Set up a representative office

Why do you need to set up a representative office?

Why do you need to set up a representative office?

A representative office is an office of a foreign enterprise set up in China for liaison with Chinese businesses and customers on behalf of its parent companies. The key difference between an RO and a registered company is that it can’t be considered to be a separate legal entity, so it can’t carry out direct revenue earning business activities.

However, an RO can open bank accounts and employ staff to maintain liaison with customers and suppliers. It's head office can also enter into contracts with its supplier/customers in China in its own name, but not in the name of its RO. Therefore, before a foreign investor establishes its presence in China as a registered company, it could first set up a representative office to test the Chinese market. 

What’s included in the package?

Our services in the setup process mainly include:

• Project manage the whole application/registration process. Provide NDD with detailed workflow, timeframe and document list and sample documents for setting up.

• Help NDD to understand and prepare for documentation required by the Chinese authority and guide NDD through the document preparation process.

• Co-ordinate with the local service provider during the application/registration process

The setup process includes applying for the following items:

Industry & Commerce registration, Taxation registration, Enterprise Code registration, Foreign Currency registration, Statistics registration, Office Seal and Financial Seal engraving.

What’s required from the company?

1.    Investors' business licenses & certificates of incorporation;
2.    Bank reference letter for the foreign investors, stating a 7-digits (or USD300,000) bank balances, issued within 6 months & in both English and Chinese language and certified by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country.
3.    Copies of passport and China entry permit of all the legal representatives and 4 photos of the chief representative; Appointment letters and resume of the chief representative
4.    Copies of the lease agreement and title deed sealed by Housing Authorities.
5.    Documents evidencing the details of shareholders and directors for investors (e.g. annual return for an HK company);
6.    Certified true copied of incorporation of applicant’s company certified by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate or rotary agency in your country.
7. Minutes of Board Meeting to authorize Chief Representative, Minutes of Board Meeting to setup RO
8.    Last annual return to Company Registry and to Tax Department

*Might incur extra charge subject to the detail of the registration process, e.g. Location of the RO.