By continuing you agree to eChinacities's Privacy Policy .
Sign up with Google
Sign up with Facebook
Q: Starting a company on a student visa
I study in China, so naturally I have a student visa now, but I am thinking about starting my own business in China. I want it all to be legal from the very beginning as I don't want to take any risks, meanwhile I want to continue with my studies. Do you know whether it's possible to study in China on a business visa? I feel quite lost as extension of my current visa is just a plain formality now, so I don't want to realize afterwards that I can't continue with my studies. The other question is: is it possible to register a company when I am on a student visa and where should I go to learn something more about it? I am in Beijing.
7 years 22 weeks ago in Business & Jobs - China
I'm not 100% sure about this but here's my understanding. Two ways for foreigners to open companies in China:
1) WFOE - Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprise. This is a subsidiary of a foreign company. You need to open a foreign company first (Hong Kong is supposed to be easy). Then you open a Chinese company owned by the foreign one. There used to be a minimum investment (which depended on the type of company). Don't this is needed as much now.
2) JV - a joint venture with a Chinese company/person. Supposed to be cheaper but you don't fully own it.
For a WFOE you can then employ yourself and get a work permit. So no need for a business visa. I'm sure you could still study but would you have the time?
I guess you would be on a Working Visa, not a Business Visa. On a Working Visa you can Study the language, or take on part time university courses, not sure about whole undergrad courses. However pretty sure you can do an MBA on it.
