Shanghai, as the center of China's economy, finance, trade and technological innovation, has always been the first choice for start-ups and entrepreneurs to develop their business. It is not only home to the most advanced industrial ecosystem, the most intensive capital and the best talents, but also has a business environment that is continuously optimized and in line with international standards. 2026, with the deep integration of the "one network to do everything" service and a new round of policies to attract high-level talents, entrepreneurship in Shanghai is ushering in unprecedented convenience and opportunities.

This guide will combine the latest policy developments and practical experience to systematically organize the whole process of company registration in Shanghai, key options, cost details and compliance points, to help you efficiently start your entrepreneurial journey in Shanghai.

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Hi ~ I'm Enterprise Caiying Group customer service! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou,Shanghai(Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.)Company RegistrationWe offer a wide range of services including overseas (Hong Kong, USA, Japan, UK, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, as well as covering the whole chain of corporate services such as cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, and compliance and risk control programs. Contact me at any time, if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137(math.) genusWeChat: Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)
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I. Shanghai Entrepreneurship Policy (2026 Latest Benefits)

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In 2026, Shanghai increased its support for high-level talents, especially returnees, on the basis of universal entrepreneurial support, and the policy environment was unprecedentedly favorable.

1. Special upgrade policy for overseas students (effective February 1, 2026)

• easy access to settlementsThe following is a list of the most popular programs in Shanghai: Overseas Chinese students who come to work or start a business in Shanghai, their spouses and minor children can apply for permanent residence in Shanghai in accordance with the provisions of the regulations. High-level overseas students can also enjoy exclusive preferential treatment.
• business start-up grant: Special funds have been set up at the municipal and district levels for financial assistance and subsidies to support high-level overseas students to start businesses and work in Shanghai. Meanwhile, various kinds of guidance funds and guarantee institutions are encouraged to give priority to providing credit and financing support to enterprises of overseas students.
• livelihood protection: The children of overseas Chinese students can attend schools in their neighborhood with the Shanghai Overseas Talents Residence Permit and can take the college entrance examination in Shanghai. Their unemployed spouses and children can participate in the city's resident medical insurance and enjoy social security benefits.
• Immigration and Remuneration: High-level foreign-educated scholars can conveniently apply for talent-type residence permits or visas, and have the opportunity to apply for permanent residence in China. Employing units may adopt market-oriented methods such as the annual salary system and the agreement salary system to determine the remuneration of the foreign students in an optimal manner.

2. Universal entrepreneurial incentives:

• Free registration address: Industrial parks in multiple administrative districts (e.g. Fengxian, Chongming, Lingang New Area, etc.) provide startups with a compliant centralized registered address, significantly reducing initial office space costs.
• Tax relief::
  • value-added tax (VAT): Small taxpayers whose quarterly sales do not exceed 300,000 yuan (with ordinary invoices) are exempt from VAT.
  • corporate income tax: Small micro-profit enterprises are taxed at a reduced rate of 5% for the portion of their annual taxable income not exceeding 3 million yuan (the statutory rate is 25%).
• Start-up facilitation: Through the platform of "One Net One Office", the whole process of enterprise start-up can be handled online, and a set of physical seals can be received free of charge.
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  Hi ~ I'm Enterprise Caiying Group customer service! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou,Shanghai(Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.)Company RegistrationWe offer a wide range of services including overseas (Hong Kong, USA, Japan, UK, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, as well as covering the whole chain of corporate services such as cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, and compliance and risk control programs. Contact me at any time, if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137(math.) genusWeChat: Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)
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Second, the type of Shanghai registered companies

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Choosing the right type of company is the first step in starting a business and determines the form of liability, tax structure and governance.

