documents for corporate shareholders.
- Bank reference or proof of funds where requested.
- Name reservation and business scope wording.
- Application forms and authorization letters for the local filing agent.
Documents in foreign languages usually need Chinese translations. Notarization and legalization take time, so start early. Keep originals and scanned copies consistent, and ensure signatures match passport names. For regulated activities, additional approvals or licenses may be required before or after registration. Confirm the current checklist with the Heshan market regulation authority or a qualified local adviser.
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Registered address and business scope
A registered address is mandatory. In Heshan, this can be a commercial office, a unit in an industrial park, or a serviced office if the provider supports registration. The address must be documented with a lease and property ownership certificate; some authorities may inspect or require landlord consent. If you are not ready to lease, discuss virtual or shared address options with providers that explicitly support company registration.
Business scope should describe your actual activities using standard wording. Some activities require pre-approval or a post-registration license, such as food, logistics, education or certain manufacturing processes. Keep the scope focused but flexible enough to avoid repeated amendments. If you plan to import or export, include trading and related wording and arrange customs registration after incorporation.
Foreign investment rules and local park policies can affect what you may do at a given address. Verify zoning and industry restrictions before signing a lease.
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Banking, tax and visas
Banking. Open a corporate RMB account and, if needed, a foreign currency account. Banks apply their own due diligence and may request business documents, shareholder information and proof of address. Capital contributions should follow the registered capital and foreign exchange rules. Compare banks on international transfer capability and online banking.
Tax. After registration, complete tax onboarding, determine taxpayer status and set up invoicing. China's tax system includes corporate income tax, VAT and other levies; rates and incentives depend on your activities and location. Engage a local accountant for bookkeeping and filing. Annual reporting and tax reconciliation are ongoing obligations.
Visas. Foreign founders and staff typically need a work permit and residence permit to work in China. The process generally involves a work permit notice, a Z visa, and conversion to a residence permit after entry. Requirements depend on qualifications and the employer. Business visas do not authorize work. Confirm current procedures with the local science and technology or human resources authority and the exit-entry administration.
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Common mistakes to avoid
Underestimating document legalization. Foreign corporate documents often need notarization, legalization or apostille and Chinese translation. Missing this step delays filing.
Choosing an address that cannot be registered. Confirm the landlord and property support company registration before signing. Some residential or informal spaces are not accepted.
Drafting an overly broad or vague business scope. Standard wording and licensed activities need care. An inaccurate scope can block bank account opening or later licensing.
Ignoring post-registration compliance. Tax filing, annual reports, social insurance and foreign exchange declarations continue after the license is issued. Set up bookkeeping early.
Assuming a visa is automatic. Company registration does not guarantee work permits for founders or staff. Check eligibility before relocating.
Relying on verbal policy assurances. Request written confirmation from authorities or qualified advisers for incentives, permits and industry restrictions.