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Posts: 372

Governor

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Q: Starting a small business(es) in China...

So lately I have been thinking about, other businesses to open in my small city. I have found several service markets that are lacking in my city, that I personally would like to have here, and know that the locals would also. 

 

So this is a two part question:

 

I've read some information on all the hurdles that one must jump through to open a business, but I'm confused because it seems like the information is primarily related to large businesses wanting to incorporate in China, etc. So has anyone ever done, or know someone who has successfully, opened their own small business in China? Anything I need out of the ordinary (for Chinese standards)  to be prepared for, besides the guaranteed headache?

 

Also, should I change my Visa at some point to M? Is it more beneficial in any way? I'm wondering because technically my Z visa says I cannot work or earn money from any source but our school, and there will be no way to deny that these business are mine or that I am not running the business, because I'll be using my American status as one of the main attraction points (I'm not a narcissist, but I am the only American in a city of people who are obsessed with everything American, and they also happen to like me a lot, so why not use it to my advantage?). So with this dilemma, I think an M visa is the only way to get around the police being up my ass. Another reason is that my business partner wants to retire in the next 2 years. And I'll basically be running 2 schools, and 2 other business by myself for the most part, so I'm just thinking the M visa would just make more sense. The overall end-game for both of us is to get money, and then bounce (he will retire to his home town Weihai, and I will go back to America), unless by some miracle I somehow rather stay and continue doing the businesses alone (Highly doubt it though...I got my clock set on a countdown to June 2020).

 

I plan to go slowly and meticulously plan everything out to avoid mistakes and open these two business up over the next 2 years. The first one I will open next summer because it's the easiest in my mind. And then the summer after that I'll open the second.

9 years 31 weeks ago in  Business & Jobs - China

 
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Posts: 916

Shifu

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Starting a SMALL business here is a BIG HUGE GINORMOUS headache. I've been through it when I set up a retail chain in Guangzhou. Let me tell you, they are not hurdles, they are all BRICK WALLS! I spent weeks running from place to place and making merry go rounds. Finally, I just went to an agency in Shenzhen and paid 25,000 to get everything done up. And that's not all, officers from various depts will keep hounding you even when you open for business with all the correct documents. Word about a foreigner setting up business gets around fast and every one wants a piece of you, if you get my drift. I don't know how you will operate but I'd advise caution, lots of it.

WanderingTeacher:

Yes, I know what you mean. I need to do more research. most of my student's parents work in some department within the government, or owns their own business, so I will seek their help and advice. I'm not too worried about the government officers trying to get a "piece of me" because I plan to do everything by the book and I'm not treating anyone to dinner or giving any of these people money. That's not how I run my school and that's not how I plan to run my other businesses. Recently we had to renew our fire license for my school and apparently this year some things changed and we needed build an entrance that leads directly to the outside from our classroom. The officers hinted that they "may be able to help" us to avoid having to do that, basically saying we should give them money and they'll let it slide. I told them no. I rather spend more money now to do everything by the book, than to pad their pockets every year with money when I need to renew our license. I don't play this guanxi bullshit. But I know that this is going to be very very difficult..but I'm bored and have too much time on my hands so I figured I should take advantage of that and make more money through other businesses.

9 years 30 weeks ago
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9 years 30 weeks ago
 
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Answer of the DayMORE >>
A:  "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "S
A: "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "Shenzhen agent can connect you with an employer, who's authorized to hire waigouren ... and can sponsor Z visa." It's not like every 10th person you meet in Shenzhen's hood can sponsor work visa ...  The only way to change from student to labourer visa is just a regular way by: 1. Finding an employer, who'll apply for an Invitation letter; 2. Exit China and apply for Z visa in your home country's Chinese embassy; 3. Enter China in 30-days after Z visa was stamped into your travelling instrument ...As I am aware, you won't be able to switch to Working permit by remaining in China....,so make ready for a return to your home .... -- icnif77