How to Open a Company in Guangzhou

1. Why Open a Company in Guangzhou?
As China’s "Southern Gateway," Guangzhou offers:  
- Access to the Pearl River Delta manufacturing hub  
- Free Trade Zones (e.g., Nansha) with tax incentives  
- Streamlined processes via "One Window" online registration 

2. Types of Entities & Key Phrases
|Objective | Entity Type | Requirements|  
| Open a company in Guangzhou  | WFOE / LLC    | Minimum capital ¥30K, Chinese office address, legal representative  |  
| Open a trading company in Guangzhou| Trading WFOE  | MOFCOM approval, import/export license, supply chain partners  |  
| Open an export company in Guangzhou| Export-Focused WFOE | Customs registration, export product licenses, VAT refund eligibility |  
| Open a branch of company in Guangzhou| Branch Office   | Parent company license, 2+ years operational history, liability to parent |  

3. Step-by-Step Process (2025 Updates)
1. Pre-Approval:  
  - Reserve a company name (via Guangzhou Market Supervision Bureau website).  
  - Lease a registered office address (virtual offices not permitted for WFOEs).  
2. Document Submission:  
  - Submit: Articles of Association, ID of legal rep, capital proof.  
  - 2025 Change: Foreign investors now use unified "Foreign Investment Code" instead of biz license.  
3. Licenses:  
  - Basic: Business License (Market Supervision Bureau).  
  - Trading/Export: Additional MOFCOM approval & Customs Declaration Registration.  
4. Post-Registration:  
  - Open corporate bank account.  
  - Register for taxes (State Tax Bureau).  

4. Costs to Open a Company in Guangzhou 
|Expense Type| Cost Range (RMB) | Details |  

 | Government Fees |¥500 – ¥1,000   | Includes business license & chops |  
| Legal Capital | ¥30,000+ (Minimum)       | No longer "registered capital" but actual paid capital |  
| Trading License | ¥2,000 – ¥5,000  | MOFCOM/Commerce Commission approval      |  
| Office Lease (Annual)| ¥50,000 – ¥200,000       | Varies by district (Tianhe highest) |  
| Agent Fees | ¥4,000 – ¥10,000 | For document prep & submission    |  
Total Estimated Cost: ¥90,000 – ¥300,000+  

5. Authorities to Contact
- Primary: Guangzhou Market Supervision Administration Bureau(GZMSA)  
 - Handles: Business licenses, company registration.  
- Secondary:  
 - Trading/Export: Guangzhou Commerce Bureau (MOFCOM local office)  
 - Tax: State Taxation Bureau (VAT registration)  
 - Customs: Guangzhou Customs District  

6. Key Tips for 2025  
- Use "Guangzhou One Window System" for online submissions.  
- Hire a local legal rep if no Chinese ID holder in management.  
- Export companies: Apply for Export Tax Refund qualification immediately.  

"Opening a trading company in Guangzhou takes 15–25 days post-document submission. Partner with a local agent to navigate 2025 compliance updates."