Pricing
Written prices, before the work starts
Three packages that cover the way most foreign founders actually arrive, plus single items if you only need one step. All prices in RMB, government fees shown separately where they exist.
- 6–10 wksFounder package
- On receiptWork starts
- RMBInvoice & fapiao
Packages
Pick a starting point
Starter
Company only
RMB5,000
Typical time: 2–4 weeks
- Name check and business licence
- Four chops and the registration file
- Tax registration, tax type approval, invoice system setup
- Bank account opening, accompanied
- Foreign investment information report
- Written compliance calendar for year one
Most chosen
Founder
Company + your own work permit
RMB18,000
Typical time: 6–10 weeks
- Everything in Starter
- Work permit notice and card
- Z visa application guidance
- Medical check appointment and accompaniment
- Residence permit application
- One year of basic bookkeeping (small-scale)
Trader
Company + permit + trade door
RMB21,000
Typical time: 8–12 weeks
- Everything in Founder
- Business scope amendment for import/export
- Customs registration and 10-digit code
- E-port operator and legal representative cards
- FX list registration at the bank
- Export VAT refund eligibility filing
Prices exclude the registered address, which depends on the district and the size of office you take. Reference address: RMB 8,000–12,000 per year.
Single items
If you only need one step
| Item | Price (RMB) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| WFOE registration, company only | 2,500 | 2–4 weeks |
| Representative office registration | 3,000 | 3–5 weeks |
| Business scope or address change | 2,500 | 3–7 working days |
| Registered address, per year | 8,000–12,000 | Same day |
| Office + registered address, per year | 15,000–28,000 | Same day |
| Work permit, per person | 4,000 | 4–6 weeks |
| Export VAT refund eligibility filing | 2,000 | 1 week |
| Bookkeeping, small-scale, per year | 4,800 | — |
| Bookkeeping with export refund filing, per year | 18,000 | — |
Fine print
What is and is not in the number
- Government fees: registration is free; chops, notarisation, legalisation and translation are charged at cost.
- Capital contribution, office rent and the registered address are not included unless a package says so.
- Our fee is fixed once the scope is signed. If an authority asks for an extra document that we could not foresee, we tell you before doing the work.
Not included
- Notarisation and apostille fees in your own country
- Certified translation of corporate documents (quoted per page)
- Special licences: food, cosmetics, medical devices, education
- Tax paid on your behalf, or penalties from previous non-filing
- Annual audit, if your company is required to have one
Payment
How money moves
Work starts once the payment clears, following the scope we agree in writing.
An RMB fapiao is issued for every payment.
If an application is refused for a reason within our control, we refile at no charge or refund the service fee for that item.
Questions we get every week
Pricing questions
Why is a WFOE cheaper than a representative office here?
Because the RO involves a different filing route and a mandatory operating fund, and the volume of RO work in Shanghai is lower. The cheap-looking structure is often the expensive one.
Are there hidden renewals?
Only the ones the law requires: annual reporting, bookkeeping, address renewal, permit renewal. All of them appear on the compliance calendar we hand over.
Can I pay in USD or EUR?
We can currently accept foreign currency (USD, EUR). Settlement in foreign currency is handled under China's foreign exchange rules, and we can talk you through the process.
Get a cost estimate
Start with a 20-minute call
One short reply with a written scope and price. No obligation, no sales sequence.
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