Doing Business in Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s largest financial and commercial center, offering one of the most sophisticated legal and business environments in the country. As a leading global city, it plays a critical role in international trade, innovation, and investment especially for companies looking to establish a presence in East China or access the Yangtze River Delta region. At Themis Partner, our corporate lawyers in Shanghai deliver strategic legal solutions tailored to foreign investors. Whether you’re entering the market for the first time or expanding an existing venture, we help structure your business, draft essential corporate documents, and ensure ongoing compliance with national and local regulations. We work closely with clients to ensure alignment with China’s Foreign Investment Law and Shanghai’s unique regulatory environment, including access to Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and preferential policies for certain industries such as finance, tech, and healthcare.

Shanghai offers multiple paths for foreign investors to establish a legal entity most commonly through a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) or a Joint Venture (JV). Our team provides end-to-end assistance with business registration, from choosing the right structure to completing the registration with the Shanghai Administration for Market Regulation.The basic requirements to register a company in Shanghai include:

Our Shanghai lawyers specialize in contract drafting and review services tailored to businesses in China’s financial and commercial powerhouse. With a strong understanding of China’s Contract Law and local regulations, we ensure your contracts are legally robust, clear, and enforceable. Given Shanghai’s status as a global business hub, it’s essential for foreign companies to have well-crafted contracts in place to avoid legal risks. We assist with key legal documents, including:

As a major international business hub, Shanghai offers strong opportunities for foreign professionals but working legally requires the right visa and permits. Our Shanghai immigration lawyers assist with every step of the process, from selecting the correct visa type to preparing documents and coordinating with the Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration. We support a range of visa applications, including:

Foreign nationals can purchase property in Shanghai but must comply with strict local regulations, including residency requirements and government approvals. Shanghai’s real estate market is highly competitive, with a focus on long-term investment and strict control on property use. Our Shanghai property lawyers provide expert legal assistance including:

Our litigation lawyers in Shanghai assist foreign individuals and enterprises in resolving commercial and civil disputes in China’s financial capital. With a strong presence in Pudong and Puxi, we represent clients before the Shanghai People’s Courts, including the Shanghai Free Trade Zone Court and Shanghai Intellectual Property Court. We handle:

Our team also provides support in arbitration proceedings through the Shanghai International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (SHIAC), offering alternatives to formal court procedures.

With Shanghai being a top destination for multinational corporations, our lawyers provide legal solutions that align with both Chinese regulations and international commercial expectations.

We communicate clearly in English and Mandarin, ensuring that expats, investors, and foreign entrepreneurs receive legal guidance they fully understand.

We offer fixed-fee litigation packages and clear timelines, helping you stay in control of your legal strategy and budget.

From contract disputes to regulatory enforcement, our Shanghai lawyers are trusted partners for handling complex legal challenges in China’s most international city.

As China’s international business capital, Shanghai offers a strategic base for foreign companies entering the Chinese market. Our Shanghai lawyers assist with forming Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises (WFOEs), Joint Ventures, and Representative Offices in line with local laws and regulations from the Shanghai Administration for Market Regulation (AMR) and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). Sectors with high foreign interest include:

We manage everything from business structuring to license applications. Learn more on our business plan in Shanghai page.

Companies operating in Shanghai must comply with PRC tax regulations, including:

Shanghai allows 100% foreign ownership in most industries under its Free Trade Zone (FTZ) policies, but some sectors still require government review. We help structure your shareholding agreements and governance documents to meet Chinese legal requirements while protecting your investor rights. Learn more on our foreign investment services in Shanghai page.

Access our detailed legal and business guide for setting up your company in China’s global financial capital: Doing Business in Shanghai

Shanghai is the international face of China, attracting foreign investors in finance, trade, luxury retail, and tech. With the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ), companies benefit from simplified customs processes, cross-border RMB settlement, and easier market access.

Key Legal Considerations:

Visit our dedicated page to get insights on setting up legally and strategically in Shanghai.

Our legal experts in Shanghai assist foreign entrepreneurs from company incorporation to contract negotiation, tax structuring, and ongoing legal compliance under PRC law.

1. Free Initial Consultation: Not sure how to register a WFOE or apply for work permits? Schedule a free session with our Shanghai legal advisors.

2. Office Address and Directions: Meet us in central Shanghai or get assistance remotely via video call.

3. WeChat and Email Contact Options: Contact us anytime through your favorite channel, including WeChat we reply within 24 hours.

From tech startups in Pudong to trading firms in Jing’an, we support your expansion in China’s most dynamic commercial city. From drafting contracts and securing licenses to navigating local regulations and market entry strategies, our Shanghai lawyers provide expert guidance every step of the way. Contact us to start your Shanghai venture the right way and set your business up for success.