A standard tourist visa is sufficient to register a company; it provides 30 days for entry, and the entire procedure takes less than a week. Visa requirements become relevant later when the business requires a long-term stay in China: this is when a work visa (up to 180 days) or a business visa with annual renewal becomes necessary.
Tourist visa: 30 days and one life hack
Standard tourist entry is up to 30 days. You can extend it once using the "Hong Kong method": take a one-hour high-speed train to Hong Kong, spend a day there, and re-entering grants another 30 days. Do not repeat this trick twice: a second consecutive attempt may result in entry denial.
Work visa: up to 180 days
Issued through your own company, it allows you to stay in China for up to 180 days per entry and can be extended without leaving the country. Requirement: the company must have at least one employee on staff, which can be a Chinese citizen on a minimum contract.
Business visa: a flexible option
Renewable annually, it allows you to update your status without changing the visa type. Suitable for those who visit China regularly but do not live there permanently.
| Visa | Duration per entry | Renewal | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | 30 days | Once via Hong Kong | none |
| Work | up to 180 days | without leaving the country | employee on staff |
| Business | per visa | annually | active company |
How it works in practice
- first trip is tourist: company registration, bank account, account setup
- subsequently, most tasks are handled remotely: accountant is in touch, reporting is electronic
- intensive work with suppliers and warehouses is a reason to apply for a work visa through your company
- hotel registration card is a mandatory document upon check-in and is also required for company registration
Frequently asked questions
Are business owners denied tourist visas?
The purpose of "tourism" and actual company registration do not conflict: registration takes days and does not require work status. For regular long-term visits, a work or business visa should be obtained.
What about local registration?
Hotels handle this automatically upon check-in; the registration card is the required document. When renting an apartment, registration must be done at the police station—this is often overlooked.
What if the visa expires before tasks are finished?
The Hong Kong maneuver works once; after that, you must obtain a long-term visa through your company. Do not overstay: fines and entry bans will ruin your entire operation.
Can I register a company in China while on a tourist visa?
Yes, a standard tourist visa is sufficient for company registration, and the entire procedure takes less than a week.
How can I extend my 30-day tourist visa?
You can extend your stay once by using the Hong Kong method, which involves taking a high-speed train to Hong Kong for a day and re-entering China. Do not attempt this trick twice, as a second consecutive attempt may result in entry denial.
What are the requirements for a work visa in China?
A work visa allows you to stay for up to 180 days per entry and can be extended without leaving the country. To qualify, your company must have at least one employee on staff, such as a Chinese citizen on a minimum contract.
Is a hotel registration card necessary for company registration?
Yes, the hotel registration card is a mandatory document provided upon check-in and is required for the company registration process.