Q: I want to open a food-related business in Shanghai.

As a foreign investor, how can I follow the correct procedures and work with certified, reliable parties? And is an in-person consultation possible?

A: After completing your business registration with the Shanghai Municipal Administration for Market Regulation, you may proceed with the New Taxpayer Registration (新办纳税人开业) via the Shanghai Electronic Tax Service website.

To access the service, log in through the "Individual Services" (自然人业务) portal and follow this path:

I Want to Handle Taxes (我要办税) → Comprehensive Information Reporting (综合信息报告) → Identity Information Reporting (身份信息报告) → New Taxpayer Registration (新办纳税人开业).

Once your business is registered, other procedures, such as bank account filing (including tripartite agreement signing), general VAT taxpayer registration, and invoice application (invoice type approval), can also be completed through the website.

If you prefer an in-person consultation, you may visit the tax service hall of the district tax bureau after completing registration with the market regulation authority. For additional assistance, you may contact the Shanghai tax service hotline by dialing +86-21-12366, selecting option 2 for foreign language service.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Tax Service