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Do I Need a License to Operate Online in China? A Guide for Foreign Companies

2026-04-22
China internet business licenses are a critical but often misunderstood requirement for foreign companies planning to operate websites, apps, or digital platforms in China. This guide explains which licenses apply to different online business models, what risks companies face if they get it wrong, and how recent policy changes are reshaping market access for foreign investors.
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China Briefing

Hiring in Hong Kong: Compliance Tips for Foreign Companies

04/21/2026

Hong Kong offers foreign companies access to a highly skilled, multilingual workforce and a business-friendly regulatory environment, making it a key gateway for regional expansion in Asia.

India Briefing

Ascentium Acquires Dezan Shira & Associates, Expanding its Footprint to 27 Markets and Strengthening Corporate Services Capabilities

04/21/2026

This expansion further enables Ascentium to serve clients on the Chinese mainland more effectively, especially foreign investors seeking to enter or scale in this dynamic market.

Vietnam Briefing

Understanding Vietnam’s Tax Withholding Framework for Foreign E-Commerce Platforms

04/22/2026

Vietnam has introduced new tax administration requirements for foreign e-commerce and digital platforms, mandating tax withholding, declaration, and payment obligations on behalf of individual sellers operating in the country.

Middle East Briefing

Türkiye IP Rights and Art Law: A Guide for Cross-Border Transactions

04/22/2026

Unlike the US, Türkiye grants strong, inalienable moral rights and a resale right (droit de suite) with tiered royalties. For artists, galleries, collectors, and legal advisors involved in cross‑border deals, understanding these rules is essential to avoid unexpected costs and legal disputes.

ASEAN Briefing

VAT on Cross-Border Digital and Service Transactions in Vietnam: What Foreign Businesses Must Get Right

04/21/2026

Foreign businesses entering Vietnam must treat VAT as a structural pricing constraint from the outset, as most cross-border digital and service transactions are subject to the standard VAT rate of 10 percent.

China Briefing

China’s Free Trade Zone Expands to 23 with Inner Mongolia Addition

04/21/2026

Approved on April 9, 2026, China’s Inner Mongolia Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) brings the country’s total number of FTZs to 23, completing the national FTZ map and positioning Inner Mongolia as a strategic gateway to Russia and Mongolia.

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ASEAN

VAT on Cross-Border Digital and Service Transactions in Vietnam: What Foreign Businesses Must Get Right

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Foreign businesses face VAT exposure from the first transaction in Vietnam. Explore key risks, pricing implications, and structuring considerations.

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China

China Briefing

Do I Need a License to Operate Online in China? A Guide for Foreign Companies

04/22/2026

Before launching a website, mobile app, or digital platform in China, foreign companies face one fundamental question: do they need a license? In most cases, the answer is yes—and often more than one.

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India

India Briefing

India-Romania Bilateral and Economic Ties: Trade Trends and Business Opportunities in 2026

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We examine how India and Romania are strengthening their economic partnership in 2026 through increased diplomatic engagement and evolving trade dynamics, with expanding cooperation across trade, technology, and skills mobility.

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Vietnam

Vietnam Briefing

Ascentium Vietnam Debuts as One of the Country’s Largest Corporate Services Platforms Following Dezan Shira Acquisition

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Ascentium, a leading global business services platform, has completed its acquisition of Asia-focused advisory firm Dezan Shira & Associates and is unifying its Vietnam operations with InCorp Vietnam, An Ascentium Company (“InCorp Vietnam”) under a single brand: Ascentium Vietnam.

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Middle East

Middle East Briefing

Türkiye IP Rights and Art Law: A Guide for Cross-Border Transactions

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Türkiye has a fast‑growing art market and a distinctive IP framework granting strong moral and a resale rights.

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Asia Briefing publishes articles, magazines, and guides on doing business in Asia.
It has been produced by Dezan Shira and Associates since 1999.

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