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Q: Experience running a business with a Chinese spouse?
Can you get a visa through a company owned by your spouse? Any special considerations?
7 years 35 weeks ago in Business & Jobs - China
In my case it sorta ruined the marriage. Lots of bad habits of Chinese that run from relationships to marriage. Communication and not English problems is a big one.
My wife was great at not speaking up about problems, she'd keep quiet about finances, problems and things she did not want to do. Same as in all Chinese companies, every thing is not reported to boss or upper management. Really huge and consistent problem.
Not all Chinese companies can employ foreigners. They have to be limited companies with minimum levels of capital. Having your spouse own the company will have no effect on whether you can get a work permit.
If you want to own a company with your wife and get a work permit through the company then the only way to do it is to open a WFOE with you as owner.
In my case it sorta ruined the marriage. Lots of bad habits of Chinese that run from relationships to marriage. Communication and not English problems is a big one.
My wife was great at not speaking up about problems, she'd keep quiet about finances, problems and things she did not want to do. Same as in all Chinese companies, every thing is not reported to boss or upper management. Really huge and consistent problem.
I know a guy who built a business with his Chinese wife. Then when it was successfully running and making decent revenue, she sold it behind his back and fled town with a bag of cash. He never heard from her again. The business is still in successfully operation under its Chinese owners.
Don't do it... I don't mean to sound like a negative person but the Chinese are HORRIBLE managers, unless slave driving... (which works in factories and how China got rich).
9999/10000 Chinese will screw you over at any chance they get (and that's being generous).
@robk I am sorry you have not found people you can trust or interact with well. Most of the responses and comments on other threads seem to be driven by paranoia. Having been here for five years, I have never experienced any of the issues that everyone warns of. I suppose I have adapted well to the Chinese system and to my perpetual immigrant status. If you hold such a low opinion of the people of this country, you should probably go home.
Robk:
@Fordicus
My friend, I have lived in China for a decade and am basing my opinion on NOT only my experience but the experiences of many foreigners I have come into contact with..
Obviously, it is your choice but just because you haven't encountered the experience, doesn't it mean it DOES NOT happen frequently. For example, while in China, many foreigners I spoke to have been robbed or had their mobile phone stolen. I have never experienced this... should I assume that it doesn't happen based on my sole experience?
And I have left China Fordcius, so please don't use that old, dismissive line on me like it somehow detracts from my advice. My wife is Chinese and while I do trust her a lot (because I have personally taught her over a decade the ways to manage a business)... there are areas even still I would not include her in a business.
I have done business with the Chinese countless times (both in China/Canada) and more times than not it was either a very stressful encounter or a complete waste of time.
Again, I am not negative or trying to ruin your business vision/passion. It is a common pattern reality not paranoia. Take it or leave it. Most people have to learn the hard way and usually do.
though my friends , all run good business with their Chinese wives but they are clear with each others that they married for business purposes
"Having been here for five years, I have never experienced any of the issues that everyone warns of"
Some I could believe, none, you're lying.
Yes you can, its very normal. Marriage itself is a business in China. But yeah if you can afford the Employment license or can even stand a chance of getting approved to hire foreigners than yes your Biz partner in the office and in Bed can get you a working visa.
