What is the CBBC Incorporation Service?

CBBC’s Incorporation Service is a one-stop shop for setting up in China, combining top drawer advice from British legal firm Stephenson Harwood, with strategic advice and practical guidance from the China-Britain Business Council.

Establishing an enterprise in China is the most effective means of taking full advantage of business opportunities there. With years of experience accumulated through its Launchpad and Rep Office services, China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) has now teamed up with leading British legal firm Stephenson Harwood (SH), which has offered to provide, in partnership with CBBC, a cost effective route to incorporating a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (WFOE) or Foreign Invested Commercial Enterprise (FICE) in China.

How does the service work?

Drawing on their considerable experience and network, CBBC’s Chinese staff are involved at key points during the registration procedures (eg translation of key documents, name reservations, liaison with local authorities, the filing & collection of documents, registration with local bureaus etc), while all legal advice relating to the key areas of business scope, capitalisation arrangements, business premises, customs & tax issues, preparation of articles of association, application forms and other documents is handled by the lawyers at SH. This teamwork reduces the overall cost to the client by up to 25%, while still providing a top-notch service. 

How long does it take?

The preparation of relevant documents for a WFOE can take several weeks. CBBC and SH will work with you to ensure you are able to provide the correct documents in good time. After the submission of all relevant documents, it usually takes around 2 months to obtain a business license, though in some sectors and localities it may take longer due to additional licensing/approval requirements.

Owing to a more bureaucratic approvals process, registration of a FICE takes longer, normally at least 3 months after the submission of documents.

After incorporation, the CBBC and SH teams will be on hand to deal with on-going queries and requirements, which will ensure vital continuity during the early stages of business development. The Incorporation Service is intended to work in combination with or as an extension of other CBBC services, so if your company is already receiving guidance from CBBC, you can benefit from this service as well.

The CBBC Incorporation Service is exclusive to CBBC members. For further information about this service click here.

Contact: Giles Blackburne