As the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port advances, Sanya is working to optimize the local business ecosystem. On August 11, the city released a guide detailing registration requirements, financial entity setup, and overseas investment filing—providing clear pathways for capital positioning in the FTP.

A cruise ship docks at the Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Terminal. (Photo: Xinhua)

Investment Companies

General investment firms have no mandatory minimum registered capital. Companies with a  "Hainan" prefix in their names require a minimum capital of 1 million yuan (about $139,000).

Venture capital firms must maintain registered capital of ≥30 million yuan (about $4.17 million). If initial registered capital falls below this threshold it must be replenished according to the following guidelines:

·Minimum initial payment: 10 million yuan (about $1.39 million)

·Full capital must be replenished to 30 million yuan (about $4.17 million) within 5 years.

Registered company addresses must be physical offices accessible for regulatory inspections. Businesses may set operational scopes aligned with their strategies, with authorities recommending broad categorizations to allow future expansion.

Financial Investment Companies

All entities must complete initial registration via the “Hainan Commercial Subject Registration Platform”, or the “Hainan E-Registration Platform” (https://e-register.amr.hainan.gov.cn/icpsp-web-pc/portal.html#/index/page). Additional requirements apply based on funding sources:

·Private equity-funded firms are required to obtain recommendation letters from the Sanya Financial Development Bureau before platform submission.

·Internally-funded firms may proceed directly through standard registration on the above-mentioned platform without pre-approval.

Overseas Investment

Sanya-registered investment companies may conduct overseas investments upon completing Outbound Direct Investment (ODI) filings.

·Online processing:

Access the Hainan Government Service Portal (海南政务服务网), https://ucs-sso.digitalhainan.com.cn/login), search ODI Institution Filing (境外投资机构备案), review the requirements, and submit materials online.

·In person processing:

Submit complete application materials at Window 1-9, 3rd Floor, Sanya Government Service Center (352 Yingbin Road, Jiyang District, Sanya).