The business world is constantly expanding and developing at different rates in different parts of the world. To be sure, one could gain both a great insight and advantage from basing a business somewhere other than the United States. Beijing in particular offers many such opportunities for growth and would be great for an American living abroad.
Being an American operating on foreign soil, one will have to go through various channels of government beforehand. A good point to start at would be to visit some of the government sites talking about required forms for remaining in a foreign country for several years as well as tax rules and regulations. The US Government provides an overview of the US tax forms one would still have to file and pay even if one lived in Beijing.
One should also make sure to have all their papers in order before venturing outside of the United States. China has strict rules and regulations on entering and leaving the Country, and one should know that a valid passport and visa are required to enter and exit China. The visas given out by the Chinese government should be secured before traveling since attempt to enter China without both a valid visa and passport will result in a fine and immediate deportation at the traveler’s expense.
It is also important to remember that the visa’s limit your activities when in China. The Chinese government requires foreigners entering China to undertake only the activity for which their visas were issued. If you decide to partake in an activity not mentioned in your passport, you will need specific permission from the appropriate authorities. If you violate the terms of your Chinese visas, including overstays, you will be subject to a maximum fine of 5,000 RMB, departure delays, and possible detention.
One a more particular note, if one happens to be a dual citizen of both the US and China, one should try to travel as an American. The US will help either way if there is an issue however, “use of other than a U.S. passport to enter China can make it difficult for U.S. consular officers to assist dual-national U.S. citizens”. It is also critical to notice that in the case of a problem with the government China does not recognize dual citizenship, which could result in problems with remaining/leaving the country.
Once one has resolved any matters with legal entry and remaining in China, one should observe what the region has to offer in terms of medical treatment. China in general is, “are not equivalent to those in the United States.” While medical facilities are not on par with those of the United States, they do have “Medical facilities with international staffs” in major regions, in particular, Beijing.
Beyond entry and health, starting up a business in China has just as much if not more regulation to be concerned with. Those who are looking seriously to live in a foreign region for the sake of starting a new business or moving a business should do thorough research for up to date rules and laws within the People’s Republic of China. One good source for this would be the China business handbook.