Representative Office
Establish a limited local presence for research, liaison and preparatory work while preserving a clear path toward future expansion.
A Representative Office is an exploration structure—not a lighter version of a fully operating company.
Limited Presence, Clear Purpose
A Representative Office can provide a visible local foothold without creating a full commercial entity. Signum helps confirm the permitted activities, coordinate the required parent-company and representative documentation and define the transition path for the next stage of expansion.
Eligibility review
Confirming whether the parent company and intended activities are suitable.
Permitted-activity definition
Separating research and liaison functions from commercial operations.
Parent-company documentation
Coordinating corporate records and evidence from the foreign head office.
Representative and office setup
Supporting the appointment of representatives and local office arrangements.
Employment and tax review
Identifying the local employment, payroll and tax consequences of the presence.
Future conversion roadmap
Preparing the transition toward a branch, subsidiary or other operating structure.
Activity Limits
Generally suitable
Requires another structure
A Chinese Representative Office is a non-legal-person, non-profit-making office of a foreign enterprise and remains subject to registration and activity limitations.
Review the intended activities and whether a Representative Office is suitable.
Coordinate the parent documents, representative and local office requirements.
Implement the appropriate employment, tax and administrative framework.
Move to a branch or subsidiary when the business requires commercial operations.
Exploring a New Market?
Confirm whether a Representative Office provides enough local presence for the current stage of your expansion.
Initial consultation · No commitment required