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Chinese New Year remains the most significant holiday period in Mainland China, with material impact on workforce availability, supply chains and regulatory processing timelines. For 2026, businesses operating in or trading with China should begin preparation well in advance to mitigate disruption and protect operational continuity. For foreign-invested enterprises, regional headquarters and trading companies, proactive planning is essential to manage workforce absence, produ

For foreign-invested enterprises and domestic companies operating in China, geographic expansion often raises a fundamental question: should a new legal entity be established in each city, or is a branch office the more efficient structure? Once a Limited Liability Company has been incorporated in China, establishing branch offices is typically the most straightforward and cost-effective method of expanding operations across different cities. Compared to setting up a new comp

Shenzhen’s rapid commercial pace brings opportunity alongside close regulatory attention. For foreign invested enterprises, day to day operations must align with tax rules, VAT administration and local compliance standards that are actively enforced. Businesses that treat compliance as a background task often face disruption during audits, banking reviews or corporate changes. This article explains how to manage tax, VAT and ongoing compliance when operating in Shenzhen, with

Shenzhen has developed one of the most active employment markets in Mainland China, driven by technology, manufacturing, professional services and international trade. For foreign invested enterprises, managing people in Shenzhen requires a clear understanding of local labour rules, payroll mechanics and mandatory social insurance. Missteps in these areas often lead to disputes, penalties or operational disruption. This article outlines the practical human resources and payro

The 2026 Individual Income Tax subsidy programme under the Greater Bay Area framework has formally commenced in Shenzhen. The initiative remains one of the most commercially relevant talent incentives available to foreign professionals and high-end domestic talent working in southern China. For employers and internationally mobile executives, understanding the operational mechanics of the subsidy is essential. While often referenced as a headline policy, the practical applica

Hainan ist längst nicht mehr lediglich eine regionale Entwicklungszone. Ab Dezember 2025 entwickelt sich die Insel zu einer strategischen Plattform für ausländische Unternehmen, die ihren Markteintritt in China planen, ihre Präsenz ausbauen oder bestehende Strukturen neu ausrichten möchten. Bei sachgerechter Nutzung kann Hainan als kontrollierte Schnittstelle zwischen internationalen Märkten und dem chinesischen Festland dienen und dabei Reibungsverluste reduzieren, ohne die

Despite shifting global supply chains, tighter regulation in certain sectors, and wider geopolitical scrutiny, China continues to attract international capital. For many overseas groups, the country remains commercially compelling not because conditions are simple, but because the underlying fundamentals continue to support scale, margin, and long-term market access. This article outlines the structural reasons China retains its position as a globally competitive investment d

When expanding into China, foreign companies typically face a fundamental structural decision: operate without a local entity and risk creating a Permanent Establishment (PE), or proactively set up a legal entity in China. While both approaches enable market access, they differ significantly in terms of tax exposure, compliance burden, operational flexibility, and long-term risk. Understanding the distinction is critical to avoid unexpected tax liabilities and regulatory chal