International companies set up Representative Offices to gain experience and a better understanding of the size and potential of the China market. A representative office acts as a liaison office, engaging in market research, collecting business information and establishing contacts with local customers and partners.

A representative office is not allowed to engage in any business activity for profit. It can neither issue invoices nor collect money for products or services. Its parent company must be established for more than 2 years. A representative office should be located in an office building. Its name follows the form of "name of the enterprise + name of the city + representative office".

Procedure

• 1 Secure pre-approval if projects involve highly regulated industries, such as finance, insurance and aviation
• 2 Register the business with Shanghai Administration of Industry and Commerce
• 3Produce company seals (after obtaining police approval) e
• 4 Register with the Foreign Exchange Administration Bureau
• 5Open bank accounts

Documents required

International enterprises are required to provide the following documents, which must be notarized by a local notary public and authenticated by an embassy or consulate of the People’s Republic of China before they are sent to China.

• 1 Incorporation certificate issued by the local authority
• 2 Bank reference letter
• 3 Articles of Association
• 4 Letter of Authorization, specifying who is authorized to sign registration forms
• 5 Appointment letter for the Chief Representative
• 6A copy of the Chief Representative’s passport, resume and 2 photos
• 7 Office documents, including leasing contracts and real estate ownership certificates
• 8Registration forms signed by the Authorized Person as well as the Chief Representative