Asia · INVESTMENT GUIDE
China
Industrial scale. Innovation. A location-led investment plan.
Sources checked:
Shanghai · City photograph · Image creditsECONOMIC OUTLOOK
The 2026 outlook
IMF country projections
4.6%Real GDP growth2026 forecast · July update
1.2%Consumer price change2026 forecast
Source: IMF country page · Checked: . Annual projections, not actual outcomes or sector returns. Forecasts may be revised.
MARKET SCALE
Market size and investment indicators
What do these figures mean?
Latest available non-null observation within 2024–2025, dated separately for each measure. Net FDI may be negative and affected by intercompany financing. These indicators are not investment returns.
Economy size · current US$ · World Bank APIPopulation · World Bank APINet FDI inflows · % of GDP · World Bank APIRetrieved: 29 September 2026.
THE INVESTMENT CASE
Why consider this market?
Compare industrial supply chains, consumer markets and innovation centres by province. Define the activity and assess market access before selecting a legal structure.
Industrial ecosystems
Compare suppliers, infrastructure and customer requirements by location.
Market and location choice
Use official provincial resources to assess the market that fits your activity.
A structured entry review
Map market access, establishment and operating requirements before commitment.
OFFICIAL INVESTMENT RESOURCE
Invest in China · MOFCOM
Explore sectors and investor resources directly with the relevant agency.
Build this into your plan
Budget for local implementation and specialist review of licensing, intellectual property and cross-border operations.
YOUR ROADMAP
Business establishment and operations planning
Consider your business case, establishment route and operating requirements together.
Establishment & investment route
Foreign investment is subject to national treatment and a negative-list framework. Confirm activity restrictions, registration and operating licences for the chosen location.
Official establishment guide- 01
Define activity, location and ownership.
- 02
Check market access and required approvals.
- 03
Coordinate registration, reporting, tax and banking with local specialists.
Clarify before you commit
- Review intellectual property, staffing and cross-border transactions before contracting.
- Confirm project-specific requirements with the competent local authorities.
THE DETAILS BEHIND YOUR PLAN
Investment and operating requirements
Open the topic that matters to you. Let’s work through your questions together.
Compare city and district ecosystems
In Shanghai, compare Pudong, Lin-gang and Hongqiao against your manufacturing, innovation or service model. Use district-level information to assess suppliers, premises and customer access before expanding the shortlist nationally.
Check the current encouraged catalogue
The 2025 encouraged-industry catalogue took effect on 1 February 2026, with emphasis on advanced manufacturing, modern services, technology and environmental protection. Match the precise activity and location; catalogue inclusion alone is not an approved incentive award.
Separate capital from setup expenses
Plan shareholder capital commitments separately from document preparation, registration, premises, equipment and working capital. Confirm the company’s capital timetable under current rules before choosing the amount stated in incorporation documents.
Plan lawful international staffing
Shanghai’s guidance distinguishes a foreigner’s work permit from the residence permit needed for employment. Include the employer’s application responsibilities and local employment costs when planning an international management team.
Include reporting after formation
Shanghai’s current guidance covers initial and change reports for foreign-invested enterprises through its online registration/reporting platform. Assign responsibility for post-formation updates as part of the operating plan.
Your questions, answered
Does an encouraged sector remove all entry conditions?
No. The catalogue guides eligible industries and locations; it is not a substitute for registration or the activity’s applicable requirements. Check access, permits and incentive qualification as separate workstreams.
Can a foreign manager start working after company incorporation?
Company formation does not complete the individual’s employment permissions. Shanghai’s official guidance requires the relevant work and residence permits before employment begins.
Sources checked 29 September 2026. Confirm current conditions with the chosen institution and competent authority before applying or proceeding.
WITH GLOBALISTIHDAM
Why choose Globalistihdam?
Practical research and coordination, with a defined scope before you commit to the work.
Country-specific evidence
Our guides bring together official investment resources, dated economic projections and local entry considerations to structure the first discussion.
Concrete deliverables
Market briefs, location comparisons and setup checklists turn a broad investment idea into questions and actions you can assess. Scope, fees and timing are agreed before work.
Coordinated next steps
We organise the project brief, information needs and specialist discussions. Regulated legal, tax and other professional work is separately scoped with authorised specialists.
GLOBALISTIHDAM SERVICES
Advice for your investment plans
An agreed scope around your needs. Practical deliverables. Clear responsibilities.
Market research & feasibility
Is this market right for my project?
We organise the evidence you need to assess a market, location or business concept before making a commitment.
What you receive
- Market and competitor brief
- Location shortlist and cost assumptions
- Risk questions and a decision roadmap
Market entry & setup planning
How do I establish the right operation?
We help map the establishment route and coordinate the information required by relevant authorities and local specialists.
What you receive
- Business-structure and location comparison
- Registration and permit checklist
- Sequenced setup plan and responsibility list
Project & specialist coordination
How do I keep the project moving?
We structure the next steps around your project and coordinate communication, document requirements and specialist workstreams.
What you receive
- Project brief and milestone tracker
- Specialist referral and meeting coordination
- Open-issue register and progress updates
The scope, deliverables, fees and timetable are agreed before work begins. Legal opinions, tax advice, regulated brokerage, valuations and statutory filings require separately agreed work by appropriately authorised specialists. We do not guarantee returns, funding, licences or residence rights.
SOURCES & CURRENCY
Official sources and review dates
Information checked on 29 September 2026. Agency links are information sources and do not imply an official partnership or government authority for Globalistihdam. Confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before proceeding.
These guides provide general business information, not personalised investment, legal or tax advice. Requirements and incentives depend on the project and may change. Confirm them with the relevant authority and qualified local advisers before committing funds.
Let’s plan your next step
China · Market research, setup planning and coordination
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