working for myself

[ocpaul20]

I want to work for myself in China, but I dont want to go through all the hassle of starting a foreigner owned enterprise or joint venture. I have read the other thread about what type of companies, starting requirements and the scope restrictions, investment, etc.

Are these the only type of business that a foreigner can start? (I have a feeling that the answer is 'yes')

In some countries, there is a Sole Trader or Partnership entity and I guess there must be something similar in China as I see all these stalls in the markets and all these guys selling things on the streets and I dont believe they have 100K RMB ( or even 100RMB some of them). Maybe this option is not available for foreigners, but it would be really good if something like a Sole Trader or Partnership was available.

Anyone know if there is anything like this available? There are plenty of potential businesses which are too small to be a 'company' which suggests big business, employees, training, etc.

Thanks,

Paul

[roddy]

This is just culled from a few minutes on the internet, don't take as gospel.

There are equivalents of Sole Traders and Partnerships, 个体户 and and 合伙企业, which are generally smaller than a 公司 and have unlimited responsibility, but lower registration / reporting requirements.

However, there's no reference to foreigners starting them, and I think as you say, it just ain't happening yet (and to be honest if it was, I think there'd be a lot of us doing it.)

[mrtoga]

Minimum requirement for a foreigner to set up a business (WFOE) in China is now 100,000RMB. There are all sorts of other requirements depending on the industry you want to be involved in.

Don't think you can just set one up to work for someone else - you would have to have customers rather than just one "client / employer".

[geek_frappa]

short answer: china is a communist country.

there is no equal opportunity for foreigners.

longer answer:...

However, there's no reference to foreigners starting them, and I think as you say, it just ain't happening yet (and to be honest if it was, I think there'd be a lot of us doing it.)

foreigners should not start businesses in china for a few reasons.

one, foreigners need tremendous guangxi or celebrity to do it and you 99.9% of the time, foreigners don't. it is nearly impossible to compete with the "image" of young, powerful businessmen in china. if richard branson is having trouble in china market, so will you.

two, when something goes wrong, you have no coverage for liability and your passport and visa become INVALID immediately. also, when an angry, wealthy businessman or bank puts a bounty on your head, that sinking feeling won't be the half of it.

three, business needs trust and one of my business partners said this " never rely on Sei-Gwai-Lou", which is the feeling of most managers i talk to ... they always say "except you, of course" to comfort me.

Minimum requirement for a foreigner to set up a business (WFOE) in China is now 100,000RMB. There are all sorts of other requirements depending on the industry you want to be involved in.

Don't think you can just set one up to work for someone else - you would have to have customers rather than just one "client / employer".

yes, but the requirements change from day to day and you have not included the "get-things-done" tax to filing clerks and "expedited filing fee".

paul, please elaborate on your industry and/or sector.