1. limited liability company::The first choice of most entrepreneurs. Shareholders are liable to the company to the extent of their capital contribution. The structure is standardized to facilitate financing and introduction of partners, with clear risk segregation.
2. corporation: Applicable to mature enterprises or enterprises planning for large-scale financing and listing. Higher establishment threshold (e.g. 2-200 promoters required), strict governance structure and more standardized regulatory requirements.
3. Wholly Owned Enterprise (WOE): Operated at the expense of the individual, owned and controlled by the individual. Suitable for small-scale studio, consulting business. Advantage is that there is no corporate income tax, tax planning is more flexible; disadvantage is that the investor needs to bear unlimited joint and several liability.
4. partnership: Consists of general partners and limited partners. Commonly used in investment funds, law firms, accounting firms and so on. The general partner has unlimited liability, while the limited partner is liable to the extent of its capital contribution.
5. a private firm (PRC usage): The simplest commercial entity, non-corporate legal person. Easy to set up, but the operator bears unlimited liability and has limited business reputation and expansion capacity, suitable for small-scale retail, catering, etc..
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   Hi ~ I'm Enterprise Caiying Group customer service! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou,Shanghai(Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.)Company RegistrationWe offer a wide range of services including overseas (Hong Kong, USA, Japan, UK, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, as well as covering the whole chain of corporate services such as cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, and compliance and risk control programs. Contact me at any time, if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137(math.) genusWeChat: Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)
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Third, the process of registering a company in Shanghai ("one network to do" efficient version)

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Company registration in Shanghai has realized the whole process online, the core process is completed through the "Shanghai one network through the platform", the fastest can be completed within one working day.

1. Self-declaration of enterprise name: Log in to "One Web Office", enter the "Enterprise Registration" module, and submit 1-3 alternative names for system checking and approval.
2. Fill in the establishment information onlineAfter the name is approved, fill in the online information such as company registered capital, business scope, shareholders' contribution ratio, directors, supervisors, managers, registered address and so on. The system will automatically generate a full set of application documents.
3. Personnel authentication and electronic signaturesAll shareholders, legal representatives, supervisors, etc. are required to complete face recognition authentication through the APP "Apply as you go" and sign online to confirm the electronic application materials.
4. Harmonized submission and concurrent approval: Once the signature is completed, the application materials will be synchronized and submitted to the Market Supervision Authority, Taxation, Social Security and Provident Fund Departments for concurrent review.
5. Receive business license and seal: After passing the audit, you can go to the window of the Administrative Service Center of each district or by mail to get the paper business license and free enterprise official seal, financial seal, invoice seal and legal person's name seal at one time.
6. Opening of bank accounts: Bring your business license, seal and other materials and make an appointment with the bank to open a basic deposit account.
7. Tax reporting and authorization of ticketsWithin 30 days after receiving the license, you can log in to the "Shanghai Electronic Taxation Bureau" to complete the new enterprise package, approve the type of tax and invoice, apply for a tax UKey or open an all-electric invoice.
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   Hi ~ I'm Enterprise Caiying Group customer service! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou,Shanghai(Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.)Company RegistrationWe offer a wide range of services including overseas (Hong Kong, USA, Japan, UK, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, as well as covering the whole chain of corporate services such as cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, and compliance and risk control programs. Contact me at any time, if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137(math.) genusWeChat: Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)
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Fourth, Shanghai registered company materials

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Preparing all of the following documents in advance will ensure a smooth and trouble-free process:

1. company identification: Prepare 3-5 alternative names in accordance with the format of "Shanghai + name + industry + organizational form".
2. Registered Capital and Contribution Ratio: To specify the amount of registered capital (which must be paid in within five years) and the amount, manner and period of contribution of each shareholder in accordance with the requirements of the new Company Law.
3. Scope of business: Refer to the "National Economic Industry Classification" to standardize the expression, the main business should be listed in the first place, which can be generated through the "One Web One Office" system by checking the box.
4. Proof of registered address::
   • If you own your own property: Provide a copy of the real estate license.
   • If it is a leased address: provide a copy of the lease agreement and the property certificate issued by the property owner.
   • If using the park address: provide the park issued by the occupation agreement or address filing certificate.
5. Identification of personnel: Clear photos or scanned copies of the front and back of the ID cards of all shareholders, legal representatives and supervisors.
6. memorandum and articles of associationThe "One Web" system automatically generates the information based on the information filled in, and all shareholders are required to sign to confirm the information.
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   Hi ~ I'm Enterprise Caiying Group customer service! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou,Shanghai(Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.)Company RegistrationWe offer a wide range of services including overseas (Hong Kong, USA, Japan, UK, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, as well as covering the whole chain of corporate services such as cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, and compliance and risk control programs. Contact me at any time, if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137(math.) genusWeChat: Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)
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Fifth, the cost of registering a company in Shanghai

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The official cost of company registration in Shanghai is extremely low, with the main costs being incurred for third party services:

