How to Smoothly Register a Singapore Company in Mainland China? A Detailed Guide!

How Can a Singapore Company Successfully Register in Mainland China? Read This Article and You’ll Know!

In an era of deepening globalization, more and more Singaporean companies are setting their sights on the Chinese market, hoping to leverage China’s vast consumer base, mature industrial chain, and strong economic growth to expand their business and achieve international development. However, due to differences in legal systems, business environments, and policy directions between the two regions, Singaporean companies often face numerous challenges and uncertainties when registering to enter the Chinese market.

This article provides a practical guide to the pathways, procedures, and key considerations for Singaporean companies registering in mainland China, helping investors interested in the Chinese market avoid detours and move forward with confidence.

1. Understanding China’s Foreign Investment Access Policies

In recent years, China has continued to deepen its openness and improve its business environment, gradually lowering the threshold for foreign investment. According to the latest policies issued by China’s Ministry of Commerce and State Administration for Market Regulation, foreign investment is managed under the model of pre-establishment national treatment plus a negative list. As a friendly country to China, Singaporean companies often enjoy favorable policy support when investing in China.

The 2025 edition of the Special Administrative Measures for Foreign Investment Access Negative List has further reduced the number of restricted sectors, particularly in manufacturing, finance, and information technology. For example, in industries such as new energy vehicles and high-end equipment manufacturing, foreign investors are now allowed to establish wholly foreign-owned enterprises or take controlling stakes.

Before entering the Chinese market, Singaporean companies should first confirm whether their industry is subject to restrictions under the negative list and ensure their investment direction aligns with policy requirements.

2. Choosing the Right Company Registration Type

When registering a company in China, Singaporean investors commonly choose from the following organizational forms

1. Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise WFOE

The most common and flexible structure, suitable for Singaporean companies that wish to fully control their Chinese operations. A WFOE can engage in import and export trade, technical services, marketing, and other activities, and can independently open a RMB account, pay taxes legally, and repatriate profits.

2. Joint Venture JV

If a Singaporean company wishes to leverage local Chinese resources or partner with a domestic firm, a joint venture can help reduce initial investment costs while benefiting from the Chinese partner’s market knowledge and supply chain advantages.

3. Representative Office RO

Suitable for companies in the early stage of market research, a representative office cannot directly engage in profit-making activities but is relatively simple and low-cost to set up. It is ideal for companies testing the waters and gaining experience in China.

Selecting the appropriate registration type is crucial, depending on the company’s development stage and strategic goals.

3. Detailed Registration Process

Taking the establishment of a WFOE as an example

1. Company Name Approval

Submit a company name application to the local Administration for Market Regulation to ensure the name is available.

2. Prepare Articles of Association and Shareholder Documents

Include the Singapore parent company’s business license, shareholder identification documents, and power of attorney, all of which must be notarized and authenticated usually through a Singapore notary and the Chinese embassy in Singapore.

3. Commercial Department Filing or Approval

Submit an investment application to the relevant commerce authority based on the industry category and obtain an approval certificate or filing receipt for the foreign-invested enterprise.

4. Business Registration

Submit the company’s articles of association, shareholder information, registered address, and other details to complete the business license application.

5. Tax Registration and Bank Account Opening

Complete tax registration with the local tax bureau and open a corporate bank account at a designated bank.

6. Foreign Exchange Registration and Capital Inflow

If foreign capital is involved, complete foreign exchange registration to ensure legal inflow of funds.

The entire process typically takes 2-4 months, depending on the efficiency of local authorities and the completeness of documentation.

4. Required Documents for Registration

Taking WFOE as an example

Certificate of incorporation of the Singapore company notarized and authenticated

Articles of association notarized and authenticated

Identity proof of directors and shareholders passport or ID

Power of attorney if using an agent

Investment party’s credit certificate

Chinese registered address proof lease agreement or property certificate

Business scope description and feasibility report for certain industries

All documents must be translated into Chinese and notarized by a Singapore notary and authenticated by the Chinese embassy in Singapore.

5. Common Issues and Recommendations

1. Registered Capital and Contribution Methods

China currently uses a subscription-based capital system. Companies should set registered capital based on actual operational needs to avoid excessive financial pressure.

2. Registered Address Issues

China requires a legal commercial address for registration. Many regions offer preferential policies for companies setting up in industrial parks, free trade zones, or high-tech development zones, which may include tax incentives and subsidies.

3. Tax Compliance and Operations

China’s tax system is complex. It is recommended to hire a professional accountant or tax consultant after registration to ensure compliance. Also, ensure adherence to labor laws, environmental regulations, and other relevant laws.

4. Intellectual Property Protection

China has significantly strengthened IP protection in recent years. Singaporean companies should proactively apply for trademarks and patents in China to avoid infringement risks.

6. Recent Policy Developments and Trends

In August 2025, the Ministry of Commerce issued the Opinions on Further Optimizing the Foreign Investment Environment and Strengthening Foreign Investment Attraction, which emphasized further market liberalization, improved business conditions, and stronger policy support.

Cities such as Shanghai, Guangdong, and Zhejiang have introduced preferential policies for foreign-invested enterprises, including tax rebates, rent subsidies, and talent recruitment incentives, making it easier for Singaporean companies to enter the Chinese market.

With the deepening implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership RCEP, Singaporean companies benefit from more flexible rules of origin and gradually reduced tariffs, providing strong support for supply chain integration and market expansion in China.

7. Conclusion

For Singaporean companies seeking to expand into the Chinese market, establishing a local entity is a crucial step toward long-term strategic goals. Although the process is complex, with proper planning, understanding of policies, thorough documentation, and support from professional service providers, the registration process can be completed efficiently and smoothly.

The Chinese market offers immense potential, along with its share of challenges. With localized strategies and compliant operations, Singaporean enterprises can look forward to a promising future in China.