Bookkeeping in Shanghai
How taxes and accounting work in Shanghai: when you need an accountant, how much ongoing support costs and how to optimise taxes legally.
When you need an accountant in Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s financial centre, and its accounting runs on a strict fapiao system. You’ll need an accountant for: WFOE, VAT, fapiao, VAT refunds on exports, and taxes.
Price reference: bookkeeping for a WFOE — $250–550/mo. Initial consultation with SVOY accountants — free.
What matters specifically for Russian speakers from the CIS
- Fapiao — the foundation of accounting. Without an official invoice there is no deduction and no legal profit withdrawal.
- Transferring money from Russia — USDT→RMB and international wire transfers; document all incoming funds officially.
- Profit repatriation — dividends or service payments, often routed through a Hong Kong company.
- CIS documents. Apostille and certified translation — remotely.
Taxes and VAT refunds
- VAT — 13% (goods) / 6% (services);
- corporate income tax 25% (incentives available in FTZ zones and for high-tech companies);
- a key topic for exporters — export VAT rebate (reclaiming VAT on exported goods);
- reporting is monthly and strict.
How to choose
- hire an accountant with experience in WFOE, FTZ, export operations, and VAT refunds;
- work out the structure before launch;
- a Russian-speaking specialist will reduce the risk of errors.
Looking for an accountant in Shanghai? Describe your situation — we’ll answer your questions for free, and a specialist will personally review your case.
Company, taxes, and reporting in Shanghai
Company incorporation, tax number, reporting, and income legalisation — with an accountant, that works specifically in this country. Tell us what’s already been done, and we’ll advise on the next step.
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We’ll help with that in Shanghai
These tasks are handled by services within the SVOY ecosystem.
Bookkeeping
Company incorporation abroad, asset legalisation, tax optimisation, and accounting support. Official and confidential.
SVOY ECOSYSTEM
What else you may need
Tasks that most often come next. Each is handled by a dedicated SVOY service.
Rent or buy housing
Rental and purchase Shanghai: prices by neighbourhood, property due diligence, and end-to-end transaction support — SVOY HOME.
Go to websiteRegularize your status
Residence permits, visas and status renewals in Shanghai, certificates and apostille — SVOY Legal.
Go to websiteChildbirth and citizenship for the child
Childbirth in Shanghai: clinics, newborn documentation and citizenship — SVOY Baby.
Go to websiteHalal community
Nikah, halal services, and the Muslim community in Shanghai — SVOY Halal.
Go to websiteCompany and taxes in Shanghai — we’ll work out which option is more cost-effective
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Need help relocating to Shanghai?
In the international SVOY community you will find:
- Russian-language chat Shanghai
- Housing and neighbourhoods
- Schools and kindergartens
- Doctors and clinics
- Lawyers and help with paperwork
- Verified contacts and recommendations
If you come with good intentions — you’re one of us.
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