We've shortlisted the top 5 incorporation services that help startups establish compliant operations in China and across Asia with less friction and more clarity. These providers handle everything from entity formation to ongoing compliance, so you can focus on growing your business.
Let's dive in.
Incorporation Services at a Glance
| Company | Best For | Key Advantage | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSA Asia | Startups needing full-cycle support | Transparent and affordable fixed pricing | $2,999 (one-time) |
| Remote People | Global hiring with incorporation | Recruitment-to-employment integration | $6,900 (one-time) |
| PwC | Large-scale market entry | Global network with local expertise | Custom pricing |
| EY | Complex regulatory environments | Multidisciplinary advisory teams | Custom pricing |
| Deloitte | Enterprise transformation | Cross-border structuring capabilities | Custom pricing |
1) MSA Asia - Complete Incorporation and Operational Support for Startups
MSA Asia helps foreign startups move from market entry planning to full operational readiness in China and across Asian markets. Unlike providers that stop at company registration, MSA Asia supports businesses through entity formation, tax registration, bank account setup, and the ongoing accounting, payroll, and compliance functions startups need immediately after incorporation.
The company assigns a dedicated account manager to each client, giving startups one consistent point of contact across all services and markets. This model is backed by a multidisciplinary team including lawyers and Certified Public Accountants who help address regulatory, tax, and operational requirements in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other Asian markets.
Key Features:
- End-to-end support from incorporation through ongoing operations, including accounting, payroll, tax compliance, and regulatory filings for sustained business continuity.
- Dedicated account manager model provides startups with one primary contact across all services, eliminating coordination headaches between multiple vendors.
- Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) setup with complete post-registration support including VAT invoice setup, employer registration, and sector-specific licensing.
- Multi-country operational support across China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and India with consistent service delivery and compliance management.
- Employer of Record services allow startups to hire employees in China before establishing a legal entity, accelerating market entry timelines.
Pricing starts at $2,999
| Service Plan | Price | Billing Cycle | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incorporation | $2,999 | One-time | Business license, company documentation, chops |
| Accounting | $199 | Monthly | Bookkeeping, compliance, free setup |
| Payroll | $19 per employee | Monthly | Salary calculations, tax filing, contributions |
| Employer of Record | $199 per employee | Monthly | Compliant contracts, payroll, benefits |
What else can you do with MSA Asia?
Beyond incorporation, MSA Asia provides transparent, fixed pricing that many enterprise-focused providers don't offer. Startups can access market entry advisory, financial consolidation, audit support, and work visa services. The company has supported over 1,500 businesses and registered more than 500 WFOEs, bringing 15+ years of China market experience to every engagement.
2) Remote People - Global Incorporation with Built-In Hiring Infrastructure
Remote People positions itself as a full-lifecycle platform for startups that need to incorporate globally while building international teams. The platform combines company registration with recruitment, employment, payroll, and compliance services across 150+ countries, allowing startups to establish a legal presence and hire employees through one provider.
The company operates through owned local entities for its Employer of Record service, becoming the legal employer for tax and compliance purposes while clients retain control over day-to-day work and performance management. Every client receives a dedicated account manager with no chatbots or ticket queues.
Key Features:
- Recruitment-to-employment integration lets startups source, vet, and hire international talent through in-house recruiters, then onboard them directly through the same platform.
- Company incorporation in 150+ countries with local director services, registered address support, and guidance for opening local bank accounts.
- Owned-entity EOR model provides compliant employment contracts drafted by local legal experts, with payroll, benefits, and compliance included.
- Global payroll services for startups with existing entities, supporting 100+ countries with salary calculations, tax filings, and multi-currency payments.
- Visa sponsorship and immigration support in 80+ countries with dedicated specialists managing applications, extensions, and relocation assistance.
Considerations before going with Remote People:
Considerations before going with Remote People: Service coverage varies by product, with incorporation and EOR available in 150+ countries but payroll limited to 100+ countries and visa support to 80+ countries. Some background screening types and benefits may be restricted based on local laws and market availability.
Pricing starts at $6,900
| Service Plan | Price | Billing Cycle | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Incorporation | $6,900 | One-time | Company registration, local director, bank guidance |
| Setup Fee | From $2,500 | One-time | Initial compliance setup |
| Ongoing Compliance | From $199 | Monthly | Corporate filings and compliance |
3) PwC - Enterprise-Grade Market Entry for Established Startups
PwC supports startups and established companies expanding into China and Asian markets through corporate structuring, entity setup, and regulatory advisory services. The firm combines tax and legal expertise with operational consulting to help organizations determine appropriate legal structures, navigate regulatory requirements, and coordinate entity setup across multiple markets.
