4 Ways to Register a Borrowed Business Address — Pros and Cons Analysis
Address borrowing is one of the first steps in launching a business. When a company needs to register for legal business operations but hasn’t yet found a suitable location or office, it first needs to “borrow” an address to serve as its business registration address.
So, what are the options for registering a business address?
The following chart shows the four most common registration methods. You can choose the most suitable option based on your needs:
| Address Borrowing Method | Registration Address | Advantages | Disadvantages / Risks |
| Own residence | Save office rent | Won’t miss important government documents | Land and house tax increase significantly; higher business electricity rates |
| Friend’s company | Save office rent; already a commercial address | Builds social pressure; no dedicated person to receive mail and packages | |
| Rental property | Rent and utilities can be tax-deductible; mail handling is convenient | Rent may increase; if the landlord doesn’t renew the lease, you’ll bear relocation costs | |
| Business center | Complete facilities: reception, meeting rooms, office equipment, tea & snacks, professional secretaries; address registration service + virtual office; registration fee deductible from business tax | x |
0 Risk for Address Registration
Best Choice — Business Centers
Although there are various options for business registration addresses, why is registering your address through a business center considered zero risk?
1. It’s simple: business centers are legally approved for commercial registration and have professional staff to assist with startup guidance. As long as you choose a proper location and honestly register with the National Taxation Bureau, there’s nothing to worry about.
2. A business center’s professional facade and golden address can enhance your company’s image. Their complete public facilities and professional secretary team also become strong support—making client reception easy and saving you time and energy.
3. Business centers offer more than just address registration and mail/package handling. Virtual office services can round out your operations—services include discounted meeting room rental, temporary coworking desks, and professional secretarial support.
Related reading: What are the advantages of a virtual office?
Address Registration in 5 Minutes
Business Center Registration Process & Required Documents
- At Hanse, you can complete the registration process entirely online:
1. Understand and evaluate customer needs online / visit the site for a detailed plan
2. Fill in the basic information form
3. Lease agreement is sent
4. Business center provides necessary documents
5. Customer submits application to the government office
- Documents provided by Hanse:
1.Landlord consent form
2.Contract between Hanse and landlord
3.Supplementary property tax documents
4.Landlord’s property tax statement
5.Floor plan of the registered address
6.Contract between Hanse and your company
- Required Documents for Borrowed Address Registration：
1.Company name pre-check form
2.Company seals (official and financial chops)
3.Copy of ID of the responsible person
4.Company registration form
Related reading: Complete Guide to Starting a Company
FAQ on Address Registration
Q: Is there any risk in address borrowing for registration?
A: Borrowing an address for registration is not illegal. As long as you choose a legitimate method and register truthfully with the National Taxation Bureau, there’s no legal concern.
Q: Who is suitable for registering at a business center?
A:
A. Companies setting up cross-national or cross-county branches
B. First-time entrepreneurs looking to save money
C. Freelancers or side hustlers
D. Online sellers or e-commerce businesses
Q: Which industries are not suitable for business center registration?
A:
- Construction industry
- Export tax refunds
- High input tax credits
- Applications for exemption from issuing uniform invoices
Related reading: Understand Business Centers in 3 Minutes
延伸閱讀：3分鐘了解商務中心
