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For companies entering or expanding within China, securing trademark protection is one of the most important early steps. China’s “first-to-file” system means that the first party to register a trademark—rather than the first to use it—typically gains legal ownership. This creates both an opportunity and a risk: well-prepared businesses can protect their brand quickly and effectively, while those who delay may face disputes, costly buybacks, or brand restrictions. Trademark r

Finding and retaining the right people in China has always required a tailored approach. As the country’s workforce continues to evolve, the traditional hiring landscape is shifting in ways that foreign-invested companies must understand to remain competitive. In 2026, the emphasis is on digital recruitment, skills-based hiring, rising compliance expectations, and a more mobile workforce. These changes bring both opportunities and challenges for organisations looking to secur

Client Background A mid-sized international company operating in China had been managing its compliance internally for several years. While the company was growing steadily, it had not allocated sufficient time or resources to prepare for the annual compliance requirements. The Challenge As the 2025 fiscal year-end approached, the client realized that critical documents were missing, financial records were incomplete, and deadlines for audit coordination and tax reporting wer

China’s regulatory environment continues to reshape the expectations placed on boards, shareholders and senior leaders. While the core principles of governance have remained stable for years, the 2026 cycle marks a moment where China is signalling a clear shift: businesses will be judged not only on operational success, but on the quality, transparency and consistency of their decision-making. For foreign-invested enterprises, this is more than regulatory housekeeping. It inf

Expanding into Hong Kong and mainland China offers enormous potential for global firms—but it also brings a maze of regulatory, tax, and HR complexities. Many businesses hesitate to commit to setting up a full legal entity before validating their market strategy or building a local team. That’s where an Employer of Record (EOR) model can transform how you scale. What Is an EOR Model? An Employer of Record acts as the legal employer for your local staff while you retain full c

As we move into 2026, global investors are once again rethinking their China strategies. After several years of global economic volatility, policy evolution, and shifting trade relations, the landscape for foreign investment in China has transformed. China remains one of the world’s most significant markets—but success now depends on precision, compliance, and strategic alignment. For many businesses, this is the year to reassess, realign, and reinforce their China presence.

For years, foreign enterprises have treated China’s year-end financial and tax processes as technical events — predictable, cyclical, and largely contained within finance and compliance teams. That era has ended. As China’s regulatory systems become more integrated, more data-driven and more assertive, year-end reviews now carry strategic weight. They reveal not only the accuracy of financial reporting, but the integrity of governance, the maturity of internal controls and th

China’s visa environment continues to evolve as the country focuses on economic revitalisation, foreign investment, and controlled cross-border movement. For individuals and companies operating in China, keeping up with the latest visa requirements is essential to avoid delays, compliance issues, or unexpected disruptions to business activities. By 2026, visa processes are increasingly digital, more regulated, and structured to encourage long-term, skilled foreign engagement