Successfully investing in China requires patience, comprehensive knowledge of the local market and business environments, efficient tax planning in China and professional advisers who can help you through every step of the process of starting a company in China. Healy Consultants assists international entrepreneurs investing in China with a wide range of services to support their ambitions, including tailored advice for tax planning in China. Points to note when investing in China include:

Investing in China can be a major challenge. Despite many regulatory and legal reforms in the country, procedures for starting a company in China remain complicated, lengthy and geographically restrictive, particularly for foreign investors.

Regulatory and legislative reforms are struggling to keep pace with rapid economic growth.

Despite reforms, China's legal system remains complex to those starting a company in China, and enforcement of federal laws at provincial level continue to discourage those planning on investing in China.

A key concern to those considering investing in China is the issue of intellectual property rights. Under the terms of its accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2001, China is a signatory to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement. However, concerns remain among those who are starting a company in China about the adequate enforcement of intellectual property protection laws in the country.

Understanding Chinese business culture is one of the main challenges faced by those investing in China. Healy Consultants offers a comprehensive business orientation service to clients investing in China, including Chinese language courses, tailored chauffeur-driven guided tours of key points of business interest (e g industrial parks, special economic zones), city tours, and introductory courses on Chinese business etiquette.

Setting up the correct corporate structure is vital to successfully starting a company in China. Healy Consultants can advise on and engineer a structure to meet your exact needs, from the foreign-invested commercial enterprise (FICE) to the representative office.

Opening a corporate bank account is crucial to support the activities of entrepreneurs investing in China. Healy Consultants can assist in opening a corporate bank account either in China or in another jurisdiction such as Hong Kong or Singapore, according to your needs. Kindly visit our Corporate Accounts page for further information on Healy Consultants' international corporate bank accounts.

One of the keys to successfully investing in China is developing a reliable network of business contacts and service suppliers. Healy Consultants has, over the years, established an impressive client base in China and the region, across a wide range of industries. Subject to their mutual agreement, we are able to provide introductions to key businesspeople in China, as well as introduce possible joint venture partners around the world.

For entrepreneurs planning to move to China to oversee their investments, Healy Consultants provides a comprehensive relocation service, including assistance obtaining Chinese employment and residence visas; assistance with finding suitable commercial and residential property in China; assistance with locating a suitable international school for entrepreneurs' children.

Other support services provided by Healy Consultants to entrepreneurs starting a company in China include a accounting and taxation services for tax planning in China, virtual Office services, human resource support, marketing services, assistance with obtaining corporate finance, IT Support services, Asia real estate purchase, and market research and feasibility studies.

Tax planning in China is an important aspect to consider when investing in China. China's tax system can appear complicated and confusing. However, Healy Consultants' experience of tax planning in China means that you get accurate, authoritative tax advice to support the company.

When tax planning in China, entrepreneurs should note that all Chinese entities suffer a flat corporation tax of 25%. However, dividends, loan interest, and certain royalties (normally relating to technologically-advanced projects) and legally tax-exempt. Capital gains are taxed as ordinary income.

Entrepreneurs starting a company in China pay tax of up to 45% on all income if resident in China. Non-residents pay tax only on income sourced in China.

When tax planning in China, investors should note that Chinese companies access a wide network of double taxation treaties China has signed with other countries.

The Chinese tax year runs from January to December.

Healy Consultants ensures that the process for starting a company in China is straightforward. Although starting a company in China is complex and time consuming, our transparent, logical engagement procedures ensure maximum efficiency.

Prior to starting a company in China, our client settles our fees and signs Healy Consultants engagement letter.

Before starting a company in China, Healy Consultants provides our client a detailed engagement plan, outlining a roadmap for the upcoming engagement, thereby minimising unwanted surprises and meeting client expectations.

Healy Consultants legally completes China incoorporation, with the correct corporate structure.

After starting a company in China, Healy Consultants opens a corporate bank account for our client, which includes world-class multi-currency Internet banking facilities.

After starting a company in China, Healy Consultants provides our client with a local business address details for invoicing purposes, together with telephone, fax and email support.

After starting a company in China, Healy Consultants assists our client with business website building, search engine advertising, as well as stationery and logo design.

Healy Consultants assists our client to obtain corporate finance, trade finance and to open merchant accounts.

After investing in China, Healy Consultants assists our client to locate business premises and recruit local staff in China, if required.

After investing in China, Healy Consultants emails an Engagement Feedback Survey to our client.

For more information on investing in China or starting a company in China, email email@healyconsultants.com or call us in Singapore at +(65) 6735 0120.