Set Up a Hainan Company from Singapore

Often, yes. If the planned business activity allows full foreign ownership, an overseas individual or Singapore company can own all the shares. This structure is still commonly called a WFOE, although the company is registered as a foreign-invested limited liability company. Restricted sectors need a separate review.

No. You may be able to invest personally, or use an existing Singapore Pte. Ltd. as the shareholder. The better route depends on how you will fund, manage and grow the China business. We compare the documents and practical implications before you decide.

You can begin the ownership review, document preparation and registration work from Singapore. Electronic verification may be available for eligible applicants. Bank account opening is separate, and the bank may still request an in-person meeting, video verification or a premises check.

Plan for three separate timelines: preparing the Singapore documents, registering the company, and completing banking and tax setup. After reviewing the shareholder and business activity, we will give you a planning range for each stage and identify any step that may require a visit.

Potentially, yes. The answer depends on the registered business scope, sector licences, where staff actually work and whether another operating location or branch is needed. Goods moving between Hainan and the rest of mainland China also need a separate customs and tax review.

No. Registered capital is funding that the shareholders commit to the company; it is separate from our professional fees and the company’s running costs. For a newly formed limited liability company, subscribed capital generally must be paid within five years, subject to special rules. Set an amount the business can realistically fund.

Most ordinary limited companies do not have one universal statutory minimum, although regulated sectors may have specific requirements. Choose an amount and contribution schedule that match the company’s real operating needs and can be funded within the applicable deadline.

Not always. Some qualifying applications may use a Hainan facilitation route, while other cases require notarised, Apostilled and translated documents. Confirm the accepted route before ordering certification because the registration authority and bank may apply different checks.

No. Owning the company and having permission to work in China are separate matters. If you will work in Hainan, tell us your nationality, role and intended stay so the relevant work and residence requirements can be checked.

Send a short description of the business, where its customers and team will be, whether the shareholder will be you or a Singapore Pte. Ltd., and your target start date. That is enough for the first review; please do not send passport scans with the initial enquiry.