PwC's global network of member firms enables coordinated support across jurisdictions, allowing startups to access local expertise while managing expansion strategies across Asian markets. Services address corporate structuring, regulatory filings, governance frameworks, and tax-efficient entity design.
Key Features:
- Corporate structuring and entity setup services help startups establish legal entities as part of international expansion with regulatory navigation and compliance coordination.
- Global network coordination provides access to local PwC member firms across Asian jurisdictions for consistent service delivery and regulatory alignment.
- Tax and legal integration combines international tax planning with legal structuring to optimize entity design and minimize compliance complexity.
- Market entry strategy support evaluates regulatory requirements, tax considerations, and operational structures needed to establish presence in new countries.
Considerations before going with PwC:
PwC operates through a network of independent member firms, meaning service delivery may involve coordination between multiple legal entities depending on jurisdiction. Services are delivered through customized consulting engagements with timelines and structures varying based on project complexity.
Custom Pricing:
PwC pricing is determined based on engagement scope, service complexity, and resources required. Fees vary by service type and engagement scale, with pricing structures defined through individual service agreements tailored to each client's needs.
4) EY - Multidisciplinary Advisory for Complex Market Entry
EY provides entity formation and regulatory compliance services for startups navigating complex international expansion. Through multidisciplinary teams combining legal, tax, and advisory professionals, EY helps organizations establish legal entities, structure operations, and address regulatory requirements across Asian jurisdictions.
The firm's global network enables coordinated services for startups requiring entity formation and operational support in multiple countries. EY assists with jurisdiction selection, corporate structure design, regulatory registration, and ongoing entity maintenance.
Key Features:
- Entity registration services support startups in establishing legal entities and operating structures with guidance on regulatory requirements and compliance obligations.
- Jurisdiction selection advisory helps evaluate regulatory frameworks, tax considerations, and operational requirements across markets to inform entity location decisions.
- Legal entity structuring combines legal advisory, tax expertise, and operational insights to develop entity structures that reduce complexity across international operations.
- Ongoing entity maintenance provides continued support for regulatory filings, corporate governance, and entity lifecycle management across jurisdictions.
Considerations before going with EY:
EY primarily delivers services through advisory and consulting engagements rather than standardized incorporation products. Service delivery involves customized client engagements with scope, timeline, and delivery models varying based on organizational complexity and regulatory environment.
Custom Pricing:
EY pricing is determined by engagement scope, complexity, and requirements. Services are delivered through customized professional engagements with pricing structures varying based on services provided and the scale of operational or strategic objectives.
5) Deloitte - Cross-Border Structuring for Multinational Growth
Deloitte provides entity setup advisory and corporate structuring services for organizations expanding into Asian markets. Through its global network of member firms, Deloitte combines global expertise with local regulatory knowledge to help startups navigate complex regulatory environments and implement growth strategies.
Services include entity setup advisory, legal and corporate structuring, regulatory registration support, and cross-border corporate structuring. Deloitte's Human Capital services also support workforce operations and payroll administration for companies establishing operations.
Key Features:
- Entity setup advisory supports startups during business expansion by navigating regulatory and business environments while implementing transformation strategies.
- Cross-border corporate structuring provides global expertise combined with local regulatory knowledge through collaboration across member firms in multiple jurisdictions.
- Accounting and payroll outsourcing helps manage financial administration and workforce compensation processes with compliance support for payroll regulations.
- Global mobility and immigration services support workforce mobility across international locations with immigration compliance and cross-border employment management.
Considerations before going with Deloitte:
Deloitte operates as a network of independent member firms, with services provided by member firms rather than DTTL directly. Service availability and scope may vary by jurisdiction, regulatory requirements, and capabilities of the specific member firm providing services.
Custom Pricing:
Deloitte pricing is determined by engagement scope, complexity, and duration. Fees vary based on service type, required expertise, and resources involved, with pricing structures defined through individual client agreements tailored to specific needs.
The Verdict: Which Service Should You Choose? (Our Top 3 Picks)
For startups entering China and Asian markets, the right incorporation partner depends on your budget, operational needs, and growth stage.
MSA Asia stands out for startups seeking affordable, transparent pricing with full operational support from incorporation through ongoing compliance. The fixed-price model and dedicated account management make it accessible for early-stage companies.
Remote People works well for startups that need to incorporate globally while simultaneously building international teams, offering recruitment and employment services integrated with entity formation.
PwC suits established startups with complex regulatory needs and budgets for enterprise-grade advisory, though pricing reflects the premium positioning typical of Big 4 firms.