1. Official costs::Close to zero cost. Business license and seal engraving (first set) are free of charge.
2. Address fees::
   • Actual lease: Rental rates for commercial addresses vary widely depending on location and size.
   • Park affiliation: Many suburban parks offerfree (of charge)The centralized registration address is preferred by startups.
3. Bank account opening fees: Most banks waive account opening fees, but there may be an account management fee (about $300-1000/year), and some local banks offer a free first year offer.
4. Agency service fee (if commissioned)::
   • Simply acting on behalf of the license: The market price is about $300-500.
   • Tax Agent Package: The model of "agency bookkeeping and company registration" is commonly adopted. The cost of agency bookkeeping for small taxpayers is about 1,000-2,000 yuan/year, and for general taxpayers it is about 3,000-5,000 yuan/year, and this cost usually includes the registration service.
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     Hi ~ I'm Enterprise Caiying Group customer service! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou,Shanghai(Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.)Company RegistrationWe offer a wide range of services including overseas (Hong Kong, USA, Japan, UK, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, as well as covering the whole chain of corporate services such as cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, and compliance and risk control programs. Contact me at any time, if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137(math.) genusWeChat: Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)
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Six, Shanghai registered company follow-up maintenance

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The following compliance obligations must be met on an ongoing basis after the company is formed to remain in good standing:

1. Bookkeeping and tax preparation::top priority. Companies are required to maintain books of accounts and file tax returns on a monthly/quarterly basis, regardless of whether or not they have revenues (zero returns are allowed). Small-scale taxpayers file quarterly returns and general taxpayers file monthly returns. It is highly recommended to appoint a professional agent bookkeeping organization to handle the process.
2. Annual Business Report (Annual Inspection)The annual report for the previous year shall be submitted through the "National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System" from January 1 to June 30 of each year. Failure to do so will result in inclusion in the list of business anomalies.
3. Social Security and Provident Fund Account Opening: After hiring an employee, the company should apply for the employee's social security and provident fund account through the "One Web Office" within 30 days and make full payment in accordance with the law.
4. Qualification License RenewalIf the company's operation involves post-approval items (e.g. food business license, import and export rights, etc.), it is necessary to pay attention to the validity period of the relevant licenses and apply for renewal in a timely manner.
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   Hi ~ I'm Enterprise Caiying Group customer service! We provide domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou,Shanghai(Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.)Company RegistrationWe offer a wide range of services including overseas (Hong Kong, USA, Japan, UK, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application and renewal services, as well as covering the whole chain of corporate services such as cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, and compliance and risk control programs. Contact me at any time, if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137(math.) genusWeChat: Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)
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Seven, Shanghai registered company's common problems

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Q1: I am not a Shanghai resident, can I register a company in Shanghai?
A. Completely possible. Shanghai has no restrictions on the household registration and nationality of company shareholders.

Q2: Can I register without a physical office address?
A. It is possible. It is legal and common practice to register by moving into a government-recognized industrial park and using the centralized registration address provided by it.

Q3: Is more registered capital better?
A. Not. The registered capital needs to match the actual scale and capacity of the company's operations, and it represents the upper limit of the shareholders' commitment to bear limited liability. According to the new Company Law, the registered capital needs to be paid in within 5 years.

Q4: Can I keep filing zero return after company registration?
A. Yes, but it needs to be based on the fact that the company really has no business income. Zero declaration for a long period of time without a valid reason may cause concern and audit by the tax department. After the company has business occurrence, it must switch to normal declaration.

Q5: Which district is the best to choose for registration?
A. Each has its own characteristics. Pudong (Lingang) is suitable for science and technology, trade; Minhang and Jiading are suitable for manufacturing; Jing'an and Huangpu are suitable for finance, culture and innovation; Chongming and Fengxian have more financial support and free park address. You can choose according to your industry and your own needs.

Summary: Registering a company in Shanghai in 2026 is a convenient process and friendly policy. While enjoying the convenience, entrepreneurs must pay attention to theAddress compliance, tax filing, annual report publicationand other long-term compliance obligations. If you have doubts about policy interpretation, process operation or tax compliance, seeking one-stop solutions from professional service organizations is an efficient choice to avoid risks and focus on your core business. We can provide you with full-cycle services such as Shanghai company registration, park stationing, agent bookkeeping, qualification application and policy declaration, etc. Welcome to consult us at any time.