Invest and Work in China’s Greater Bay Area

Planning to invest and manage a business in China? Understanding your Greater Bay Area work visa options is an essential part of preparing your operations. This guide explains the region’s investment advantages, two common work arrangements, company requirements and applicant documents.

Why Invest in the China Greater Bay Area?

Established supply chains: Access manufacturers, suppliers and logistics networks to support sourcing, production and distribution.

International connectivity: Build cross-border business relationships through the region’s trade and commercial networks.

Market opportunities: Explore business opportunities in technology, advanced manufacturing, international trade and professional services.

Business support: Explore local investment and talent support policies, subject to eligibility.

Talent and employment: Connect with skilled professionals and develop a team to support your Chinese operations.

Two Routes to Working in Mainland China

Foreign nationals planning to work in the Greater Bay Area’s mainland cities typically follow one of two arrangements:

Employment: A local enterprise hires the applicant and sponsors the work permit application.

Investment and self-employment: The investor establishes a Chinese company, which sponsors their application for a management or other eligible role.

The second arrangement is commonly called “self-employment.” Owning a company alone does not grant permission to work in China.

Preparing Your Company

For investors applying through their own company, genuine business operations and a suitable role are essential. Supporting materials may include:

• Office premises: A lease agreement, applicable lease registration documents and workplace photographs.
• Local staffing: Evidence of Chinese employees. Any requirement to employ at least one Chinese national should be confirmed with the local authority.
• Business activity: Contracts, transaction records and other evidence of actual operations.
• Compliance records: Relevant company registration, tax and employment documents.

Specific requirements vary by city and the circumstances of the application.

Preparing Your Personal Documents

• Applicants should generally prepare:
• A valid passport and a recent passport-style photograph.
• Their highest academic qualification.
• A police clearance certificate.
• Evidence of relevant work experience.
• Relevant professional or language certificates, where applicable.
• Chinese translations and document authentication or apostilles, as applicable.

Applicants must also meet the relevant health, age and professional eligibility criteria. Under the standard Category B criteria, applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree or above, at least two years of relevant experience and an age of no more than 60. Exceptions may apply to eligible applicants.

How Tannet Can Help

Tannet supports foreign investors from business establishment through work and residence application procedures.

• Greater Bay Area service network: Support for choosing a business location and coordinating local requirements.
• Bilingual assistance: Chinese–English communication throughout the process.
• Application experience: Practical guidance informed by previous work visa cases.
• Professional expertise: Coordinated support from corporate services, immigration, accounting, tax and compliance teams.
• End-to-end coordination: Assistance with company setup, document preparation, work permits, visas and work-type residence permits.

Start Your Business Journey in China with Tannet

From establishing your company to arranging your work and residence applications, Tannet helps you prepare for doing business in China’s Greater Bay Area. Our services include:

• Company establishment: Business registration and guidance on setting up your Chinese operations.
• Work permits and visas: Eligibility assessment, document preparation and application assistance.
• Residence permits: Support with work-type residence permit applications and renewals.
• Accounting and tax: Bookkeeping, tax filing and ongoing financial administration.
• Business compliance: Guidance on corporate obligations and employment-related requirements.

With a Greater Bay Area service network, experienced professionals and bilingual Chinese–English support, Tannet coordinates the practical steps of establishing and managing your business.

Contact Tannet today to discuss your investment plans and the services your business needs.

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