A Shenzhen seller's real experience
Lao Zhang in Shenzhen to do Amazon, annual sales of 80 million, the annual corporate income tax alone will have to pay 25%, almost 2 million.
He has always wanted to move a place, but heard that Hainan Free Trade Port registration company procedures are complex, high threshold, it has been procrastinated. Until last month, a peer told him:
“I paid less than $1 million in taxes on the same profit from a company registered in Hainan.”
Only then did Old Zhang begin to study the matter seriously. And the good news is—After May 1, the process for registering a company in Hainan will be significantly simplified once again!

The Hainan Provincial Market Supervision Administration has just released a new version of the Business Entity Registration Guidelines, which consists of two documents:
"Standards for Business Entity Registration Documents (2026 Edition)"
"Guidelines for Materials to Be Submitted for Business Entity Registration (2026 Edition)"
Effective Date: May 1, 2026
The key changes in these new regulations can be summarized in four words:
| Direction of Change | previously | Now (after May 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptation to the Rule of Law | Regulations are scattered, and standards vary from region to region. | Nationally Unified Registration Standards |
| Convenience in Getting Things Done | Lots of paperwork, running between offices, and waiting for approvals | One-Stop Online Services + Digitalization |
| risk prevention and control | Information asymmetry and numerous compliance blind spots | Full Traceability + Smart Alerts |
| Uniform Standards | Requirements vary by city and county | A Single Set of Standards Across the Province |
In short: Registration is faster, fewer documents are required, and the process is more transparent.
Many people think Hainan is just a tourist destination. But for business owners in the cross-border sector, Hainan’s policy advantages are very real:
💰 First Benefit: 15% Corporate Income Tax (Lowest in the country)
Mainland Chinese Companies:25%
Enterprises in Encouraged Industries in the Hainan Free Trade Port:Up to 15%
For the same 10 million in profits, you can save 1 million in taxes in Hainan. What’s more—cross-border e-commerce, import and export trade, and logistics and warehousing are all classified as ”encouraged industries”!
🚢Second Benefit: The list of zero-tariff items continues to expand
• Zero tariffs on production equipment imported for personal use
• Zero tariffs on imported vehicles for business use and yachts
• Zero tariffs on imported raw materials and auxiliary materials for production
For sellers engaged in import business or setting up overseas warehouses, the money saved is no small amount.
🌐 Third Benefit: More Flexible Fund Settlement
As a free trade port, Hainan enjoys special policy benefits regarding cross-border capital flows. For companies requiring ODI filing or planning to invest overseas, the approval process in Hainan is often faster than in the mainland.
💡 If you’re not sure whether your business falls under the ”encouraged industries” category, or if you’d like to plan your Hainan company structure in advance, feel free to contact us for a free assessment—(microsoft:: qcygscszk.cell phone:: 18676749275)

| Seller Type | Why Is It a Good Fit for Hainan? | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Category A: Established sellers with annual profits of 5 million+ | Directly benefit from the 15% tax rate, replacing the 25% corporate income tax rate | For every 5 million in profit, approximately 500,000 less is paid in taxes |
| Category B: Sellers/traders engaged in import business | Production equipment and raw materials are eligible for zero tariffs | Based on import volume, ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions |
| Category C: Sellers planning to make ODI investments abroad | Hainan’s Fast-Track Approval Process + Convenient Funding Policies | Reduced time costs and improved compliance efficiency |
⚠️ Note:
Not all companies are eligible for the 15% tax rate; they must meet two key requirements:
① The company’s core business falls under the ”Catalog of Encouraged Industries” for the Hainan Free Trade Port (cross-border e-commerce fully meets the criteria).
② Substantive operations (i.e., having actual office space and staff in Hainan)
The new regulations officially took effect on May 1, but registering a company in Hainan isn’t something you can do with just a single click. Here’s what you should do right now:
Confirm whether your business falls under the category of ”encouraged industries” (if you’re unsure, please contact us for a free assessment).
Planning the Corporate Structure for Hainan: Should We Register a Subsidiary or a Branch? What Is the Best Way to Optimize Tax Arrangements?
Prepare the basic documents: the legal representative’s ID card, determination of the scope of business, and planned registered capital (under the subscribed capital system)
💡 Special Note:
Following the implementation of the new regulations on May 1, a surge in registrations is expected. By consulting early and getting in line early, you can seize the opportunity during the initial phase of the new policy.
📞 Want to take advantage of the policy benefits on May 1, but not sure where to start? Contact us right away to get a one-on-one Hainan company registration plan—(microsoft:: qcygscszk.cell phone:: 18676749275)

Q1: If I’m living out of town, can I register a company in Hainan?
Yes. You do not need to be physically present to register a company in Hainan; the entire process can be completed online. However, please note the ”substantive operations” requirement, which mandates a physical office address and staff.
Q2: After registering a company in Hainan, what should I do with my original company?
There is no need to dissolve the existing company. The standard practice is to establish a new subsidiary in Hainan, transfer part of the business to the Hainan-based company, and take advantage of tax incentives.
Q3: How much is the registered capital? Does it need to be paid in?
It is generally recommended to contribute between 2 million and 5 million RMB (a commitment to contribute is sufficient; full payment is not required at once). The specific amount depends on the scale of the business and industry practices.
Q4: Is it a hassle to move from Shenzhen or Guangzhou to Hainan?
There’s no need to physically relocate. You can rent an office space in Hainan (a coworking space will suffice), and the finance team can collaborate remotely. Many sellers in Shenzhen operate this way.
Q5: How long does it take to register a company in Hainan?
Prior to the new regulations, the processing time was generally 15–20 business days. Following the implementation of the new regulations on May 1, the official goal is to further reduce processing times; actual processing times may vary.
We do more than just help you fill out registration forms. Qicaiying offers a one-stop service covering everything from registration to compliance:
✅ Hainan company registration — Full-service handling; no need to be present
✅ Tax Planning Solutions — How to Legally Maximize the Benefits of the 15% Tax Rate
✅ Operational Support — Office Space + Bookkeeping and Tax Filing + Staffing Guidance
✅ ODI Filing Support —— If you need to invest overseas, we’ll take care of everything for you
✅ Annual Maintenance and Management — Bookkeeping, Tax Filing, Annual Review, and Compliance Audit: A Worry-Free Year

Below are some of Qicaiying’s ODI filing case studies

📌 Our Commitment:
We don’t just help you obtain a business license—we ensure you can truly take advantage of the policy benefits offered by Shanghai Nan. From structural design to day-to-day operations, we provide end-to-end support.
📞 Contact Information (microsoft:: qcygscszk.cell phone:: 18676749275)
